First Look at the New 2020 MINI JCW GP3

The limited production John Cooper Works GP is MINI’s most exclusive road car. Inspired by MINI’s motor racing heritage, it's small, very fast and extremely desirable.

As part of the GP series, it aims to demonstrate just how far the marque can stretch its motorsports credentials without losing touch with its uniquely MINI personality.

The original MINI John Cooper Works GP1 was hailed as a modern classic, with just 2,000 models built, of which every single one was sold before the release date. Launched in 2006, it was a completely different animal from the standard MINI Cooper S.

MINI GP1

It boasted alloy wheels, designed both to be lighter and to allow extra air in to cool the brakes. It had lost 50 Kg in weight, while strut braces strengthened the chassis and its horsepower was raised to a mighty 218. The ground-breaking GP1 handled superbly and defined just how spectacular a MINI could be.

Its successor, the MINI JCW GP2, was officially launched in 2012. The new model had excellent suspension and all kinds of bespoke modifications, blending confidently together to ensure an unmatchable driving experience.

MINI GP2

The JCW GP2 revelled in aluminium cylinder block and bearing mounts, lightweight crankshafts, sodium-filled exhaust valves, semi slick tyres, six pot caliper Brembo brakes, bracing where the back seats used to be, upgraded electronic driving and traction systems. It turned MINI driving into a new, unprecedented racing sensation.

And now – fanfare – we are about to witness the arrival of the MINI John Cooper Works GP3. As Shakespeare put it in A Midsummer Night's Dream, 'though she be but little, she is fierce', And how!

A mere 3,000 of these eagerly anticipated 2020 MINI JCW GP3 will be produced in Oxford, with just 575 of these destined for the UK market.

MINI GP3 2020

Priced from £34,995, and with the ability to reach 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds, the GP3 will radiate confidence from every pore, clad in Racing Grey and accessorised by Melting Silver contrast roof and mirror caps.

Sharp edges and lines emphasise its precision, while striking design accents like the wider track, large front apron, side skirts, lower than standard suspension and emphatic roof spoiler help to make a formidable statement. And the most eye-catching feature of all has to be its ultra-modern rectangular wheel arches, made from recycled carbon fibre.

Custom dampers, stabilisers and springs have been finely tuned for next-level handling, while the GP3's race car stance is designed for optimum performance.

Inside, there are just two seats. Getting rid of those rear seats, plus the modified acoustic insulation, has contributed to a slimline 1255kg kerb weight – 85kg less than the normal JCW – making this iteration of the MINI lighter, feistier and even more exciting to drive.

New 3D-printed honeycomb metal shift paddles feature and 3D printing has also been used for the passenger dashboard panel, where the car’s build number is displayed.