THE latest MINI John Cooper Works GP will go into production next year with a run of models restricted to 3,000 units.

Prototypes of the new super hot MINI are currently being tested at the Nurburgring in Germany where the car has already put in a sub-eight minute lap time - some 23 seconds quicker than its predecessor.

Power output from its four cylinder engine is said to be more 300bhp and it is fitted with twin turbo chargers.

Large air intakes, lightweight alloys, distinctive looks to the front and rear aprons and a roof-mounted spoiler set it apart and MINI says the car will be a new benchmark in the compact market.

The new John Cooper Works model will make its public debut this weekend at the Nurburgring 24-hour race where it will appear with its immediate predecessor and a MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit which first appeared in 2006.