MINI GP II on its way

MINI GP II on its way (MINI GP pictured)

MINI has revealed that they are planning a MINI GP II – the most powerful MINI ever – to be launched at Mini United 2012 in La Castellet in May.

When the first BMW MINI was close to its sell by date, MINI churned out the most powerful MINI ever in the guise of the MINI GP. And now, with the second generation MINI nearing the end of its life, they’re about to pull the same trick with the MINI GP II.

The original MINI GP was effectively a tuned and stripped MINI JCW, with 218hp from its turbo 1.6 litre 4-pot, stripped out interior with a strut brace in place of the back seats, aluminium suspension components and a loss of most of the sound insulation, resulting in a MINI which was 40kgs lighter and able to get to 60mph in under 6.5 seconds.

It seems likely MINI will use the same recipe for the GP II, with something north of 225bhp, lowered and fettled suspension, new bumpers and rear diffuser and a spoiler out back. There will also doubtless be a set of 4-spoke alloys in the same mould as those on the original GP.

The MINI GP II will be revealed at the Mini United 2012 event in La Castellet in May and will be built in limited numbers. No price yet.