September 14, 2006:

Bimmer magazine

(thanks to George GP#0154 for this link)

Bimmer Magazine reviews the GP:
… The JCW GP is more than just cosmetics, however, being distinguished from its more pedestrian cousins by weighing in a massive 110 lbs. lighter. That’s a lot to strip from a small car …
… The exterior receives aerodynamic elements that reduce the MINI Cooper S’s Cd from around 0.39—pretty dire when the average sedan’s is closer to 0.30—to 0.348 despite larger wheels and tires. Stability at speed should also be improved …
… “The new front bumper-spoiler deflects air around the wheel arches and minimizes air going under the car,” said Dipl. Ing. Marcus Krieg, product manager for MINI. “The silver painted inserts in the front spoiler are decorative, but they could easily be modified to provide cooling ducts for the brakes.
“It is more difficult to make a short car aerodynamic, and keeping airflow moving smoothly along the flanks of the car is a big advantage,” Krieg continued. “The new side skirts swell out considerably at the rear to deflect air past the wheels and reduce turbulence in this area.” …

[note that the reference to Recaro seats are Europe only - the quoted 218 hp is likely the European value too]