Although it was first seen at the Mini United event back in May, exact details of the limited edition Mini John Cooper Works GP have remained a mystery.

But now, just ahead of its appearance at the Paris Motor Show, Mini has released more information about its fastest ever production model.

Mini John Cooper Works GP (2012) Front Side 2

The headline performance figures are a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph (242 km/h). Of more relevance to everyday driving though is the 50 - 70 mph (80 - 120 km/h) increment, which takes a very respectable 5.9 seconds in fifth gear.

Those figures have partly been achieved through weight reduction - there are no rear seats, for instance - but the revamped 1.6 litre twin-scroll turbo engine has to take most of the credit. Driving via a six speed manual transmission, it develops 214 bhp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 260 Nm (191 lb/ft) of peak torque, although this rises to 280 Nm (206 lb/ft) when using the overboost function.

Efficiency has invariably suffered, but an average fuel consumption of 39.8 mpg (7.1 l/100km) and carbon dioxide emissions of 165 g/km aren’t too bad.

To go with the extra performance, the chassis has also received some upgrades. In an effort to reduce understeer and enhance agility, the camber of the wheels front and rear has been increased, front wheel toe-in has been decreased and the front dampers are mounted upside-down. Adjustable coilover suspension means that the ride height can be varied by 20 mm, which for those who know what they’re doing might be useful for fine-tuning the set-up.

Stopping is taken care of by a more powerful braking system, which features discs with six-piston calipers all-round. They sit behind low weight 17” alloy wheels that come shod with special 215/40 R17 sports tyres. Standard-size 205/45 R17 rubber is available as an alternative and, as fair warning, Mini is indicating that these will offer better grip in wet or low temperature conditions.

There’ll be no mistaking a John Cooper Works GP, thanks to its Thunder Grey paintwork, red detailing and lurid graphics. The body kit is also unique, and it’s functional as well as decorative. Indeed, it’s claimed that overall aerodynamic drag has been reduced by six per cent, while the rear diffuser and roof spoiler together have slashed rear axle lift forces by ninety per cent.

Just 2,000 examples of the Mini John Cooper Works GP are going to be built. Of those, only 200 are destined for the UK, where the price will be £28,790.

That’s a significant £6,335 more than a regular Mini John Cooper Works, which isn’t much slower in terms of both acceleration and top speed. Or, to put it another way, the same amount could buy two Mini One hatchbacks with change to spare…