So, this is the fastest road-going Mini ever built. As in ever. Ever ever ever.
Want some numbers? You can't handle the numbers. Well, you probably can, but they're still rather impressive. The 2012 John Cooper Works GP has just lapped the Nurburgring Nordschliefe in 8 minutes 23 seconds - that's nearly 19 seconds quicker than its predecessor, first released in 2006.
So how, we hear you crow? Power, predominately. Mini's not telling us the exact numbers, but an indignant probe of its chief engineer at the car’s launch - held at the wonderful Mini United festival in France – didn't reveal much other than a confident look.
See all the pictures of the new Mini John Cooper Works GP
As well as tinkering with the twin-scroll turbo-founded engine, the JCW GP is a bit slipperier. Stare in befuddled ambivalence at its large front and rear aprons, then marvel at the really rather cool new diffuser. The whole underbelly's also been smoothed to help with downforce.
This is being described as a ‘track car for the road’, which also means a set of six-pot brakes on the front axle, and to help with adhesion it's got a set of Kumho tyres specifically developed for the car.
Inside, you don't get much. There are two Recaro race seats and most of the finery common to a Mini's interior's been ripped out for lightness's sake.
Want one? You'll have to be quick. Mini's only building 2000. No price details yet, but you can expect a handful will be headed Down Under.