July 5, 2006:

More GP press reviews

Here’s some more UK magazine reviews, from Auto Express, and Evo magazine.

Earlier press reviews here and the first – from MINI2 – here.

Auto Express:
The visual modifications might not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no doubt the GP stands out. Dramatic four-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels complement the lower side skirts, while a carbon fibre wing is sure to appeal to boy racers. But the spoiler isn’t only there for show – it works with a special undertray to help reduce aero-dynamic lift and keep the car planted on the road at high speeds.
… when pushed to the limit, the GP is a demanding driver’s car. For example, upgraded brake discs and pads are fitted, and when used hard, will slow the car so quickly that the short-wheelbase three-door squirms around, needing corrective steering inputs from the driver. Another thing you soon become aware of behind the wheel is the sensitivity of the throttle. This is perfect for track days, but take your foot off the accelerator too quickly in traffic, and the GP is far from smooth.
One of the biggest bugbears with the standard Cooper S Works is its ride quality. Big wheels and sports suspension don’t help the special-edition’s comfort, so the GP is predictably stiff. However, it’s not as bad at absorbing bumps as you might expect, and is little worse than its standard sibling.

Evo Magazine, typed up in a MINI2 thread by TonyT3:
… At low speeds its familiar Mini: quick steering, strong torque, stiff, flat ride. Over ragged tarmac the GP shows some of the subtle differences. Its still firm but somehow feels more rounded, less likely to skip over sharp ridges and bounce the car off line. Sounds great too… The lack of rear seats and reduced sound deadening overlays the supercharger whine with the sound of gasses being fired out the central twin outlet exhaust. On a closed throttle it pops and crackles like a highly tuned Caterham …
EVO rating: 5 stars
UPDATE: The Evo review is now online