2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP Proves its Worth on Ignition

Home  >  WOT  >  2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP Proves its Worth on Ignition One may experience sticker shock upon learning the 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP costs $40,000, but on this week's Ignition, host Carlos Lago determines whether that's a fair asking price for the hot hatch. We're lucky to have even gotten our hands on one, considering there are 2000 GPs worldwide, and only 500 slated for the U.S. Although there may not be very many in the U.S., you'll recognize itknow when you see one. The GP has unique styling characteristics and GP badging everywhere, but Lago hopes that's not all you're paying for. To get an idea of how the GP is different from his stablemates, he compares it against the long-term Cooper S Coupe he's put 18,000 miles on. While Lago likes the Coupe S, he can see why the GP is more exclusive. Around the figure-eight, it turned more aggressively and had a good amount of grip thanks to sticky tires, resulting in much quicker lap time over the Coupe S. Because of its lighter weight and aggressive chassis, the GP is the second fastest front-drive car we've ever tested next to the Scirocco R. With a 218-hp 1.6-liter turbo-four underneath the hood, it takes only 5.9 seconds to go from 0-60, and only 109 ft to stop from that thanks to larger brakes. Cutting through the canyons, Lago finds there isn't much torque steer, giving drivers the confidence they needs in maintaining high speeds through corners. And although the ride is stiff, it's not unbearable. Mini could've easily charged a premium for the GP because it looks cool, but the hot hatch actually been transformed into a real driver's car. It's been equipped with new inverted dampers, bigger brakes and stickier tires, but does Lago think the upgrades are worth it? Find out by watching the video below!