New MINI John Cooper Works GP scorches around the Nürburgring in 8 min 23 seconds

The fastest road-registered MINI ever made will go on sale later this year in a limited run of just 2,000 cars. The car will be unveiled publicly for the first time this weekend at the MINI United festival in Le Castellet, France.

Performance is delivered by a twin-scroll turbocharged engine, most likely an upgraded version of the standard car’s 1.6-litre engine, with at least 10 percent more power and torque – an engine which MINI describes as displaying remarkable elasticity and a healthy appetite for revs.

MINI say the GP uses an exclusive powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics inspired directly by its motorsport activities with specially developed, adjustable race suspension for more controllable handling.

The headline though, is its impressive lap time around the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, beating its predecessor by almost 19 seconds to record a lap in 8 minute 23 seconds. That’s quick, but still 15 seconds slower than the front-wheel drive record held by Renault’s Megane 265 Trophy.

As with the previous MINI JCW GP, there is an abundance of logos and visual treatments to remind the driver and other road users that this is a “GP” MINI. Large front and rear aprons, striking side skirts and a bespoke roof spoiler are complemented by a newly developed rear diffuser which optimises airflow around the under body.

The interior of the MINI JCW GP contributes to the car’s racy feel, with the rear seats removed, it focuses unashamedly on the needs of the driver and passenger.

The GP’s chassis is enhanced by a set of Kumho Ecsta V700 R-spec tyres in 215/40 ZR17 size, together with JCW racing brakes.

MINI are remaining coy for the time being about the GP’s power output, apart from saying it has even more “spring in its step” than its 214bhp predecessor. But with the standard MINI JCW producing 211bhp these days, we’d be surprised to see less than 230bhp on offer in the new JCW GP.