If you’re a hardcore hot hatch enthusiast, the 2021 Mini John Cooper Works GP may be right up your alley. After seven years, the hottest Mini nameplate has returned as a 2021 model, complete with tons of go-faster bits and the most power we’ve seen out of a stock Mini so far. In this video, Nik Miles takes a closer look at Mini’s most true to form go kart that managed a lap time around the Nurburgring in under eight minutes.
Under the hood of the 2021 Mini JCW GP is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Nothing remarkable on its face, except that it churns out a whopping 301 horsepower to the front wheels. Consider too that the GP weighs just a touch over 2,800 pounds, and that’s the recipe for something of a road-going rocket.
The 2021 Mini JCW GP aims to deliver that pure hot hatch experience with more than just power. 18-inch wheels come as standard fare, while Mini decided to use 225/35 R18 Hankook summer tires for grip. While you do get a modern infotainment system and two front sport seats, you don’t get the rear seats as a standard Mini. What’s more, the car uses a half roll cage, as well as a Torsen limited-slip front differential.
Now, the down side of springing for the hottest Mini JCW GP is price. At $45,750, it’s sitting above the all-wheel drive Golf R. It’s also way out in front of the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai Veloster N — both of which equal or nearly match the Mini for power.
Check out the video above to see how the Mini JCW GP performs on the track, and stay tuned to TFLcar for more news, views and real-world reviews. We have more coverage on the GP in our video below:
