The new Mini John Cooper Works GP has officially touched down in South Africa, with just 38 units (out of the 3 000-strong global run) set aside for the local market.

How much will one cost you? Well, the JCW GP is listed at R809 488, which makes it the most expensive model in Mini SA’s line-up, slotting in just above the R799 000 JCW Countryman. However, Mini SA says each one of the 38 units has already been sold.

Still, the JCW GP is rather a special thing, billed as the fastest model the British brand has ever approved for road use.

The angry little hot hatch draws its urge from the BMW Group’s 225 kW/450 N.m version of the turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (yes, as used in the M135i xDrive), which accelerates the two-seater model from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 5,2 seconds and on to a top speed of 265 km/h.

Drive is directed to the front wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission (there’s no manual version on the cards) with an integrated mechanical differential lock. The JCW GP furthermore gains model-specific oil supply and cooling solutions, a new sports exhaust system, further lowered suspension (some 10 mm closer to the ground than a standard JCW model) and a high-performance braking system.

You’ll be able to identify one out on the road thanks to the model-specific front and rear aprons, the double-wing roof spoiler (complete with "GP" logo), the dramatically flared carbon wheel arch covers and the 18-inch lightweight forged wheels wrapped in 225/35 R18 rubber. The only exterior paint colour on offer is “Racing Grey” metallic, with the roof and side-mirror caps finished in “Melting Silver” metallic.

Peer inside and you’ll see just two seats, each finished in a Dinamica/leather combination with silver edges, red accents, a “GP” badge and red seat belt straps.

 

Original article from Car