The 2027 Mini 1998 GT Delivers a JCW Suspension At a Sub-$40,000 PriceRoad & TrackFred SmithFri, September 11, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleMini 1998 GT Offers JCW Suspension, Base EngineMINIThe current version of the Mini Cooper S is a solid sub-compact hatchback with a healthy 201-horsepower output, but buyers looking for a more performance-oriented Mini would typically steer themselves toward the higher-end JCW variant instead. The $6000 gap in MSRP between the two leaves just enough room in the lineup for a slightly more affordable performance model, however—and Mini is now capitalizing on the opportunity.Called the Mini 1998 GT, the latest two-door hatchback from the brand is a special edition with the suspension and brake setups from the more expensive JCW. Unfortunately for buyers hoping for the 201 hp of the S, though, the 1998 GT gets its power from a 161-hp variant of the company's four-cylinder only otherwise found in the most basic Mini Cooper C. The focus here is on the most performance possible without an upgraded engine, making this a hot hatch without the heat.MINIMini bills the 1998 GT as the sixth of eight limited-edition "Icon Drop" releases "inspired by sneaker culture," but the choice to offer serious performance components with the more basic Mini powertrain is a more unique offering than the usual special edition colors, stripes and custom badges. By combining the most important parts of the JCW on the base model, Mini has essentially made something like a Porsche 911 Carrera T or a Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport for its core product.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn theory, that is a setup for an affordable performance hatchback at a relatively affordable price. Unfortunately for buyers looking for a bargain, Mini has not exactly undercut the JCW by a significant margin here. That car may not be as special as its predecessors, but its $40,250 starting fee is not all that crazy for a modern performance car. The 1998 GT, meanwhile, starts at $38,225. Not only is that more expensive than a basic Cooper S that has 40 more hp, it makes the GT model just $2025 cheaper than that full-throated JCW with 60 more horses.MINIStill, the number gets the 1998 GT in under the $40,000 price point. That difference is enough to make this special edition a little bit more attainable than the mainline JCW, even if it is a fairly small margin for a car at such a significant power disadvantage. Reservations for the latest "Icon drop" are open now, with the final two of the eight limited-run cars set to be revealed next month and in March of 2027.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
