JCW 2020 MINI GP Article
#626
Looks NICE !!!
What engine and trans are they using?
The rear looks a bit like some of the old Group-B stuff from Renault and MG. What kind of money are we talking there?
How would it sized up in the end against a Megane or the GR4?
Changing out the factory engine would make it a mess to register on the street... but makes for a nice track car for sure !!
Is that what the XiteRacing car is based on ?
.
.
What engine and trans are they using?
The rear looks a bit like some of the old Group-B stuff from Renault and MG. What kind of money are we talking there?
How would it sized up in the end against a Megane or the GR4?
Changing out the factory engine would make it a mess to register on the street... but makes for a nice track car for sure !!
Is that what the XiteRacing car is based on ?
.
.
#627
So, being annoyed at the lack of info, I figured I'd go straight to the source. I contacted MiniUSA via their webform with a bunch of technical questions ( mostly that would probably only relate to me) and to vent my frustration with the lack of info. Unsurprisingly, my technical questions were not answered. However, here's what I sent regarding the lack of info:
And their reply:
*sigh*
My personal technical questions for those who care:
And now my frustration: I put my deposit down on Nov 22 (I own a 2019 3 door S, with almost all the JCW bits added). The amount of information that's been forthcoming about this car has been extremely anemic. I understand the Electric mini is all the rage, but some of us are out of this world excited about the GP! From the marketing materials, shipments in the US should be "later spring", but we haven't even gotten confirmation or ordering details or build dates, and it's mid Feb. Can MiniUSA please start giving us information? Even just estimates? I'm begging...Please
In regards to your inquiry about the confirmation for the new MINI John Cooper Works GP reservations, MINI USA does have a process in place for confirmation of these orders. After the order has been verified and your reservation has been validated by your authorized MINI dealer, MINI USA will provide a production number to your MINI dealer. It is estimated that these production numbers will be provided to your authorized MINI dealer during the first quarter of 2020.
My personal technical questions for those who care:
1). Whats under the hump in the back since there aren't any seats?
2) Will there be a kit or something to level out the back? My dogs would appreciate it
3) Can that rear bar be removed? How hard is it to do?
4) Whats the tread ware rating on the track tires?
5) is the belt line actually blacked out?
6) Rear spoiler: Can it be taken through a car wash?
7) Can the suspension be lowered at all? Or are they not adjustable?
8). Why hasn't Mini USA started confirming any of our orders yet?!?!?!?!
9) Will it have comfort access ( lock/unlock the doors with a button on the door handle) or will we have to act like Neanderthals and actually use a key or the remote?
10) Why are they promoting 306 HP in the UK, but 302 in the US?
2) Will there be a kit or something to level out the back? My dogs would appreciate it
3) Can that rear bar be removed? How hard is it to do?
4) Whats the tread ware rating on the track tires?
5) is the belt line actually blacked out?
6) Rear spoiler: Can it be taken through a car wash?
7) Can the suspension be lowered at all? Or are they not adjustable?
8). Why hasn't Mini USA started confirming any of our orders yet?!?!?!?!
9) Will it have comfort access ( lock/unlock the doors with a button on the door handle) or will we have to act like Neanderthals and actually use a key or the remote?
10) Why are they promoting 306 HP in the UK, but 302 in the US?
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KYDan (02-19-2020)
#630
My dealer in the UK got in touch with me today to confirm the delivery date.
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curlywurly (02-20-2020)
#631
OVERDRIVE
iTrader: (1)
I gather from your post that you are in the UK? From other posts, here and other places, it seems that the UK and EU in general are being treaded better by MINI/BMW than we are here in the states.
Hopefully you keep in touch here and let us know how your build progress...
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KYDan (02-19-2020)
#633
MINI produces from March to August the GP3, the last production lot, are only those with 7 Hp more and 30 kgs lighter, Iam quite happy that 99% comes with aircon and entertainment, makes my stripped factory racer something special, So it's ok that I wait. longer, and I can get my Quaife/ Drexler transmission fixed.
Shiva Green - complete vinyl wrap. 20 sets availabele
Shiva Green - complete vinyl wrap. 20 sets availabele
Last edited by Clutch Wotan; 02-19-2020 at 11:18 PM.
#634
MINI produces from March to August the GP3, the last production lot, are only those with 7 Hp more and 30 kgs lighter, Iam quite happy that 99% comes with aircon and entertainment, makes my stripped factory racer something special, So it's ok that I wait. longer, and I can get my Quaife/ Drexler transmission fixed.
Shiva Green - complete vinyl wrap. 20 sets availabele
Shiva Green - complete vinyl wrap. 20 sets availabele
My GP3 which I am getting in March is without the Touring Pack.
