August 7, 2006:
GP quotes from the UK motorshow press release
These quotes are extracted from the press release pack released July 2006 in England, for the UK motorshow:
… only 2000 GPs have been built and only 459 will make it back to the UK. All are sold! …
… “In the creation of this car, I wanted to honour my father’s successful Grand Prix racing cars” states Mike Cooper … [curious, since other information claimed JCW wasn’t involved in the development of the GP]
… intercooler even more efficient. Counter-pressure is down by 40% …
… maximum permissible engine speed is now 7150rpm with an increase not only in peak output but also in maximum torque …
… in fifth gear the GP accelerates from 50-75mph in just 6.6s. Even in sixth gear acceleration from 50-75mph comes in just 8.8s … [shame there’s no comparative MCS or JCW figures]
… GP laps the Nurburgring in under 8 minutes 42 seconds, almost 14 seconds faster than the production model …
… 16″ brake discs (inner-vented at the front) … extra large brake pistons and special brake pads …
… some 50kg [112lb] less than a “regular” MCS with the usual range of features and equipment … [wonder what “usual” is, since the same press release indicates only 20kg [44lb] less in the specifications!]
… topped off with an aerodynamic package perfected in wind tunnel tests. Downforce is enhanced on the front and rear wheels, and air resistance reduced substantially improving the car’s handling at high speeds … front spoiler sits closer to the road … air intake is enlarged … side sills also closer to the road and feature increased curvature in front of the rear wheels that promotes the car’s aerodynamics … carbon fibre rear spoiler, too, contributes to increased downforce …
… instead of the rear seat bench the GP comes with a polished reinforcement tube that connects the spring strut domes on the rear axle. The strengthens the car and helps prevent luggage sliding against the front seat backs …
… entire floor of the loading compartment can be opened in a Z-configuration, providing easy and convenient access to two storage compartments beneath …
… standard equipment: on-board computer, Bose [!] audio system with CD player, leather sports seats complete with seat heating, leather multi-function steering wheel, velour foot mats, tinted windows …
NOTE:
Since the press release includes claims of all (UK) GPs being sold (which wasn’t true) and again mentions the infamous 16″ brake discs, we must be wary of any other surprising figures too!
Miles Albertson (2006/08/07 @ 3:10 pm)
what about the “luggage retaining bar” that “ties the rear shock towers together”? I thought we had been told that wasn’t so?
ama
Ian C. (2006/08/07 @ 5:56 pm)
As I said, there’s a number of questionable statements in the press release.
I’d say the bar might physically go between those rear shock positions, but it’s stiffness contribution must be minimal at best