Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hagerty predicts this year's future classics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/#commentsFiled under:



Hagerty Insurance, which specializes in covering cars already deemed classics, is out with its annual Hot List predicting this year's ten cars that will be future collectibles. Even though it stays under $100,000, it spans almost $74,000 in MSRPs starting with the $23,700 Ford Focus ST on the affordable end and peaking with the $97,395 SRT Viper.

Other notables include the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 427, what with 2013 being both the 60th anniversary of the brand and the last year of the C6, the 505-horsepower 427 special edition being a send-off to the sports car that always does well in the last model year of a particular generation. The Tesla Model S collects yet another award for delivering a welcome and overdue shock to the electric-car game and is the only sedan to make the list, and the Subaru BRZ also adds to its trophy chest, the lightweight coupe doing so much with so little that it might be worth a packet after Father Time has waved his staff a few times.

You can check out the rest of Hagerty's picks in the press release below.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiBRZCamarocamaro ZL1Caymancayman SChevroletclassicscollectiblesCorvettecorvette 427Focus STFordGTihagertyhagerty hot listhagerty insuranceJohn Cooper Works GPMiniModel SPorscheRS5SRTSubaruTeslaViperVolkswagenThu, 31 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444538/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/20444538/article-detail.xml 20444538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hagertyhotlist_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hagertyhotlist.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mini John Cooper Works GP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-gp/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-gp/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-gp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



About three weeks prior to this brief yet balls-to-the-wall drive on the Spanish island of Mallorca, I saw that Mini USA announced pricing for the keenly anticipated Mini John Copper Works GP. And that number would be - *a-hem* - $39,950 for starters.

I am always intent upon finding the pinnacle of what a certain car promises me, and almost at any cost. Almost. When I think "steaming hatchback," I think of something exactly like this Mini GP, and the steep price doesn't squelch my pleasure. They're only building 2,000 of them anyway, and the units coming to the US will start arriving in owners' hands on March 16 of next year. These buyers will be extremely happy and remorse-free.

Five scorched laps at the very Mini-perfect Circuito Mallorca RennArena showed me all.

Driving Notes
  • To me, the previous Mini JCW GP edition (the one I'm driving here is referred to by the development team as the "Mk II") came off as one of those well-meant but less-than-satisfying brand exercises - too soft and not separated enough from the stock JCW hatch.
  • The 211 horsepower from the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder are just three horses better than the $30,800 standard Mini John Cooper Works, and the 207 pound-feet of overboost torque between 2,000 and 5,100 rpm remains the same.
  • The claimed 165 pounds shaved off, adjustable coil-over competition-grade dampers, 17-inch high performance (and not run-flat) Kumho Ecsta tires on lighter dedicated alloys, sturdy cross-brace where the rear seats used to be, sport brake system and GP aero pieces all have their desired effect on the hottest Mini two-door.
  • Acceleration is now estimated at 6.3 seconds to 62 mph (i.e. 100 kmh) and top speed is let out to 150 mph.
  • I talked in the pit area prior to my laps with Mini GP head of development Jörg Weidinger and asked him point blank if this GP was a soft porker like the first one. He assured me that, no, this one was the real deal. He says the adjustable suspension is extraordinary on this edition and both wheel camber and toe-in front and rear have been radically adjusted to improve turn-in response and straight-line thrust.
  • Latched in to the GP's cabin, I felt right at home and eagerly awaited my laps. Mini chose to have the laps policed by one of their champion Mini Challenge drivers from Germany in his own Challenge car, and it was just me and Racer Boy out there.
  • I obediently performed Lap One at about eight-tenths and did the responsible display to one and all that safety comes first and I was not out there to race. I was already reminded again why I love this six-speed Getrag manual shifter so damned much.
  • Laps Two through Four turned into a downright Mini Challenge race weekend. The boy in front of me was good and I was sure he wasn't giving it his absolute all, but we were certifiably rocketing along. In some ways, I can see that dynamically the GP street car is better than even the Challenge car. This setup is killer.
  • Each time we passed the main straight and headed into two speed-shaving hairpins that fed us into a fantastic long and drawn-out descending right-hander at full throttle, nothing I felt made me think Mini could have done better than this.
  • All of the chassis notes engineer Weidinger shared with me in the pits came true under pressure: There is a near total lack of understeer, and the hook-up and Velcro-like adherence of the Kumho tires is incredibly liberating. Losing the run-flats makes a huge difference.
  • Heel-and-toeing is the order of the day and Mini knows about pedal placement. The coil-overs, too, are remarkable. I was cutting apexes immediately and with greater gusto on each successive lap. Coming down off the apex and back onto tarmac caused no jitter, no slide, and I didn't need to let up at all.
  • The braking sections was where I got severe sphincter-pucker behind my German pal in the Challenge car, but the damned things kept on successfully reeling in all my straight-line enthusiasm.
  • It's always difficult for me to tell whether or not all the aero dolling-up is actually helping me with downforce into curves or with neutral resistance on the straights. Some of the treatment seems a bit cosmetic.
My conclusion after this brief spin? We finally have a proper Mini GP car, kids. All of the tweaks do a soon-to-be-famous Mini make. It's no longer just a mild brand exercise.

