10 REASONS WHY SA-BOUND 2013 MINI GP ROCKS!

MINI GP, the fastest production MINI ever built. Strange enough, it’s not the most powerful. That crown still belongs to its predecessor, which packed a mean 165kW on the chin using a 1.6-litre supercharged engine. The new version, limited to a global 2 000 units, goes on sale soon after officially debuting at the 2012 Paris Motor Show later this month.

Several changes have made this the most special of them all MINIs. One, the rear seat has been removed, and its place, nothing but a red crossbar which helps with handling. Two, the car weighs some 1 160kg, making it quite light. Three, special 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/40 R17 sports tyres are standard on the car. Four, it features six-piston fixed-calliper disc brakes, vented at the front, for that extra braking confidence.

Five, “the rear diffuser, together with the underside panelling and the roof-edge spoiler, reduce lift forces at the rear axle by 90%, for impeccable handling control even under high-speed cornering and when driving at or near the limit,” according to MINI.

Six, several aerodynamic pieces are to be found here, including large front and rear aprons, striking side sills and model-specific roof spoiler. Seven, the interior is laden with piano black surfaces, an anthracite-looking roof liner, thick-rimmed steering wheel, and Recaro sports seats with “GP” stitching. Eight, the ride height has been lowered by some 20mm, which makes the car almost kiss the ground it walks on. Nine, standard items include xenon headlights in black shells, foglamps, sun protection glazing, air conditioning, DSC with special GP mode, and a Sport button.

Last but not least is the powertrain. Same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine we see in other MINI, BMW, Citroen and Peugeot products, but with a little more swag. In this application is pushes out 160kW at 6000rpm, and top torque of 260Nm from 2000rpm, with an overboost function that adds 20Nm for overtaking. With this engine in tow, plus a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 2013 MINI GP is said to be able to accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in 6.3 seconds, topping out at 242km/h. It is said to average 7.1 litres per 100km in fuel consumption, with a 165 g/km C02 emissions figure.

BMW South Africa has confirmed the 2013 MINI GP is headed this way, but in very limited numbers. The last version was sold here in 2006 and only 29 units were made available. We don’t know how many will come through this time.