John Cooper Works

2013 Factory John Cooper Works GP

Commonly referred to as the GP2, the 2013 John Cooper Works GP is a limited-edition, track-oriented version of the regular John Cooper Works hatchback based loosely on the JCW Challenge race car. Production was limited to 2000 units worldwide. The GP2 has a 218-hp (214 for US models) turbo-charged 1.6 L direct-injected four cylinder engine, giving it a 0–60 mph time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph. The engine is essentially identical to the N18 used in other 2013 John Cooper Works models, with a slight increase in compression accounting for the modest power gain. In keeping with its uncompromising roots, a 6-speed manual gearbox was the only transmission offered. The GP2 also features exclusive 17-inch wheels, high-performance tires designed in a special partnership with Kumho, adjustable coil over suspension with revised geometry unique to the GP, 6-piston Brembo front calipers borrowed from the BMW 135i, a full valance tray and functional rear diffuser, a hatch-mounted spoiler with carbon fiber element, red mirror caps, brake ducts, signature badging, a pair of special-edition Recaro sport seats (complete with side-impact airbags), and deletion of the rear seats to save weight. The stability control suite features an additional "GP mode" exclusive to this model which permits a greater degree of wheel-slip while retaining function of the brake-based electronic limited-slip differential. The 500 examples sold in the US originally retailed for $39,950 and were available in only one configuration.

Notable racing history:

MINI has confirmed it lapped the Nürburgring-Nordschleife track in 8 minutes and 23 seconds - an improvement over the previous GP model by 19 seconds.

John Hume Sr won the 2014 Targa Newfoundland Grand Touring division in a GP2, and again in 2017.

2015 Factory John Cooper Works

MotorPress.ca reviewed the F56 JCW and gave it a rating of 8.3 out of 10, praising its driving characteristics and mighty engine. The JCW is a powerhouse.

In mid-2008, Mini brought out a new addition to the JCW family - the Mini John Cooper Works. This is in fact not another power kit, but a whole new version of the R56 Mini Hatch, model code MF91 (MM91 in the Clubman version). This new version comes with major differences from the factory, compared to the 192 bhp (143 kW) power kit that can be supplied through the dealer network:

Maximum power of 155 kW (208 bhp) at 6000 rpm, and 260 Nm of torque (280 with overboost). This is achieved by means of a new, uprated turbocharger, larger-bore exhaust and a sportier ECU map. 0–100 km/h time is down to 6.3 seconds (6.6 in the case of the Clubman). Fuel consumption and emissions are also up, however, compared to the 192 bhp (143 kW) kit which has no change compared to the standard 175 bhp (130 kW) Cooper S.

Electronic limited-slip differential (EDLC - Electronic Differential Lock Control). This is infinitely variable between 0% and 50%, as opposed to the permanent 30% of the optional LSD fitted to the R56 MINI Cooper S.

DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) as fitted as standard on all current BMW models. The John Cooper Works is the first variant of the Mini to come with DTC which, to date, is not available even as an option on other variants. The main difference between DTC and the existent DSC is the ability to "remap" the parameters for the traction and stability control systems, to allow a sportier drive while still employing these systems at the last minute, without fully deactivating them.