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Mini John Cooper Works GP Arrives In Malaysia – 10 Units, 306hp, RM378k

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While Mini models have long been known for offering go-kart thrills in a city-friendly package, MINI Malaysia has turned up the wick today by offering the most powerful MINI in history – the new, limited-edition Mini John Cooper Works GP.

“In MINI’s 60-years of gracing both the racetracks and the streets, we continue to be revelled for our legendary racing success. Today, 14-years on, designers and engineers are paying tribute to the first MINI John Cooper Works GP once again with the successor – the fastest and most powerful MINI GP ever built.”

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director, BMW Group Malaysia

Minis have always been known to offer immense driving pleasure, but it’s safe to say that every aspect of the new JCW GP pushes everything to the extreme. This is evident in both the engine and performance characteristics – This is an intense, purist race feeling machine, conveyed by what is by far the most powerful engine ever used in a MINI, with suspension technology that is fine-tuned based on John Cooper Works’ extensive racing expertise and a body that’s been weight-optimised as much as possible.

Under the bonnet lies the star of the show – with 306hp and 450Nm, this is the peppiest and punchiest MINI ever. 0-100km/h is handled in just 5.2-seconds, and it’ll go onward to a top speed of 265km/h. All this punch is what enabled the the JCW GP to lap the Nürburgring in less than 8-minutes, making it significantly faster than the car it replaces. 

The JCW GP will only be made available in its exclusive Racing Grey metallic, with the roof & mirror caps finished in Melting Silver. The hexagonal radiator grille, inserts in the lower air intake and the inside of the roof spoiler is finished in a contrasting Chili Red, accentuated by GP insignia in Rosso Red matte on the front, the rear, the outer sides of the enormous spoiler, and in the foils above the side skirts and door sills.

However, black is utilised to finish off the surrounds for the lights, the central radiator grille, the handles, the fuel filler cap, the bonnet inlay, and the MINI logos on either end. This is, purportedly, to emphasise the uncompromisingly sporty flair of the new JCW GP.

In all four corners you’ll find 18-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels, weighing less than 9kg each, finished off with GP logos in the centre caps. Above each of the alloys you’ll find the bold and unmissable wheel arch flares, manufactured through a special process and material combination that is a first for the BMW Group, with a thermoplastic substructure finished with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) on the outside.

You will also find emblazoned on the front arches a 4-digit number, denoting the actual build number of the car itself. Only 3000 of these cars are available globally, and the numbers on the fenders will denote where in that limited production run each car sits in.

Inside the first thing you’ll notice are the seats – lightweight units to, well, reduce weight, they’re upholstered in Dynamica leather with silver side edges, red accentuation seams and seat belts, and a GP badge beneath the integrated headrests. On the passenger’s side of the dash you’ll find a piece of trim again bearing the individual build number of each car, produced using a state-of-the-art 3D printing process. That same process features on the steering wheel for the centre marking for the 12 o’clock position, as well as the paddle shifters. 

GP logos finish off the cabin on the floor mats, matched by twin stripes on the gear selector, and the bright-red cross-member that sits behind the front seats. No, there is no back seat in the JCW GP – you didn’t really think there would be, did you?

In the centre of it all you’ll find the MINI Visual Boost infotainment system, replete with navigation and accompanied by a 5-inch fully-digital instrument cluster. The JCW GP is also pretty well equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, a must-have in the premium segment, going some way to make up for the lack of Android Auto. 

The Mini John Cooper Works GP is available at all authorised MINI dealerships across the country, with prices set at RM377,470.90 including the current SST tax exemption for fully-imported vehicles.

The Mini JCW GP is covered by the same 4-year/unlimited mileage warranty as other MINI models, along with 5-years roadside assistance and other benefits. 

Reckon that this is the track machine to set your heart alight? Let us know in the comments below. 

