Mini Readies Pricey Works GP Speedster

BMW AG’s Mini unit says the latest John Cooper Works (JCW) GP model will be the fastest and most expensive vehicle in the brand’s 60-year history.

Pricing will start at nearly $45,800. This is about $12,000 more than the base 2020 JCW Hardtop and is a $6,000 hike over the previous GP-badged Mini. The GP’s hefty sticker price also is a significant premium over similar models, such as the Honda Civic Type R, Subaru WRX STI and Volkswagen Golf R.

Power will come from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 306 hp. Mini claims the car can lap Germany’s grueling 12.9-mile Nurburgring-Nordschleife track in less than eight minutes.

The carmaker, which released photos of a camouflaged prototype testing at Nurburgring this summer, will unveil the production model later this month at the Los Angeles auto show. Sales of the sporty hatchback will be limited to 3,000 units.