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Mini's new 1998 GT Edition, the sixth in the Icon Drops collection, pays homage to its heritage by prioritizing agile driving dynamics over a focus on high horsepower. This limited-edition model, derived from the Cooper C 2 Door, is equipped with specialized John Cooper Works components for enhanced chassis control and braking capabilities, reaffirming Mini's commitment to a driver-centric experience.

Mini Introduces New 1998 GT Edition Focused on Driving Dynamics

Mini USA recently unveiled its latest offering, the 1998 GT Edition, marking the sixth installment in their esteemed Icon Drops series. This special edition vehicle, built upon the foundation of the Cooper C 2 Door, eschews the pursuit of raw engine power in favor of superior handling and a more engaging driving experience.

Named for its 1,998 cubic centimeter four-cylinder engine displacement, the 1998 GT is not about boasting the largest numbers. Instead, it features robust John Cooper Works (JCW) suspension and an upgraded braking system, meticulously tuned to optimize chassis response and stopping prowess. This philosophy aligns with the model's lineage, harkening back to its agile predecessors rather than modern trends of escalating horsepower.

The vehicle sports a distinctive Midnight Black Metallic finish, complemented by exclusive GT decals and JCW-inspired aerodynamic elements, including unique winglets and 17-inch black wheels. While it shares the Cooper C 2 Door's turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 161 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters, its true character shines through its performance-oriented chassis modifications.

Prospective buyers can pre-order the 1998 GT Edition, with deliveries anticipated to commence in the coming autumn. Priced at $36,875, excluding a $1,350 destination fee, this model positions itself as a premium option for enthusiasts who value precision and control over raw speed, despite its output being modest compared to the higher-tiered Cooper S.

The design ethos of the 1998 GT draws inspiration from the original 1275 GT, manufactured between 1969 and 1980, and the more recent 2020 Cooper 1499 GT special edition. Both models emphasized handling and driver engagement. By naming the car after its engine size rather than its power output, Mini deliberately echoes this historical approach. While Mini has not specified a production cap for the 1998 GT, it is described as a limited release, reflecting the brand's strategy of maintaining exclusivity through carefully curated design and limited availability, as seen with other recent special editions like the Rooftop Edition and the 1965 Victory Edition.

The introduction of the Mini 1998 GT Edition serves as a potent reminder that automotive excellence isn't solely defined by brute force or breakneck speeds. This vehicle champions the art of handling, precision, and the pure joy of driving, qualities that resonate deeply with true driving enthusiasts. It’s a bold statement in an era where power figures often dominate headlines. For those who appreciate a car that feels connected to the road, responsive to every input, and genuinely fun to maneuver, the 1998 GT could be a benchmark. It encourages us to look beyond horsepower and consider the holistic driving experience, reminding us that sometimes, less power, combined with superior engineering, can deliver more satisfaction.

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, a vehicle engineered for uncompromised performance and exclusivity. This limited-production coupe, the second offering in the marque's prestigious Mythos series, combines raw power with meticulous weight reduction and advanced aerodynamic features. With only 30 units slated for production, all of which have already found owners, this model stands as a testament to automotive artistry and engineering prowess, embodying Mercedes-AMG's dedication to creating extraordinary driving experiences.

First teased in January, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung has now made its full debut, living up to the high expectations set by its initial reveal. The name "Spezialanfertigung," meaning "custom-made" in English, perfectly encapsulates the car's bespoke nature and extreme rarity. This road-legal beast is derived from the AMG CLE53, yet it undergoes substantial modifications to elevate its track capabilities and overall performance. Enthusiasts who appreciate the fusion of luxury and extreme performance will find this model particularly compelling.

At the heart of the CLE 646 lies a formidable twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, meticulously tuned to deliver an astonishing 637 horsepower (or 646 PS, which inspires the car's designation) and 627 pound-feet of torque. This powerhouse incorporates a flat-plane crankshaft, a design choice that significantly reduces rotating mass and sharpens throttle response, providing an exhilarating and immediate acceleration. The engine's robust cooling system features three independent circuits, ensuring optimal operating temperatures even under the most demanding conditions. A high-temperature circuit manages the engine itself, while two distinct low-temperature circuits regulate the charge air, transmission oil, and the 48-volt electrical system. Further enhancing its performance and auditory signature, the V-8's roar is channeled through a unique exhaust system, developed in collaboration with Akrapovič, featuring lightweight titanium components.

A critical divergence from its CLE53 predecessor is the CLE 646's exclusive rear-wheel-drive configuration, which channels its immense power through a sophisticated nine-speed automatic transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. This setup contributes to its blistering acceleration, propelling the car from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reaching 124 mph in a mere 11.4 seconds, with a top speed of 193 mph. The vehicle's handling prowess is equally impressive, thanks to a specially engineered steel-sprung coilover suspension system equipped with four-way adjustable dampers. These dampers offer independent low-speed and high-speed rebound and compression settings, allowing drivers to fine-tune the ride for various track conditions. Stopping power is provided by a high-performance braking system featuring ventilated and perforated carbon-ceramic discs, measuring 16.5 inches at the front and 14.2 inches at the rear, clamped by six-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear.

The exterior design of the CLE 646 is as aggressive as its powertrain, featuring a body widened by 2.4 inches and reinforced to enhance structural rigidity. The bulging front fenders, complete with large air outlets, are crafted from carbon fiber, a material extensively used across the front end, side sills, hood, roof, and rear bumper. These lightweight components, combined with innovations such as a polycarbonate rear window and rear side windows, and a lighter 12-volt starter battery, contribute to a substantial weight reduction of approximately 375 pounds compared to the CLE53. The car's front fascia is dominated by numerous intakes, which not only contribute to its menacing aesthetic but also efficiently cool the engine and brakes. The grille now extends to the front splitter, complemented by a prominent hood vent. At the rear, a massive diffuser, stacked quad exhaust outlets, and an unmistakable, manually adjustable rear wing generate over 550 pounds of downforce at top speed. The CLE 646 rides on 20-inch forged wheels, shod with 305/30 front and 335/30 rear tires, providing exceptional grip and stability.

The interior echoes the extreme, performance-oriented philosophy, sacrificing comfort elements for a more focused driving experience. The rear seats and acoustic insulation material have been removed, and the sound system is simplified. The number of drive modes and assistance systems has been reduced, streamlining the controls on the steering wheel. Racing bucket seats provide maximum support, and an optional Performance package includes six-point harnesses and carbon fiber door panels, further emphasizing its track-ready nature. This second Mythos car, following the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed roadster (based on the SL63 and lacking a roof or windshield), underscores Mercedes-AMG's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance and exclusivity. While the exact price remains undisclosed, its limited production run suggests a significant premium over the CLE53's starting price of $78,850.