2014 Mini John Cooper Works GP originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mini john cooper works gpcooperfeaturedjohn cooper works gpminiquick spinquickspinFri, 16 Nov 2012 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20381367/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-gp/20381367/article-detail.xml 20381367 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/13-2014-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-quick-spin-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/13-2014-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-quick-spin-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini JCW GP to be hatchback only, no 'Ring record attempt in sight]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/mini-jcw-gp-to-be-hatchback-only-no-ring-record-attempt-in-sig/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/mini-jcw-gp-to-be-hatchback-only-no-ring-record-attempt-in-sig/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/mini-jcw-gp-to-be-hatchback-only-no-ring-record-attempt-in-sig/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP is dropping weight and lowering its lap times, but one thing it won't be losing is its flat roof. Like the original JCW GP package, Evo says that despite the fact that sportier Mini Coupes have been caught testing, the new GP will only be offered in the three-door Cooper hatchback body style. And that's perfectly fine with us.

Evo spoke with GP development chief Jorg Weidinger who said that as a part of the car's history, "It was a hatch, it is a hatch and it should stay a hatch." Weidinger also said that Mini is not planning to set any Nürburgring records with the new JCW GP even though earlier reports indicate that the car is a full 20 seconds faster around the 'Ring than its 2006 predecessor.

The new Mini John Cooper Works GP weighs 121 pounds less than the John Cooper Works Hardtop, offers a fully adjustable coil-over suspension and it will have a starting price of $39,950, (including $700 for destination) when it goes on sale later this year.

Mini JCW GP to be hatchback only, no 'Ring record attempt in sight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP - front three-quarter view

Get your wallets ready, folks. The 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP arrives this fall, and we've now learned that the cost of entry for the potent little hatchback is $39,950, (*) including $700 for destination.

Aside from an adorably tough appearance, that just-under-$40,000 price tag gets you a whole host of performance goodies, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 218 horsepower and as much as 207 pound-feet of torque. No, that isn't any more oomph than what you get in the standard JCW Hardtop, but there's a whole lot more to the GP kit. For starters, there's a fully adjustable coilover suspension, not to mention a reduction in overall weight - at 2,558 pounds, the GP is 121 pounds lighter than a normal John Cooper Works Hardtop.

A Mini spokesperson confirmed to Autoblog that the JCW GP can only be purchased one way, and will be offered as an option package on the standard John Cooper Works Hardtop. Its starting price represents a $5,150 increase over a standard JCW model, and is the most expensive model in the Mini range (the next being the $35,550 John Cooper Works Countryman).

Scroll down for a full look at pricing for the 2013 model year Mini lineup.

