MINI JCW GP Hatch• Quickest factory-built MINI ever
• Fully-adjustable racing suspension
• Limited run of 2,000 cars

The new MINI John Cooper Works GP will be the fastest ever factory-built MINI Hatch when it goes on sale in limited numbers this summer.

Just 2,000 will be sold, with MINI-obsessed collectors the most likely customers. Taking its inspiration from motor sport, it has been honed at the infamous Nurburgring and has set a best lap time of 8 min 32 sec.

To put that into perspective, it’s a significant 19 seconds quicker than the 2006 MINI John Cooper Works GP, which itself had an impressive 215bhp.

The official power output for the new GP hasn’t been announced, but a figure just below 250bhp is likely. Like its predecessor, the rear seats have been removed to save weight.

Over and above these changes, most of its extra on-track pace will have come from its fully adjustable motorsport-derived suspension and Kuhmo tyres developed specifically for the car. This will allow drivers to make the GP ultra-stiff for track day driving, and a little more compliant for road use.

It also features bespoke front and rear bodywork, side skirts, rear diffuser and a large spoiler to balance its aerodynamics at speed – no mean feat for a short hatchback.

Unveiled at the MINI United festival at Le Castellet, France, we expect the GP to cost between £25,000 and £30,000, depending on options.

By Andy Goodwin, senior road tester

Check out our video review of another hot MINI, the Coupe: