December 21, 2006:
Xenon retrofit
The GP doesn’t come with Xenon headlights – presumably to save weight; but many people would like them and there’s been active discussion on MINI2 and elsewhere.
The MotoringFile DIY page has a Xenon retrofit pdf but it only addresses replacing the pre’05 design Xenon unit with the more futuristic ’05+ design.
However, I’ve recently “acquired” the official retrofit instructions to install Xenon headlights in a car which has halogens (many thanks!)
There are two versions, this older version covers retrofitting the original Xenon unit and this version covers the new headlight design and is specific to cars built after 09/2003 … beware of reading these instructions, they’ll really put you off doing the retrofit!
December 19, 2006:
Rear speakers in the GP
As we know, the GP has no rear speakers – now George has taken a great set of pictures showing what we do and don’t have back there … here for example is the normal 6×9″ rear speaker position, filled with a bracket onto which the luggage bar mounts:
However, the rear speaker wiring harness is still present and George has confirmed that it’s connected to the stereo and plays when a speaker is fitted. So “all” we need to do to get more sound in the GP, is find somewhere to fit rear speakers! George suggests the space in the rear near the side airbag detonator, where the rear seat belts would normally be fitted:
Thanks, George, for all the work tearing your car to pieces and taking all the pics 
(all photo credits to George)
December 19, 2006:
JCW GP certificate
Make sure your GP comes with its John Cooper Works certificate …
Apparently it’s missing from some GPs!
December 18, 2006:
Gabes GP review
Head over to MotoringFile to read Gabes final GP review:
… The GP is fast. And the sensation is so exhilarating that, if you aren’t burying the tach needle, you feel you’re letting down the car. It’s almost as if it deserves to be driven like you stole it constantly. The sensation of speed, the sounds coming from the exhaust, there are very few cars that are as immediately fun as the GP … even more important in creating true downforce is the radical looking rear wing … Another GP specific item is the updated intercooler that helps bring the power output up to 218bhp from the standard 210bhp on the 2005 and 2006 JCW MINI Cooper S. And to be honest that even feels conservative. But it’s the way that power is delivered through the power-band that differs from the stock JCW. The GP pulls very strong all the way to and past it’s 7,000rpm redline …
After spending seven days with the GP I came away with three things that seemed to define it as special over the stock MCS: addicting power all the way to red-line, sublime sounds, and improved dynamics … the soul of the GP comes down to the aero work done throughout the car … The GP is the ultimate MINI.
Also, there’s some wonderful pictures – thanks Gabe
(also remember to listen to Gabes in-car reports)
December 14, 2006:
More GP videos
(thanks Peter for the YouTube links) …
Flying round the English Countryside
Driving Adria Raceway
You’ll also find multiple copies of the amazing GP promo video released early this year (the link takes you to a much higher quality download) – it was this video that really triggered me to put a deposit at MINI of Peabody!