Continue reading 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP will start at $39,950*

2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP will start at $39,950* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mini john cooper works gpcoopergp kitjcwjohn cooper worksjohn cooper works gpminiThu, 25 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20359386/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-will-start-at-39-950/20359386/article-detail.xml 20359386 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-2013-mini-jcw-gp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-2013-mini-jcw-gp.jpg <![CDATA[Mini releases official John Cooper Works GP details]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/mini-releases-official-john-cooper-works-gp-details/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/mini-releases-official-john-cooper-works-gp-details/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/mini-releases-official-john-cooper-works-gp-details/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Our hot hatch dreams have come true. Mini will officially unveil the 2013 John Cooper Works GP hardtop at the 2012 Paris Motor Show later this month, and the automaker has released the official specs - as well as a brace of new images - revealing that earlier speculation was indeed fact.

So, let's get to the good stuff. Engine: turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four with 218 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, as well as an overboost function that's able to churn out 207 lb-ft of twist for brief moments. Suspension: fully adjustable coilover setup that allows the car to be lowered up to 20 millimeters and features increased front camber to better keep the high-performance sport tires stuck the ground. Weight: 2,558 pounds. 0-62 miles per hour: 6.3 seconds.

Other enhancements for the JCW GP include upgraded brakes, unique 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels and a beefy exterior aero kit that's reminiscent of the JCW GP from 2006. Inside, the rear seats have been removed, Recaro chairs have been fitted for the driver and passenger, and sporty elements like red accents and alcantara trim are now found throughout the cabin.

We. Are. Ready.

Scroll down for the official details in Mini's press blast and stay tuned for the live unveiling in Paris later this month. Only 2,000 of these little darlings will be built, and remember, the line forms to the right.

Continue reading Mini releases official John Cooper Works GP details

Mini releases official John Cooper Works GP details originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini officially unveiled the John Cooper Works GP back in May, but it has yet to release any official specs or details about its limited-production hot hatch. Fortunately, the folks over at MotoringFile.com have apparently stumbled upon some leaked spec sheets for the European version of the car. (Official U.S. specs and features are reportedly set to be released later this month).

We already knew the John Cooper Works GP is going to be 19 seconds faster around the Nürburgring than the 2006 Mini GP, but what we didn't know is how exactly Mini shaved that much time from the car. According to the article, the new Mini GP will produce 218 horsepower and up to 206 pound-feet of torque (using the overboost feature). Weighing about 100 pounds less than a 2012 Mini Cooper JCW, the new Mini GP can run to 60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds with a top speed 150 mph.

As we all know, getting 'round the 'Ring takes more than just speed, and the Mini GP has been upgraded with a better suspension and brake system. It is reported this car will get a set of fully adjustable coilovers with an aggressive negative-camber front and rear setup to go with specially designed Kumho sport tires. For improved braking, the Mini GP upgrades to six-piston front calipers. Even the aerodynamics of the Mini GP have been optimized including a shield beneath the engine, a rear diffuser and a rear spoiler.

The new JCW GP will be limited to just 2,000 units total, it isn't clear how many will be earmarked for U.S. buyers. All of the new Mini John Cooper Works GP cars will be two-seaters, painted in Thunder Grey Metallic and equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Leaked Mini Cooper JCW GP specs suggest 218 HP, fully adjustable suspension originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coopergp kitjcw gpjohn cooper worksjohn cooper works gpminiWed, 05 Sep 2012 10:51:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20315936/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/05/leaked-mini-cooper-jcw-gp-specs-suggest-218-hp-fully-adjustable/20315936/article-detail.xml 20315936 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/13mnigp01628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/13mnigp01628.jpg <![CDATA[Mini shows Cooper Works GP goes for a smoke, cheats the wind]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/11/mini-shows-cooper-works-gp-goes-for-a-smoke-cheats-the-wind/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/11/mini-shows-cooper-works-gp-goes-for-a-smoke-cheats-the-wind/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/11/mini-shows-cooper-works-gp-goes-for-a-smoke-cheats-the-wind/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini JCW GP

Mini wants you to know all about its latest, limited-to-2,000 John Cooper Works GP edition. After a stint at the 'Ring to set a time of 8:23, the two-seat-only Cooper has parked itself in the wind tunnel to demonstrate its various wind-cheating features like the engine shield and rear wing.

