One doesn't traditionally associate limited production runs with Mini, but when you're talking about the Mini John Cooper Works GP, you'll know you're talking about something rare and incredibly special. Just 3,000 of the range-topping, most powerful Mini ever are being produced globally, but while the first US units have just been delivered, someone in France has just totaled theirs with fewer than 14 miles on the clock.
What makes it worse is that not only did YouTuber Pog manage to wreck his JCW GP on the day of delivery, but he did so without even leaving his own garden.
Due to lockdown regulations in France, Pog takes delivery of his JCW GP in impressive fashion. A massive crate arrives at his house, adding to the theatrical 'unboxing' nature of the video. But because the lockdown means people need to stay at home, Pog isn't able to take his new toy out on the road. Instead, he settles for a few hot laps around his garden. No problem, right? Wrong.
After lapping the house numerous times, the garden takes a bit of a beating, and eventually, he catches a divot in the grass that sends the JCW GP head over heels. With just 14 miles on the clock, the limited edition hot hatch has been rolled. Fortunately, Pog escaped without physical injury, but the bruised ego must be something else entirely.
The John Cooper Works GP is a serious piece of kit. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine under the hood produces 301 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, directed to the front axle by an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 0-62 mph takes just 5.2 seconds, but the joy is truly in the corners. A 10mm suspension drop compared to the already-lowered JCW is paired with model-specific suspension and a high-performance braking system. There's an abundance of carbon fiber, too, to reduce weight and aid in making this the most hardcore Mini money can buy.
As for how much money went down the drain in the YouTube vid, the John Cooper Works GP is priced at an MSRP of $44,900 in the US, plus an $850 destination and handling fee. Judging by the other serious metal in Pog's garage, however, we suspect the financial cost of the incident won't affect him too much.