'MINI GP' at Geneva Motor Show

The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works (JCW) GP Kit will make its first
public viewing at the Geneva Motor Show. The fastest, most powerful production
MINI ever will reach 62mph in under 6.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of
146mph. The GP has a power output of 218bhp, a stunning 136bhp per litre, and a
maximum torque of 245Nm.

Only 2000 of this special production model will be built and 444 are bound for
the UK from July onwards. The guide price is £22,000 which includes £10,000
worth of additional equipment if specified on a standard MINI Cooper S. Almost
three-quarters of the UK allocation have already been ordered by MINI
enthusiasts six months ahead of launch.

In the interests of power to weight ratio, the car weighs approximately 40
kilos less than a standard MINI Cooper S. This has been achieved by
modifications to the chassis and engineering tweaks. The longitudinal control
arms on the rear axle are now made of aluminium and the sound-deadening
material has been taken out.

The entire rear seat bench has been removed. In its place is a very neat flat
loading area that can be folded up in a Z-arrangement for easy access to two
additional storage boxes.

Standard equipment includes: limited slip differential, Dynamic Stability
Control, Recaro sports seats in Panther Black leather, single CD,
air-conditioning and a multi-function steering wheel. The car also features JCW
sports brakes, JCW sports suspension and exclusive low-profile tyres and
18-inch light-alloy rims.

The special edition will only be available in exclusive metallic paintwork
called Thunder Blue combined with a Pure Silver roof and Chili Red door
mirrors.

A new aerodynamics package has been added that significantly improves the car's
drag coefficient and downforce on both front and rear axles, enhancing the
driving experience at high speeds. New highlights are the front and rear air
dams, the extra low side-sills, and the underfloor cover, as well as a
wing-shaped rear spoiler.

The 'MINI GP' will join the existing JCW range of aftermarket and production
option kits. The first engine tuning kit was launched in 2003 as an aftermarket
option, and over 10,000 have been sold worldwide since that date. From the end
of 2005, the kit became available as an Oxford production line fit and a new
aftermarket version was launched for the MINI Cooper S with automatic
transmission.

Ends