GALLERY: 2020 MINI John Cooper Works GP – RM377,470.90 with SST exemption

Q by Aston Martin Creates New 007 Limited Edition Sports Cars to Celebrate ‘No Time To Die’

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Aston Martin is celebrating the release of the 25th James Bond film, with two exclusive 007 special editions inspired by the cars featured in No Time to Die. This new collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios, delivers exciting new 007 editions of the Aston Martin Vantage and DBS Superleggera.

No Time To Die will be released around the world in November 2020 and will feature no fewer than four iconic Aston Martin sports cars: the iconic DB5; the classic Aston Martin V8; the brand’s latest super GT, DBS Superleggera; and the exceptional Aston Martin Valhalla – the company’s forthcoming mid-engined hypercar.

The two special editions that celebrate the release of No Time To Die, each of which is being offered in limited numbers to buyers around the world from today, have been carefully designed and crafted by the experts in Aston Martin’s bespoke division: Q by Aston Martin. Aspiring to offer the ultimate in bespoke personalisation services, Q by Aston Martin delivers both carefully curated special editions such as these, as well as the opportunity for individual owners to embark on the creation of utterly individual sports cars via the Q by Aston Martin – Commission service.

The first of the two models is the Vantage 007 Edition, inspired by the original Aston Martin V8 which made its 007 debut in The Living Daylights in 1987 and also features in No Time to Die. The movie sees James Bond uncover the car from his personal lock-up in London.

Building on the formidable sporting style and aggressive performance of the regular Vantage, the new car features unique exterior styling treatments led by a bespoke mesh grille with chrome bezel that references the look of the brand’s classic V8. Further styling details include a dashed yellow diffuser inspired by the hazard stripes on the film car’s rockets. The Vantage 007 Edition can even be delivered with a set of The Living Daylights inspired limited edition skis and ski rack – referencing the ‘winterised’ V8 saloon from the film.

The car will be delivered in authentic Cumberland Grey exterior paint colour, whilst the interior will be presented in obsidian black leather and dark chrome with 007 branding applied on the centre console of cars equipped with a manual gearbox. The sun visors of all the cars will carry another subtle film reference in the shape of an embroidered radio station frequency – 96.60 (FM) – which 007 buffs will know was the Russian police frequency Bond used to aid his escape in The Living Daylights.

The seats themselves feature unique heritage fluting reminiscent of that seen in the V8, along with carbon fibre seat backs and, in a particularly detailed nod to the 1980s film, the outline of cello ‘f holes’ inspired by the memorable cello chase scene featuring James Bond (Timothy Dalton) and Kara Milovy (Maryam D’Abo).

The driver can indulge themselves further with a laser-etched gadget plaque that references the various weapons and devices seen on the original film car. These included a rocket motor, missiles, lasers, a targeting display and ski outriggers. Cross hairs etched onto the car’s paddle shift gear levers allude to the missile guidance system seen in the film, too. Available as a manual or automatic, the Vantage 007 Edition also boasts a side strake Vantage badge and is limited to 100 units globally.

“Creating a 007 Edition is always an exciting challenge as we work to develop and style a car that embodies the legend of James Bond. It is an honour to apply the carefully-judged 007-inspired styling to our sports cars, which gives our customers the opportunity to own a unique piece of both cinematic and automotive history.”

Marek Reichman, Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin

To celebrate the James Bond debut of the range-topping Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, a second unique 007 Edition has been created.

Strictly limited to just 25 production cars available worldwide and featuring the same specification as the muscular DBS Superleggera featured in the upcoming film, the car has a suitably menacing road presence.

The 715bhp provided by the DBS Superleggera’s 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbocharged engine is befitting of the car’s range-topping status while its torque peak, at 900Nm, is not only substantial in its own right but, as things currently stand, the greatest torque figure for any roadgoing Aston Martin yet produced.

To this potent mix, the DBS Superleggera 007 Edition adds a raft of styling and design enhancements that further elevate its appeal. The car sports special Ceramic Grey exterior paint with the roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade II featured in black tinted carbon fibre. Also unique to the 007 Edition are visually striking Gloss Black diamond-turned Y-Spoke 21” wheels. This special edition also features a 007 fender badge, finished in chrome with a black enamel infill and Stainless Steel Silver 007 foil applied to the rear spoiler blade.

