The original BMC Mini that debuted in 1959 later featured some interesting layouts including the Morris Mini Traveller and the Mini Moke. Now, the new MINI under BMW management continues under a similar strategy to keep the MINI brand fresh.
One of the more recent MINI products was the new Coupe body style. In fact, a leaked spy shot photos has even revealed a hotted up John Cooper Works GP version undergoing shakedown tests. Despite nearing the final phases of development, the Mini enthusiasts at MotoringFile have reported that the big suits at MINI have put a stop on the project.
According to MotoringFile, MINI's marketing department is concerned of internal competition between the JCW GP Coupe versus the JCW GP Cooper. In fact, MINI is suggesting that a JCW GP Coupe risks diluting enthusiasm for the original Halo JCW GP Cooper. In 2006, only a limited run of 2,000 examples of the Mini Cooper S JCW GP were sold worldwide.
Putting a stop to the JCW GP Coupe project isn't to say that it's completely dead, but we would have to agree that its role in the Mini Cooper range is a bit redundant.
Look for the wild MINI JCW GP Cooper's official debut at the upcoming Paris Auto Show. Also, expect an equally wild price as high as $39,000.
