Mini previews 2020 John Cooper Works GP, set a new record at Nurburgring

ABU DHABI: 2020 Mini John Cooper Works GP has been previewed yet again with some new images of its camouflaged prototype version. In the images, one can identify that the prototype version is at Nurburgring. The manufacturer has said that the new hatchback’s production will be limited to 3000 units only.

The new car’s prototype version has set a new record lap time of under the eight-minute, beating its previous-generation JCW GP’s lap time of 8 minutes 23 seconds. It means the new hatch is going to have a lap time of at least 23 seconds faster.

2020 Mini John Cooper Works GP was first showcased at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. It comes with a deeper front bumper having the wider fenders. It also gets a lot of carbon fibres and a roof-mounted wing.

The hatch is likely to have a four-cylinder turbo mill that can deliver maximum power of more than 300 PS. The engine gets a codename of B48. It is expected to feature  BMW X2 M35i and upcoming M135i’s 2.0-litre turbo engine, which pumps out a maximum power of 306 PS.

The upcoming hatch will get the all-wheel-drive for the first time. This further increases the acceleration and corner-carving ability due to the extra grip. After that, 2020 Mini John Cooper Works GP comes with lightweight alloy wheels along with air intakes. It is likely to get an eight-speed Steptronic sports gearbox that sends the power to all wheels. The car may have a manual mode and Paddle shifters.