Inside, the cockpit of this DBS Superleggera is a dark, brooding, leather-clad environment with flashes of red detailing the outline of the seats. Subtle 007 branding can be found on the door cards, armrest buckle badge and on the rear sub-woofer cover. The car is finished with a sill plaque that recognises it is one of just 25 DBS Superleggera 007 Editions. 

The DBS Superleggera 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from RRP £279,025 (RM1,530,763.75 before tax) and the Vantage 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from RRP £161,000 (RM883,264.81 before tax)are on sale separately now. First deliveries will begin in Q1 2021.

GALLERY: Q BY ASTON MARTIN CREATES NEW 007 LIMITED EDITION SPORTS CARS TO CELEBRATE ‘NO TIME TO DIE’

2020 PROTON Saga Anniversary Edition – Only 1,100 Units, RM39,300

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National automotive flagbearer PROTON has today marked the 35th birthday of their inaugural Saga, the model that started it all, with a commemorative limited edition version of its compact saloon. With a production run of just 1,100 units, the 35th anniversary model will surely be a hot commodity – especially since its RM39,300 price means it asks no more than the model upon which it’s based.

On that subject, there are no major mechanical or specification changes, aside from the aesthetics. So under the bonnet still lies a 1.3L VVT engine producing 95PS and 120Nm, sending power to the front wheels via a Hyundai 4AT transmission. There are still things like electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution with brake assist, anti-lock brakes, hill-hold assist, and two airbags, as well as the LED daytime running lights that came as part of the facelift last year. The interior specification remains the same too – touchscreen infotainment unit, a smarter-designed meter cluster, and plusher fabrics used for the headlining and seat upholstery.

Now, onto the special bits. The 35th anniversary Saga marries a unique black paintjob with yellow accents, namely on the upper grille, the rear bumper garnish, and the wing mirrors. Not to be overlooked are the alloys – while they’re the same 15-inch units as before, they’ve now been given a matte-grey finish with a high-gloss silver lip, making them stand out quite a bit (and no doubt giving current owners ideas).

Inside, the air-conditioning surrounds on either side are done in gloss black, while the vent sliders are finished in the same matching yellow hue. Not to end there, the same colour is applied to the meter cluster surrounds, as well as to the little ‘tray’ that sits beneath the ‘PROTON’ script in the centre stack.

Unfortunately however, the snazzy bodykit you see here (door visors, front lip & side skirts) are an option, along with some new items like a boot tray, bonnet NVH insulator (called ‘NVH Guard’), and boot NVH insulator (also called ‘NVH Guard’). For the time being, these items can be bundled together on the Anniversary Edition or any facelifted PROTON Saga for RM2,035 – which represents a major savings given that individually-optioned they’d come up to RM2,350.

PROTON also took the opportunity to announce that the new Saga Anniversary Edition will come fitted with an N95-grade cabin air filter, which will now be offered on all new PROTON cars and be available for retrofitment on existing models. Retailing at RM59, these N95 filters will come in very handy to filter out smoke particulates, certain bacteria, and other harmful elements in the air. And between now and the 9th of October 2020, the N95 filter retrofit will be offered at a promotional price of just under RM52.

The Saga is an important model for PROTON, being the entry-level model into the lineup. Of the cars that were introduced through the course of 2019, the Saga was given the most attention by DRB-Hicom & Geely in its refresh. The new PROTON team made major upgrades to the Saga’s refinement, poise, and even its driving characteristics, enhancing a car that has was always impressive at its core but disappointed in the details.

With a more refined finish than ever before, plus the added emphasis by PROTON to keep customers excited and engaged, we’ve no doubt that there are many, many chapters to go in the story of the PROTON Saga.

What’s your Saga story? Let us know in the comments below!