Mini has unveiled the next special edition model under its "Icon drop" series, hand-picking bits from the John Cooper Works cars and tossing them in with the base powertrain.
Think of the 2027 Mini 1998 GT Edition as a handling package. It starts with the base Cooper C, keeping the 161-horsepower version of the 2.0L turbo-four under the hood. The name is a reference to the engine size in cubic centimetres, itself a nod to the very first Mini 1275 GT. But unlike the original, the 1998 GT Edition uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What the 1998 GT Edition does add is a handful of goodies from Mini's spicier John Cooper Works models. It uses the same suspension and brake setup as the spicier cars, as well as the same transmission tune as the JCWs, and paddle shifters. It also wears the same stylistic bits as the JCW inside and out.
Mini hasn't announced Canadian pricing or availability for the 1998 GT Edition just yet, but it carries a US$38,225 price tag south of the border. That's about $2,000 less than a fully baked, 228-horsepower Mini JCW, and a few thousand more than a standard Cooper S. Worth it?