#635
#636
#637
So, being annoyed at the lack of info, I figured I'd go straight to the source. I contacted MiniUSA via their webform with a bunch of technical questions ( mostly that would probably only relate to me) and to vent my frustration with the lack of info. Unsurprisingly, my technical questions were not answered. However, here's what I sent regarding the lack of info:
And their reply:
*sigh*
My personal technical questions for those who care:
And their reply:
*sigh*
My personal technical questions for those who care:
By now you should already know that when you email or text these guys they have an easy out and you will get the same bla, bla, bla answer everyone else gets.
Now listen...... with a different issue I experienced with BMW/MINI about a month ago I almost fell off of my chair when I got a personal return call from a Supervisor at HQ. She told me that she would personally look into my complaint. And what do you know? About two weeks later I got all the information I asked for in an email with the Supervisor calling me afterward to make sure I received everything to my satisfaction. You can try doing what I did........call Customer Service at BMW/MINI Corporate and relentlessly work your way up the food chain until you get to someone that is truly capable of helping you, like a Supervisor or Manager, rather than someone that will supply you with a generic answer. It worked for me!
#638
OVERDRIVE
iTrader: (1)
I know this is a bit of beating a dead horse, but this guy does a really nice review of the automatic that will be in the GP3. He also points out that having the auto vs a manual is likely a cost thing. That would be the cost of mating and certifying the manual with the that engine for just 3000 units. Likely not cost effective for just the GP given that engine has not yet been mated to a manual in any other MINI. Overall, his conclusions about the auto are much the same as mine were when I drove a MINI with that transmission. He likes it and thinks it will do well in the GP
He also does a review of the styling cues the GP has. Part of this is a reminder that things like the wheel arches and the rear wings are taken from the concept car, which a lot of people said that is the car MINI should build. He also comes to conclusions that I have; that is, it is a car that has grown on him, he basically likes it, but they missed the mark on not having a decent rear diffuser.
He also notes that the UK is getting 550 units. With the US getting 500 units, that leaves 1950 units for the rest of the world, which will likely be mostly Asia, China in particular (OK guessing a bit here). So, I guess we know who the market is that this car is targeted for...
He also does a review of the styling cues the GP has. Part of this is a reminder that things like the wheel arches and the rear wings are taken from the concept car, which a lot of people said that is the car MINI should build. He also comes to conclusions that I have; that is, it is a car that has grown on him, he basically likes it, but they missed the mark on not having a decent rear diffuser.
He also notes that the UK is getting 550 units. With the US getting 500 units, that leaves 1950 units for the rest of the world, which will likely be mostly Asia, China in particular (OK guessing a bit here). So, I guess we know who the market is that this car is targeted for...
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Clutch Wotan (02-21-2020)
#639
I got to see GP3 #2020 at the Portland International Auto Show last night. It's beautiful (though I'm still seriously considering painting all of the purple and silver areas in midnight black). At the moment it definitely appears that there will be no Comfort Access, for which I am seriously bummed. Perhaps there will be a way to retrofit...? Happy to confirm it does have a backup cam, just no backup sonar so no annoying beeps. Now I will just try to be patient to see if the March/April delivery estimate holds, though I suspect delays are yet to be announced. Hope I'm wrong.
#642
OVERDRIVE
iTrader: (1)
There is a lot of info there.
There are a lot of parts for this car that could be back fit into a F56 if someone so desired. Of interest is the larger oil pan, as well as numerous suspension and structure bits.
The more I find out about the GP3, the more I think that MINI really did their homework on this car and really stepped up their game to make it a true driver’s car. I think anyone getting one of these cars will be well rewarded, much the same as were the owners of cars like the M2, 1 M and the earlier M3s (before BMW made a boat out of them).
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Kev Spiers (02-23-2020)
#643
#644
OVERDRIVE
iTrader: (1)
I know this is a bit of a guess, but If they followed what they did on the GP2, then the front camber is at least -1.5 deg, which is what the GP2 had. On the GP3 they did this with a different steering knuckle that moves the wheels further outboard, if I understand correctly. I know, their description is less than ideal for this, but I looked it up a while back. But this is also how they got the wider track. The rear camber is adjustable on these cars and it can be set to at least -2.5 deg. These numbers will provide good handling without wanting to swap ends too readily.
We can hope. But, in the end, it would be nice to know from them...
We can hope. But, in the end, it would be nice to know from them...
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KYDan (02-23-2020)
#645
I know this is a bit of a guess, but If they followed what they did on the GP2, then the front camber is at least -1.5 deg, which is what the GP2 had. On the GP3 they did this with a different steering knuckle that moves the wheels further outboard, if I understand correctly. I know, their description is less than ideal for this, but I looked it up a while back. But this is also how they got the wider track. The rear camber is adjustable on these cars and it can be set to at least -2.5 deg. These numbers will provide good handling without wanting to swap ends too readily.
We can hope. But, in the end, it would be nice to know from them...
We can hope. But, in the end, it would be nice to know from them...
