Sneak preview of Mini Cooper S GP

31 October 2005

Mini has given a sneak preview of its new lightweight Cooper S GP, which will arrive next year with an estimated price tag of £22,000.

The company is keen to stress that the GP is very much still in development, but the car's weight will drop by 40kg while engine power will rise by up to 10bhp to 220bhp. This, combined with improved aerodynamics, gives it a top speed of 149mph.

The new car was on display at the Mini United festival in Italy last weekend, allowing current owners the first opportunity to register their interest in the extremely limited edition.

Only 2000 of the stripped-out cars will be made, with just 200 coming to the UK. Dealers are accepting deposits now, with the first cars being delivered in July. All cars will be finished in dark silver and are individually numbered.

In order to achieve its lower weight, the Cooper S GP features large, lighter wheels, aluminium suspension components and has lost its rear windscreen wiper. The rear seats have also been removed. The interior gets leather-clad racing seats, new dials and trim. All UK cars will come with air-conditioning, electronic stability control and a limited-slip differential for better traction.

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