‘emotional and dynamic' MINI john cooper works GP 2020 integrates 3D-printed parts
drawing from the brand’s legendary motor racing achievements, the 2020 MINI john cooper works GP debuts at the los angeles auto show from november 22 – december 1, 2019. distilling the racing essence of the modern MINI, the two-seater car embodies maximum performance (up to 301 horsepower) and uncompromising dynamics. limited to just 3,000 units, the 2020 model, previewed by designboom here, is expected to impress — like its limited-edition predecessors from 2013 and 2006.
all images courtesy of BMW group
the exterior design elements convey emotion and top-level performance. true to the sporty characteristics of the MINI john cooper works, the car features hood scoop in the bonnet and a hexagonal honeycomb grille with a GP logo in the radiator grille. ‘the side view of the mini john cooper works GP reveals the sportiest mini silhouette to date,’ explains the MINI design team. ‘the interplay between the narrowing window area and the rising shoulder line traces a wedge shape at the side that gives the impression of acceleration even when the car is stationary.’
creating a powerful sense of depth, the overall racing grey metallic finish of the MINI john cooper works GP exterior alternates between light grey and blue-violet. the roof and mirror caps are finished in melting silver and the rest of the elements are finished in high-gloss black. the accents, including the GP logo, are finished in high-gloss chili red and matte rosso metallic.
the 18” forged wheels are the lightest ever to feature in the MINI, helping significantly with weight efficiency. minimalistic in form and color, MINI has focused on involving technology with its production methods to further minimize its product by introducing exposed wheel arch covers made out of hexagonal stitched carbon fiber.
‘the use of lightweight materials such as carbon fibre optimists the power-to-weight ratio, while the highly optimized axle load distribution promises the hallmark MINI go kart feeling,’ continues the design team. the car also has no rear seating — as was the case in the predecessor models — to achieve the lowest possible overall weight.
3D-printing, the latest production technique, is used to create the aluminum shift paddles, steering wheel clasp and trim strip on the passenger seat. each decorative strip is unique, bearing the vehicle’s limited-edition production number. ‘MINI demonstrates a whole new dimension of how 3D printing can be integrated in the serial production process. it does not only raise customization to a new level, it also enables entirely new forms of design style that were not previously possible using conventional tools.’
project info:
car model: MINI john cooper works GP
company: BMW group
release year: 2020
head of MINI design: oliver heilmer
head of MINI exterior design: thomas sycha
head of MINI interior design: christian bauer
head of MINI color and material design: kerstin schmeding
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Once again the car industry demonstrates its anachronistic, obtuse, macho, fast-and-furious attitude that sadly is no longer relevant or needed in our contemporary society. We are still sold the need to for rocket cars, aspiring to be race cars when in reality all we urgently need are intelligent, human-centred cars that address real life problems like noise and pollution reduction, with a design attitude that is informed by a new, 21st century intelligent language.
Most of cities in Europe have a speed limit of 50 or even 30 Kmh. Motorways 120kmh, so why on earth do we need oversized, obese engines that generate unnecessary, antiquated pollution and noise?
I wish influential design websites like Designboom would be more critical and stop supporting/ promoting superficial, outdated motoring case studies that do not contribute to a sustainable evolution.