Photo: MINI USA. Press image; the manufacturer notes that some images may be computer-generated.
MINI has presented the 1998 GT edition, a two-door model that combines the engine of the US Cooper C with several John Cooper Works components. The car does not receive a power increase, but it has JCW suspension, brakes, shift paddles and aerodynamic parts.
The number in the name does not indicate the year of introduction. It refers to the engine displacement of 1,998 cm³ and continues a tradition that began in 1969 with the Mini 1275 GT.
About 163 hp, but JCW chassis parts
The basis is the MINI Cooper C 2 Door in United States specification. The 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder develops 161 hp, equivalent to about 163 PS, and 249 Nm. The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Those figures remain those of a US Cooper C. For comparison, the two-door Cooper S offered in the same market has 201 hp, or about 204 PS. The 1998 GT is therefore not trying to be the fastest version in the range, but one oriented more towards chassis response and a sporty look.
MINI fits John Cooper Works suspension and brakes, as well as steering-wheel paddles. The exterior package includes a front spoiler, side sills, side elements and JCW aerodynamic extensions.
Photo: MINI USA. The Midnight Black Metallic bodywork is finished with orange accents and 17-inch JCW wheels.
Black, orange and 1998 GT badging
The edition is available in Midnight Black Metallic and uses 17-inch black JCW Sprint Spoke wheels. Orange graphics on the doors and sills carry the 1998 GT inscription, and dedicated badges also appear on the C-pillar and at the rear.
The interior gets JCW sport seats in Vescin and black textile. The heated three-spoke steering wheel has paddles and a 1998 GT emblem. The edition name also appears on the sills, floor mats, key fob and centre console.
Photo: MINI USA. The sport seats and heated steering wheel come from the John Cooper Works catalogue.
From 1275 GT to 1499 GT and 1998 GT
MINI links the new model to the 1275 GT, launched in 1969 and named after its 1,275 cm³ engine. The same formula was later reused by the 1499 GT, a special series that referred to the 1,499 cm³ displacement.
The 1998 GT is the sixth of eight models in the US “Icon Drops” programme. The manufacturer says the edition will be available in limited quantities from autumn 2026, without communicating the exact number of cars for now.
Will the MINI 1998 GT reach Romania?
The model was announced by MINI USA and is configured on the US Cooper C. There is, at the time of publication, no confirmation for Europe or Romania. The European range and specifications differ from those in the United States, so this edition’s power figures and equipment should not be extrapolated to a Cooper C sold locally.
In the US, the announced list price before shipping and taxes is equivalent to about €31,500 at the exchange rate at the time of the presentation. A possible European version would have its own price and a specification adapted to the local market.
Sources: MINI USA – official 1998 GT page, MINI USA – Cooper 2 Door specifications, Motor1 – MINI 1998 GT presentation
