What are the differences in the GP vs the R53? Obviously it has the GP intercooler. Limited number built. It it outfitted otherwise like a JCW?
Last of the first gen. JCW. Has the back seat delete. Just one special paint scheme with red mirrors. Limited number produced 2000 units (it's on the roof and dash). Quickest MINI 218 Hp (at that time). I may be wrong on this but I'm thinking they were hand assembled by an outside company (Beritone maybe???). A truly functioning airfoil wing. Enhanced braking. Last of the supercharged MINI's. No rear wiper, special boot glass. The MINI that gave you the biggest smile (at that time).
It's a GP. It's also about 150 pounds lighter, has under paneling to reduce drag, is faster, does not have automatic climate control, 18" custom wheels, no sunroof, has better sounding exhaust than a stock MCS, is faster, comes with special stickers and badges, is more nimble and responsive, is faster, has less road noise (oddly enough). Ummmm, and generally kicks @$$. I <3 my GP, and yes MM more pics are coming.
Other differences between the GP and the JCW is that the GP also has aluminum rear trailing arms (ones that are stock on R56), different ECU tune, and different wheel alignment.
From MotoringFile: Sept 5,2006: "As MotoringFile exclusively reported (a couple of times over the last few months) MINI of Canada was unable to offer the JCW GP due to seemingly not wanting to spend the money on re-certifying the car to meet Canada’s low-speed crash regulations. The answer? A package chock-full of all the latest JCW accessories and go-fast parts offered on top of the standard MCS. Enter the JCW Competition Package." More info on GP's here: http://gpmini.net/wp/introduction/
I know you love your car and all but you might want to check those wheels again . If they are stock GP they are 18's . Randy •Assembled in Bertone, Italy from a “body-in-white” kit manufactured at the MINI plant in Oxford, England •The most powerful first generation production engine, with John Cooper Works upgrade, further boosted to approx 215hp / 180ftlb torque •Weight savings of almost 100lb by removing the rear seat and substituting aluminum rear control arms •Unique “Thunder Blue” body color, with silver roof and contrasting red mirror caps •Unique aero kit, including carbon fiber rear “wing” spoiler and underbody panelling for improved aerodynamics •Unique 18″ lightweight wheels•Unique “anthracite” speedometer & rev counter dials
Correct me if I am wrong but the extra power is in the tune correct? Not any changes to the JCW engine?
Correct. The only engine related differences in the GP compared to the JCW is the GP has a larger intercooler and different ECU tune.
As of last week, there were 8 GPs for sale (plus one track car). 4 of them sold over the past weekend, priced between $18-$22k. The ones which are still unsold are priced mid-to-upper $20s.
I have been pondering the idea of putting my GP up for sale i just don't know if i am ready to let go.
I'm a proud new owner of GP0491 - one of the 8 that were on the market recently. My first MINI and I'm pretty excited. Scottyy, what are the details on your GP you are considering selling?
Congrats and welcome to the GP Owners Club! Like you the GP was my first MINI and I can honestly say that I have been spoiled. I have had the opprotunity to drive a few other MINIs, nothing against them but there is just no comparison. If you get the chance checkout GPMINI.net » Introduction and GPUK Owners Club and register your roof number.
Yep... IMHO, the 2006 MCS is the best one out there in terms of raw feeling and emotional driving. The JCW package is a great way to add extra power in a very well rounded and balanced package. Of course, you can go the aftermarket way that I did to get to the same power, but for a conservative, thoughful and holistic package, it's hard to do better than a JCW or, for 2006, the king of the JCW MCS, the GP. I had wished for a bit more from the GP... more power, more noise, more extreme (if you are going to remove the rear seats, why not make that rear brace functional for more than stopping grocery bags from sliding around). It's a beautiful car, but just not differentiated enough from the MCS or JCW MCS, IMHO, to warrant the price and most of the hype around the name.