MINI GP model runs 'Ring around rivals

Hot-shoe model expected to come to Australia in very limited numbers — and not for a while
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MINI has formally announced today its GP edition that we reported was on the way less than two weeks ago .

Officially named MINI John Cooper Works GP, the new car has already been timed around the Nordschleife at the Nurburgring in eight minutes and 23 seconds. It achieves that time by virtue of its adjustable race suspension, aerodynamic aids and "race-spec braking system". The GP edition's time around the infamous Nordschleife is fully 19 seconds better than the previous best for a MINI.

Just 2000 units will be built for global consumption, but at least a handful will come to Australia, according to Scott Croaker, MINI's Product Communications Manager here.

"In relation to the GP," he told motoring.com.au this morning, "we have put our hand up for allocation. It is pretty early on, we don't know how many we're going to get, but it will be very limited numbers.

"Given that there are 2000 for the world, I dare say they'll apportion it to sales volume."

The GP edition won't be a bargain-basement model, so even assuming prospective buyers get in first, they'll need to do some saving in the meantime. Fortunately the GP edition is still some way off from local launch, says Croaker.

"We're expecting for [our] allocation not til the very start of next year, in terms of arrival."

Croaker also advises that with the GP edition still at least six months away, pricing is yet to be discussed within the halls of BMW Australia.

"It would be a premium on what you pay for the standard JCW, but... until we get confirmation of allocation, then we build our spec list and then we look at pricing... it's a little bit early."

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