R53 John Cooper works GP

The R53 JCW GP utilizes the JCW Tuning kit parts to create a vehicle that takes the R53 to a new level in a factory form. Unlike the JCW Tuning kits, the GP was exclusive to the factory-built car, it additionally included a couple of slightly different components to assist in increasing the power output to 218bhp from the JCW kits 210bhp.

The GP1 also had a completely different body kit and aero package to provide a more aggressive look that was unique to the GP, with the car being limited to 2000 vehicles worldwide; the large majority of the GP’s going to Great Britain and the United States, however the vehicle specification varies slightly in the US spec car within the interior.

What made the GP different?

Engine performance

A GP1 in all countries specifications utilized all the same components as a JCW 210 included, with the addition of two extras, as listed below:

Upgraded Cylinder head- The difference from a cooper S cylinder head being slightly enlarged on the exhaust ports.

11% Reduction supercharger pulley – Spins the supercharger faster for more boost

1-step colder spark plugs

Uprated Injectors (380cc compared to original 330cc)

A JCW cat-back exhaust system with decorative JCW tips

Replacement supercharger – Teflon coated core

Updated Air intake with Pod style air filter

Decorative Badges

Individually serial Numbered rocker cover plate

EXTRAS:

Remapped ECU (Slightly different tune to a JCW 210, assisting to gain that extra 8bhp)

Larger Intercooler

Exterior:

The GP1 included a unique Aero package when compared to the standard R53 and R53 Aero kit, the GP included a new Front bumper, and side skirts, along with an aggressive wing mounted on the rear hatch. The rear bumper BMW decided upon utilizing a slightly flared rear garnish on a standard Cooper S bumper and additional inserts where the cooper S inserts ordinarily are.

All GP1’s additionally had stickers around the hood scoop labelled GP and a black surround sticker where the rear plate goes, as well as the individual numbering out of 2000 listed on the roof.

The paint on the GP1 was a limited edition colour that was specific to this model, it is called Thunder Blue, paint code A64

Suspension:

The GP1 also included unique 18 inch wheels paired with the JCW tuned shock absorbers.

The GP1 had the addition of alloy rear control arms to reduce unsprung weight, allowing the suspension to work more effectively. To match with those JCW tuned shocks and the lighter rear control arms, the GP also uses JCW Anti-Roll bars to assist with the cars handling further.

Interior:

The interior is where the specifications differ between the US specification GPs and the rest of the world, everywhere else in the world the GP1 had the optional Recaro seats in Black leather, whereas the GP1 in the United States had cooper S cloth seats in a custom colouring not seen in other minis.

The GP1 also had individually numbered stickers on the dashboard, where the dash was specced out in a silver colour, however the full JCW range of options was able to be purchased and added to the GPs later as well.

A rear seat delete for weight savings along with a rear strut brace add to the GP’s race feeling along with custom gauge cluster backgrounds and leather with red stitching shift and Hand-Brake Gators complete the final changes interior wise between the GP and standard issue car.

The JCW Register GP Edition!

Note:

All images used are from the original BMW Mini Media Kit and Press Releases from the Era.

If you are wondering if your GP is legitimate, the best way to determine that fact is by completing a vin decode with a website decoding BMW and Mini Vins.

All details are believed to be correct at the time of writing, if anything stands out to you as incorrect please get in touch via the contact us page and let us know.