There are cars we get excited about and there are cars we simply cannot wait to drive, those that promise a different kind of insane driving experience. The long-promised Mini John Cooper Works GP definitely falls into the latter category. The name is usually kept for the most hardcore and lightweight Mini Cooper models, which bodes well even before you see the mission statement of the extra bodywork. Our spy photographers caught the new Mini John Cooper Works GP earlier in the year while being tested, but this time it has shown up completely unadorned by camouflage in what appears to be finished form.

The images show the John Cooper Works GP in all of its glory. What's most obviously new since our last set of spy shots were taken is the red highlighting theme in the form of a band across the new grille and front splitter, and red stripes down the side of the doors. The bold four-spoke wheels are also new and fit right in with other over-the-top and aggressive aspects like the huge rear wing perched at the back of the roof and the unique wheel arches. As promised, the new wheels fill the massive wheel arches nicely.

Only 3000 units of the Mini John Cooper Works GP are slated for production and Mini has confirmed it will feature a twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, most likely the same unit used by the BMW M235i Gran Coupe that produces 302 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The JCW GP is also promised to have an advanced suspension setup and be much lighter than the regular car.

Mini claims the Works GP has been lapping the Nurburgring 23 seconds faster than its previous iteration at under eight minutes. It's expected to debut late in 2019, which if you're checking your calendar, you'll notice must be pretty damn soon.