Development of a successor to MINI’s 2006 limited-build JCW GP appears near complete, with these thinly disguised prototypes spotted recently near the Nürburgring.
Caught undergoing testing near the Nürburgring, the prototype has an aerodynamic body kit with new bumpers, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a prominent rear diffuser. The model could also be equipped with a carbon fibre roof and carbon fibre mirror casings.
Engine specifications remain a mystery, but previous reports have suggested the car will use a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder with approximately 164 kW. Regardless of the final details, the production model will be unveiled in May at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
Meanwhile, some reports suggest that MINI may be preparing a range of GP models, and using the moniker as somewhat of an equivalent to parent company BMW’s ‘M’ brand. These reports are supported by the appearance of a prototype MINI Coupe wearing GP-style wheels in the background of the featured shots showing the Cooper GP prototype entering BMW’s Nürburg test centre.
