Lamborghini lovers are...
Lamborghini lovers are in for a treat! As the Italian firm pulled the wraps off its ?800,000 Reventón supercar, it promised to keep on surprising fans with at least one new car every year. And in an exclusive interview, boss Stephan Winkelmann confirmed to Auto Express that the company will create new models based on its Gallardo and Murciélago.
The Cooper S Works GP...
The Cooper S Works GP will go on sale here in July next year, priced around í‚á£22,000. And it could turn into a mad dash for the nippy little mover, as only 2,000 will be built, with a mere 400 destined for the UK. Each car will have its build number painted on the roof.
Those lucky enough to get their hands on one of the machines are in for a treat. Under the bonnet is a highly tuned version of the Cooper S"s 1.6-litre supercharged engine. Thanks to revisions to the intercooler and cylinder head, it pumps out 8bhp more than the unit in the current Cooper S Works.
This increased performance, combined with a 40kg weight reduction, should enable the GP to sprint from 0-60mph in around six seconds and hit a top speed of more than 145mph.
As well as removing the rear seats, MINI"s engineers lightened the car by replacing the standard steel rear suspension arms with aluminium ones. They also stripped out the sound-deadening material, and fitted lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels. Visually, the model is marked out from lesser variants by its unique colour scheme and striking bodykit. It is only available in grey-blue metallic paint with a silver roof and bonnet scoop, blacked-out rear windows, plus red door mirrors. These match the lacquered high-performance brake calipers on the front wheels.
An all-new aerodynamic pack has been designed for the car, too, which features deep front and rear aprons, a large rear wing, sill skirts and under-body panelling. These increase downforce for improved grip and stability when cornering at speed.
Inside, there are Recaro sport seats, while standard equipment includes a CD player, multi-function steering wheel, air-conditioning, limited-slip differential and Dynamic Stability Control.
The Cooper S Works GP was un-veiled at this week"s MINI United in Misano, Italy. The event, a festival for owners organised by the marque, was attended by more than 5,000 fans from across Europe. But it was the Works GP which was the main attraction at the two-day extravaganza.
A MINI spokeswoman said: "This car is aimed at those who want to experience MINI driving in its purest, most extreme form. The Cooper S Works GP is lighter, quicker and sharper than anything we have done before."
Meanwhile, the road version of the MINI Traveller Concept shown at Frankfurt in September will be called the Clubman. Set to arrive in 2007, it will have barn-style doors on one side.