Mini John Cooper Works GP priced at $56,900

Just four days after confirming that the limited edition Mini John Cooper Works GP would come to our shores, Mini Australia has released official pricing for the 30 JCW GP models bound for the local market - out of the 2000-only specials being made worldwide.

With most of the vehicles already earmarked for buyers, Mini Australia general manager Kai Bruesewitz says demand has been huge for the instant collector’s item.

"Designed and built with performance and race track suitability in mind, this limited edition Mini JCW GP has been reworked from the ground up with years of racing heritage know-how from the John Cooper Works engineers," he said.

The 1160kg six-speed manual transmission-only Mini JCW GP, with its 160kW and 260Nm (280Nm with overboost), lapped Germany's Nurburgring Nordschleife in 8min23sec in May, trumping the former John Cooper Works GP special by 18 seconds.

Recognition of the model’s exclusivity won't be difficult with model-specific Thunder Grey metallic paint, red highlights on the bonnet, exterior mirror caps and side air intakes, as well as John Cooper Works badging on the lower air intake and tailgate, and 'GP' stripes down the car’s length.

Headlining the interior draw cards are heated leather Recaro seats with red stitching, a special knee roll for bracing against during "spirited driving", and a rear chassis brace replacing the deleted rear bench seat.

Exclusive lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and massive 330mm disc brakes with six-piston calipers up front top off the Mini John Cooper Works GP’s credentials.