The narrator informs us that that JCW GP has six percent less drag, 30 percent less front axle lift and 90 percent less rear axle lift - we'll assume that's compared to a standard Mini Cooper, since he doesn't say, but those are healthy numbers no matter what. Check out the video below to see how it achieves them.

Continue reading Mini shows Cooper Works GP goes for a smoke, cheats the wind

Mini shows Cooper Works GP goes for a smoke, cheats the wind originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Aug 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerodynamicsjcw gpjohn cooper worksjohn cooper works gpminimini jcw gpvideovideoswind tunnelSat, 11 Aug 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20297956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/11/mini-shows-cooper-works-gp-goes-for-a-smoke-cheats-the-wind/20297956/article-detail.xml 20297956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/minigpwindtunnel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/minigpwindtunnel.jpg <![CDATA[Mini nixes Coupe GP plans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/mini-nixes-coupe-gp-plans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/mini-nixes-coupe-gp-plans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/mini-nixes-coupe-gp-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mini JCW Coupe GP spy shot - front three-quarter view

If you were hoping Mini might be bringing out a John Cooper Works GP version of its new Coupe hatchback bodystyle, we're sorry to disappoint you, but the Mini-obsessed folks at MotoringFile says it's not going to happen. Despite having gotten far enough into development that our spy shooters were able to catch the car during testing on public roads, the powers that be have reportedly scuttled those plans.

The report says marketing concerns are likely to blame, as Mini did not want to dilute enthusiasm for the limited-production Cooper JCW GP. Like its predecessor, the 2006 Mini Cooper S JCW GP, just 2,000 examples are to be sold worldwide, and Mini has yet to even release full specs on the Cooper-based JCW GP.

While this move makes sense to us largely because we're not fans of the Coupe, MotoringFile does hedge its bets, writing that the JCW GP Coupe "may not be entirely dead." Certainly Mini could still decide to release it later in the Coupe's lifecycle, particularly if sales stall and those same marketing types decide (as they often do) that moving the metal trumps exclusivity.

Mini nixes Coupe GP plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooper coupejcw gpjohn cooper worksjohn cooper works gpjohn cooper works gp coupeminimini cooper coupemini coupemini gpThu, 12 Jul 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276748/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/12/mini-nixes-coupe-gp-plans/20276748/article-detail.xml 20276748 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mini-coupe-gp-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mini-coupe-gp-opt.jpg <![CDATA[1st Mini Cooper GP delivered at British Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/25/1st-mini-cooper-gp-delivered-at-british-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/25/1st-mini-cooper-gp-delivered-at-british-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/25/1st-mini-cooper-gp-delivered-at-british-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

First MINI GP delivered.Simon Baker of the UK comes from a family of MINI fans. Since '02, they have owned four of the little Anglo-Teutonic bundles of fun. Last week during the British Motor Show's press days, Mr. Baker himself took delivery of his family's fifth, the first MINI GP built for a customer. On hand to present the keys was John Cooper's son Mike, owner of the soon-to-be shuttered John Cooper Works Garage.

Mr Baker's car is actually the second GP. The first one is on display at the motor show and will head to the MINI museum afterwards. As such, the car he received is emblazoned with "GP 0002" on the roof over the driver's door. He reserved the car in 2005 based on rumor alone, and when the car was formally announced nine months later, he was #1 on the list. It pays to be proactive.

For his part, Mr. Baker says that he's looking forward to showing off the car to his friends and that we shouldn't expect to see it listed on eBay. As far as he's concerned, this one's a keeper.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading 1st Mini Cooper GP delivered at British Motor Show

1st Mini Cooper GP delivered at British Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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