#646
OVERDRIVE
iTrader: (1)
Very “German” of them... I get the feeling it is a bit of: “You don’t need to know. We know what we are doing. Trust us.” I remember reading about when Mark Donahue went to drive for Porsche he had a lot of trouble with getting the Porsche engineers to listen to him... “You are a driver, not an engineer. You know nothing of the design of the car. You do your job, we’ll do ours.” Back then there was a real divisions between drivers and engineers. Actually, Mark was an engineer as well as a driver and really good at both. Over time the Porsche engineers relented as Mark tended to be right about what needed to be done to the car to get it to do what he wanted, and he wouldn’t take “get out of here” for an answer.
Maybe MINI will get the message, too, and give us something... But, soon enough all of the technical details will come out as the production version of these cars start to hit the streets. However, it is tough to buy something on a “trust me”. Although, the GP3 does sound really good and worth the trust, especially compared to the little that they did to make the GP1 and 2.
Also, I expect it won’t be long before places like Way Motors, ECS, etc get their hands on the GP3 parts list and have some of the “good” parts for sale... much like they did with the GP2 parts.
Best wishes to those of you who have taken the plunge into this unknown.
Maybe MINI will get the message, too, and give us something... But, soon enough all of the technical details will come out as the production version of these cars start to hit the streets. However, it is tough to buy something on a “trust me”. Although, the GP3 does sound really good and worth the trust, especially compared to the little that they did to make the GP1 and 2.
Also, I expect it won’t be long before places like Way Motors, ECS, etc get their hands on the GP3 parts list and have some of the “good” parts for sale... much like they did with the GP2 parts.
Best wishes to those of you who have taken the plunge into this unknown.
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KYDan (02-24-2020)
#647
Thanks, it has been a difficult process for me with myriad glitches and it has sort of soured my feelings with BMW and I still don't know where I stand on their "list" to be awarded a dubious gem of a car! I had considered going with the 2 series sport sedan, but decided if the GP doesn't happen for me I will abandon BMW for a different manufacturer with the thought that they need my business more than I need their car. Still, the GP has potential and I do love the mini. If I do snare one hopefully I will be a happy motorist!
#648
We already have some guys in Japan that will be working with the GP3 soon. Cant tell you too much.
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Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
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Eddie07S (02-24-2020)
#649
That was very well said Eddie! I do remember Mark Donahue and he was very special indeed! I kind of doubt drivers today have that level of knowledge about the inner workings of their race cars however. It's a sign of the times, and something I hate about todays cars...they are just computers on wheels! :-( The waiting for the GP3 reminds me of when I placed my order for a new JCW 6-speed manual transmission MINI in April 2015! Well that was worth the wait, and I hope the waiting and lack of information for potential buyers will be worth it when this GP3 finally arrives. I'm not one for playing games, and if I had my money down on a GP3 I would not be pleased with all this mis-information and lack of information about the GP3 for sure.
I hope it will be worth the wait. In the meantime my JCW is still brand new to me with less than 1300 miles, so we can celebrate the Spring driving season together maybe. eh? :-)
I hope it will be worth the wait. In the meantime my JCW is still brand new to me with less than 1300 miles, so we can celebrate the Spring driving season together maybe. eh? :-)
Very “German” of them... I get the feeling it is a bit of: “You don’t need to know. We know what we are doing. Trust us.” I remember reading about when Mark Donahue went to drive for Porsche he had a lot of trouble with getting the Porsche engineers to listen to him... “You are a driver, not an engineer. You know nothing of the design of the car. You do your job, we’ll do ours.” Back then there was a real divisions between drivers and engineers. Actually, Mark was an engineer as well as a driver and really good at both. Over time the Porsche engineers relented as Mark tended to be right about what needed to be done to the car to get it to do what he wanted, and he wouldn’t take “get out of here” for an answer.
Maybe MINI will get the message, too, and give us something... But, soon enough all of the technical details will come out as the production version of these cars start to hit the streets. However, it is tough to buy something on a “trust me”. Although, the GP3 does sound really good and worth the trust, especially compared to the little that they did to make the GP1 and 2.
Also, I expect it won’t be long before places like Way Motors, ECS, etc get their hands on the GP3 parts list and have some of the “good” parts for sale... much like they did with the GP2 parts.
Best wishes to those of you who have taken the plunge into this unknown.
Maybe MINI will get the message, too, and give us something... But, soon enough all of the technical details will come out as the production version of these cars start to hit the streets. However, it is tough to buy something on a “trust me”. Although, the GP3 does sound really good and worth the trust, especially compared to the little that they did to make the GP1 and 2.
Also, I expect it won’t be long before places like Way Motors, ECS, etc get their hands on the GP3 parts list and have some of the “good” parts for sale... much like they did with the GP2 parts.
Best wishes to those of you who have taken the plunge into this unknown.
The following users liked this post:
KYDan (02-24-2020)