Mini has revealed the 1499 GT - a throwback special edition paying tribute to the 1275 GT, the classic bored-out sporting special Mini built between 1969 and 1980.
Unlike the 1275 GT to which it pays tribute, the engine has not been bored out to expand its capacity; and sports suspension is the only mechanical upgrade over the standard Mini.
What’s new, however, is that it will be the first Mini to receive the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine in this state of tune - Mini is dropping the smaller 1.2-litre engine from its line-up of both three-door and five-door variants from November. The new engine set-up provides identical performance figures to the now redundant 1.2-litre unit. A Mini spokesman put this down to "simplifying engine production ahead of EU6C emissions requirements."
It’s available in black or white only and is marked out by exclusive decals with 1499 GT down the lower sides of the car - a nod to the original 1275 GT - that are gold or black, depending on the body colour. The John Cooper Works Sport Pack is included and, inside, the car has JCW sports seats, steering wheel and door entry plates.
The 1499 GT car has 17in wheels as standard that are painted black.
Under the bonnet, it’s unchanged over the standard 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged Minis, meaning 101bhp and 62mph in 10.1sec.
Mini is building the UK-only special edition between November and February, and expects the £16,990 car to sell out quickly. Sales have already started, but deliveries aren’t expected until later in November.
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MINI Updates
As a MINI owner, it would be nice to be informed via MINI of significant changes to models, I have a 5 year old MINI Cooper Clubvan, with 6-speed auto, I would like another automatic if possible, and the thought of a dual clutch affair would have been interesting to know, along with the rationalisation of the engine range. Ah well, I quite like the 1499GT, but shame they hadn't also offered it in Volcanic Orange with black decals.
Photoshop!
Those photos of the old 1275GT alongside this new monster must have been photoshopped to make the new MINI look almost as small as the old Mini!
Is it April Fools Day?
A lot more money for something with a lot less power than the Cooper.
Maybe this is a new ploy by marketing types to con more money out of people - special editions based loosley on sentimental retro models.
I'll wait for a Suzuki Swift Sport thanks (as long as Suzuki don't get greedy regarding the price).