Super-hot Mini forced to bypass Australia
BY TERRY MARTIN | 1st Mar 2006
The iconic British brand, which has attracted a strong following in Australia since it returned in 2002, has created a two-seater GP (Grand Prix) version of its Cooper S Works model which ekes another 6kW of power from the standard 154kWJCW-fettled 1.6-litre supercharged engine and includes even firmer springs and dampers and higher-performing brakes with 16-inch inner-vented discs.
The GP kit increases the car’s top speed to 235km/h, while the burst from 0-100km/h drops a tenth to 6.5 seconds.
According to the national Mini manager in Australia, Justin Hocevar, federal government authorities rejected the company’s application for low-volume (30-unit) importation of the hot GP-branded Coopers based on the vehicle’s 80mm ride height.
"We can’t get it homologated," he said. "The vehicle’s ride height is so low, and it’s such a low-volume special model – there are only 2000 of these being produced worldwide and demand on them is super-hot.
"The only application that people could order one into Australia would be for a specific motorsport application for non-registrable use.
We’re finding that there is a lot of interest in that area for people but, really, they’re looking at ordering a car that’s a fairly low-specification car." The GP’s performance enhancements stem from modifications to the intercooler on the compressor and the electronic engine management. A limited-slip differential is fitted as standard and stability control is available as a non-cost option. Light-alloy 18-inch wheels and low-profile tyres are specifically matched to the GP model.
Other features include new front and rear airdams, extra-low sidesills, a race-bred roof spoiler and red-painted callipers on the front brakes.
As Mini launched its Park Lane and Checkmate “character” models this week inAustralia, the BMW-owned British brand also used the show to unveil the latest incarnation of its forthcoming long-wheelbase wagon model - dubbed the Mini Concept Geneva.
Mr Hocevar revealed that this new model line should be available in Australia late in 2008, around 12 months after the new-generation Cooper hatchbacks.
"I have seen the new car (Cooper) and it is not a radical departure from the current vehicle," he said. "It’s a maturing of the model to a degree.
"There will be steps towards enhancing the already-good safety (credentials) and new engines that are going to have significant weight savings, improved economy, (lower) emissions and great performance.
"There have also been a lot of steps to make a very smart use of space. I get the impression that although the dimensions of the vehicle won’t change drastically, there will be a greater sensation of space inside the car."Mr Hocevar also said the latest Australian design rules should enable importation of European-spec models in the next generation (if not before), ending the current situation where the large central speedo – the cabin’s most unique feature – is left off models imported Down Under.