Automobiles Review

Tag: GP

  • 2013 MINI Cooper JCW GP – US Price $35,950

    MINI US has announced the price of the special edition JCW GP. The hot hatchback, which is able to lap the Nurburgring in just 8 minutes and 23 seconds is priced from $35,950.

    The new 2012 MINI John Cooper Works GP is powered by a BMW-sourced 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 215HP (160 kW) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. This is good for 6.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. In other words, the MINI JCW GP is insanely fast.

    The GP variant is a little more than $5000 more expensive than the regular JCW, but it comes with a nice fully-adjustable suspension and a significant weight reduction of 55 kg (121 lb). If you think that is not very much, check the curb weight of the car – 1235 kg (2722 lb). It is always hard to reduce the weight of a small car, because it doesn’t have too many components, which can be removed or lightened.

    The GP model also comes with a big brake system including huge 335 mm front brake discs, so the smallest wheels, which can be fitted, are 18”. Commenting wheels, we have to say that this car comes with special performance tires for maximum traction on the race track.

    Other highlight is the GP Racing mode for ESP allowing perfect handling and tire slip, when it is needed in order to be as fast as you want.

    The 2012 MINI John Cooper Works GP is not just a good car, it is a perfect toy for track days and everyday driving.

    MINI John Cooper Works GP Paris 2012
    MINI John Cooper Works GP Paris 2012

    Source: MINI

  • MINI John Cooper Works GP

    MINI-John-Cooper-Works-GP-thumbA GP designation on a MINI means that it has spawned from the depths of hell. Well, not really. It’s more like a job from John Cooper Works. The last time we saw a similar speed demon was in 2006 when a MINI Cooper S with a GP Kit by John Cooper Works (the performance subsidiary of MINI’s) with 136 hp-per-liter power ratio, lapped the Nurburgring in less than 8 min. 44 seconds. Today, we have a new one and the word is that it’s the fastest MINI ever built.

    Because it still is in its trial period, things are quite hush-hush about it. All we know is that it has already went round the Nurburgring setting a time of 8min. 23 seconds. In other words – an almost 19 second improvement over the old one. The main suspects for that blisteringly quick lap are the aerodynamics, the chassis and the powertrain. Without a doubt, more air has been squeezed from the MINI’s twin-scroll turbo charger. Indeed, the character of the latest GP is quite revealing – literally. Look at that roof spoiler and that unapologetic diffuser. How about the front apron with the red air intakes which look like blood quenched fangs? Mean and functional.

    We can only guess the size of the disc brakes and how many roll bars have been added, but at MINI, they assure us – the handling has been perfected to the tiniest detail. The tires have been made to outgrip even the harshest lateral forces and most probably the suspension is stiff as hell. (still a road legal car though).

    Sales will commence later this year with a limited run of only 2,000 units. Our guess is, they will sell quickly. A MINI Cooper GP by John Cooper Works is the definition of small-car, hardcore fun.

    MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works GP
    MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works GP
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT
    MINI John Cooper Works GT

    Source: MINI

  • Twingo Renaultsport 133 and Clio Renaultsport 200 Silverstone GP

    Renault has recently introduced the flagship 265PS Trophy version of Megane Renaultsport and it is time for the two smaller performance siblings – Twingo and Clio Renaultsport.

    The Silverstone GP limited editions have been already on sale – the prices are 14 995 and £19 995, respectively. However, only 50 units will be produced of each model.

    Both cars sit on lowered Cup Chassis with a striking combination of silver metallic paint and contrasting Deep Black details, 17” alloy wheels (Speedline on the Clio), roof and door mirrors.

    There are also tinted rear windows and Silverstone GP B-pillar badges inscribed with the new grand prix circuit map. The Twingo also benefits from a matching Deep Black rear spoiler and fog light surrounds.

    The pocket-rocket Twingo boasts an all-new Renaultsport full stainless steel exhaust system, providing a suitable throaty soundtrack to match its visual presence.

    The Twingo is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 133PS, while the Clio has naturally aspirated 2.0 liter 16 valves petrol with 200PS.

    Twingo Renaultsport 133 Silverstone GP and Clio Renaultsport 200 Silverstone GP Renault
    Twingo Renaultsport 133 Silverstone GP and Clio Renaultsport 200 Silverstone GP Renault
    Twingo Renaultsport 133 Silverstone GP
    Twingo Renaultsport 133 and Clio Renaultsport 200 Silverstone GP
    Twingo Renaultsport 133 and Clio Renaultsport 200 Silverstone GP
    Twingo Renaultsport 133 and Clio Renaultsport 200 Silverstone GP
    Twingo Renaultsport 133 Silverstone GP

    Source: Renault

  • 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Results

    Sebastian Vettel is the new F1 world champion. He has 1st crossed the finish line in Abu Dhabi and won 25 points, which ensured his top position for this season.

    Vettel had even more luck, when his opponent for the title – Fernando Alonso was stuck on 7th place and won just 6 points. The main reason was Vitaly Petrov in a Renault and after the finish Alonso let his emotions as he gesticulated angrily at Russian Petrov after the chequered flag.

    Mark Webber finished just 8th and in the championship 3rd. (more…)

  • 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix – Results

    Red Bull made it, they finally managed to secure their first place in constructors world championship, after this Sunday at Interlagos.

    “To do this after six seasons is great,” commented team boss Christian Horner on BBC.

    Mark Webber finished second in Brazil and he is 8 points behind Fernando Alonso. Remember, that there is only one race to go – Abu Dhabi finale.

    Sebastian Vettel stole the first position and now he is 15 points behind the leader and Lewis Hamilton finished in 4th place, so he is 24 points behind. (more…)

  • 2010 Korean Grand Prix – results and comments

    The Korean Grand Prix was extremely interesting. The leader Mark Webber lost his 14-point lead with a crash on the wet track and his Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel failed, too. He had a major problem with the engine of the Renault.

    “Totally my mistake,” commented Mark Webber after his crash, which also took out Nico Rosberg.

    The new championship leader is Fernando Alonso, who went 11 points ahead of Webber with two races to go.

    The third in the championship is Lewis Hamilton, who has finished second in Korea. He is 21 points behind. (more…)

  • 2010 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix – Results

    Sebastian Vettel won in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. His teammate – Mark Webber finished second and third is Fernando Alonso.

    “The last two races were a little bit difficult for us but we came here with quite some confidence,” commented Sebastian.

    “This track is kind of made for us.”, he added.

    The weekend was very bad for Lewis Hamilton, who finished in 5th position. He had more problems with the gearbox, which caused him bad performance. (more…)

  • 2010 Singapore Grand Prix – “… and the winner is Fernando Alonso”

    Fernando Alonso won Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday night. His teammate – Sebastian Vettel went on second place and third is Mark Webber, who extended his lead to 11 points.

    Mark Webber’s closest challenger is now Fernando Alonso, who has won the last two races from pole position.

    Hamilton’s MP4-25 came off worse, and he came close to writing off his title chances after retiring at mid-distance. “Let’s just hope myself or Jenson can do it,” said the 2008 world champion, who remains five points ahead of teammate Jenson Button’s sister car. ” (more…)