Mini John Cooper Works GP R56
The ultimate R56: a two-seat, track-focused swan song with a Nürburgring-honed chassis.
- Power
- 218 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 6.1 s
- Top speed
- 150 mph
- Est. value
- $24k–$38k
About the Mini John Cooper Works GP R56
The R56-generation John Cooper Works GP, often called the GP2, was a limited-run finale for the second-generation BMW Mini. Stripped of its rear seats to save weight and fitted with adjustable Bilstein coilover suspension, it was designed as a hardcore track tool rather than a daily driver. It features a bespoke aerodynamic package including a carbon-fibre rear wing and a full underbody tray, helping it lap the Nürburgring in 8 minutes and 23 seconds. The 1.6-litre Prince engine receives a slight power bump and an overboost function that increases torque to 280 Nm, delivered through a tactile six-speed manual gearbox.
Mini John Cooper Works GP R56 specs
The Mini John Cooper Works GP R56 produces 218 bhp (163 kW) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 150 mph (242 km/h).
| Make | Mini |
|---|---|
| Model | John Cooper Works GP |
| Generation | R56 |
| Trim | 1.6T |
| Years | 2012–2013 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 2,000 built |
| Original price | About $40,000 when new |
| Engine | 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc (1.6 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 218 bhp (163 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 6.1 s |
| Top speed | 150 mph (242 km/h) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,160 kg (2,557 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 188 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Mini John Cooper Works GP R56 worth?
A typical Mini John Cooper Works GP R56 is estimated to be worth $24,000 – $38,000 (about £18,000 – £28,000).
Its original price when new was about $40,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Mini John Cooper Works GP R56 rarity in CarSpot
The Mini John Cooper Works GP R56 is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 42 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Mini John Cooper Works GP R56 fun facts
- The GP2 features a 'GP Mode' for the traction control system, which allows for more wheel slip and uses the brakes to mimic a limited-slip differential.
- To improve handling, the car uses 'upside-down' front struts to increase longitudinal and lateral stiffness compared to the standard JCW.
- Every GP2 was finished in the same Thunder Grey Metallic paint with silver, red, and black accents, and unique four-spoke alloy wheels.