Paris Motor Show 2012: Mini shows us the Paceman and the John Cooper Works GP

There was a lot of anticipation to see Mini at the Paris Motor Show, as the MINI brand was set to present two new vehicles that will go on sale next year. We are talking about the Paceman, the brand’s seventh model, and the John Cooper Works GP, the flagship of the brand, of which only 2,000 units will be sold this year.

Much has already been said about these two models, but it is never a bad idea to repeat their main features. The Paceman is based on the Countryman. It has no rear doors and adds some extra details to differentiate it from its parent model. Perhaps the most eye-catching feature is the rear lights, which are mounted horizontally.

As for engines, the Paceman will be available in four variants: two petrol models (Cooper and Cooper S) and two diesel models (Cooper D and Cooper SD). Four-wheel drive will be available on all four variants, which will make it superior to the Countryman while keeping its consumption figures: 5.6 l/100 km on the Cooper S and 3.6 l/100 km on the Cooper.

John Cooper Works GP

It could be said that we are talking about the brand’s flagship: a car that has already shown it is capable of lapping the Nürburgring in just 8:23 minutes. Mini has worked to keep its weight down to just 1,235 kg, which means that, with its 220 CV, it has 5.67 kg per CV.

It features a diffuser inspired by the one-make cups in which it competes, accompanied by low-profile air dams. The new side skirts, 17-inch wheels and a carbon fibre rear spoiler give it a 100% sporty look. With all this, it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds, reaching 242 km/h.

That is, the fastest Mini ever built.