2nd Gen GP Motor Trend review of GPII

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by rum4, Feb 24, 2014.

  1. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
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    Haters going to hate I know. However he is right, it is definitely a fun car to drive. I don't have no clue about the Kuhmo tires being sticky never had them but it still sticks like crazy even with run rocks on it.

    [ame=http://youtu.be/79f_mqsKuwY]2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP: King of the Hot Hatches? - Ignition Ep. 103 - YouTube[/ame]
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Rick, No hating but I t should just be called what it is .....GP II. :p
     
  3. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
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    I agree.
     
  4. Z06_Pilot

    Z06_Pilot Well-Known Member
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    #4 Z06_Pilot, Feb 24, 2014
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2014
    This is very timely for me. First, obviously, this was shot around the intro of the GP2 as he says "only 500 in the US if you can get one".

    Recently I was going to buy either a GP2 or a 2013 R56 JCW. I searched the inventory of MANY, MANY dealers around the country and saw 35-40 GP2's listed in inventory, so there are plenty available right now.

    I actually drove 3 hours to drive a GP2 and JCW back to back on some twisty roads. They were letting the GP2 go for $35,500, and the JCW stickered for $35,600, and it was going for $34,000, so price was not an issue between the two for me.

    No question the GP2 would be a fantastic track car, BUT it was not light years better than the JCW, IMO, and that was with Dunlop run flats on the JCW. A set of Michelin PSS tires would bring it closer to the GP2. Lowered suspension settings on the GP2 I'm sure would make a difference in its favor as well, which I didn't modify on my test drive. Acceleration is slightly quicker in the GP2, but again, not a take-your-breath-away difference. Also, it was VERY cold(around 25 degrees), so the Kumhos on the GP2 never really had a chance to perform.

    In my case, I already have a track car. I wanted a DD that handles very well, and that I can add a few bits to in order to make it handle better, and was also civilized. I want a rear wiper, upgraded stereo, sunroof, multi-function steering wheel, back seat, rear speakers, etc., iPod integration, etc. in a car that I plan to drive every day.

    Also, I am really not crazy about all of the striping and decals on the GP2. A minimalist approach like they took with the original GP would have been more to my taste.

    That was my experience anyway....
     
  5. Dave.0

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    ^^^^ nice honest review! much appreciated. :Thumbsup:
     
  6. Spa2k

    Spa2k Well-Known Member

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    ^^^^^ And that's why I factory-ordered a JCW, instead of buying a GP2.
     
  7. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
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    I don't need a backseat. Not real crazy about the stickers and every time I see the ones that don't have them makes me think i need to remove mine. With the hearing issues I have a stereo is a stereo and the iPod works fine in the GP. Don't need no moon roof, had it on a truck and never used it. Had a clubman and did not use the rear wiper, so no loss there. Handles better than my clubman did so that's why I got the GP.
     

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