- Mini USA has unveiled the 1998 GT Edition with various JCW parts.
- Based on the Cooper C, it retains the entry-level 1,998 cc engine.
- It gets stripes and a JCW-tuned chassis but costs more than a Cooper S.
If you were born in 1998, you might think that Mini has just created your ultimate flex with the 1998 GT special edition. However, despite the fact that ’90s nostalgia is trending, the name has nothing to do with the year as it pays homage to the 1,998 cc engine that lies under the hood.
The new Mini 1998 GT is the latest chapter in a series that started back in 1969 with the classic Mini 1275 GT featuring a boxier nose, and continued with the 1499 GT in 2021. If you haven’t guessed already, all GT models are named after the displacement of their powertrains. Furthermore, the new model is the sixth out of eight Icon Drops special editions for 2026 keeping the color and trim department busy.
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While the initials are usually found in high-performance variants, the 1998 GT is actually based on the Mini Cooper C 2-Door. The Cooper C is the base variant of the ICE-powered Mini in the US, positioned under the Cooper S and the Cooper JCW hot hatches within the lineup. Still, Mini gave the GT a sportier chassis, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
Mini
Visually, the bodywork is painted in a Midnight Black Metallic shade combined with orange stripes on the profile, 1998 decals, and matching GT emblems adorning the C-pillars and the tailgate. The 17-inch JCW Sprint Spoke alloy wheels are also finished in black with orange center caps, as with the JCW bodykit that includes aerodynamic bumper extensions, side skirts, and a roof spoiler.
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Inside, owners are treated with JCW Sport Seats upholstered in a synthetic leather called Black Vescin, featuring a vintage knit pattern. Equipment includes a JCW steering wheel with a heating function, paddle shifters, and 1998 GT badging. The same emblem can be found on the scuff plates and on the Miko Box storage compartment between the front seats. Finally, GT branding adorns the floor mats and the key fob cover.
Mini
Under the hood lies the familiar turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) as in the regular Cooper C. Note that the Cooper S makes 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and the Cooper JCW generates 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS). Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
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Despite the lack of performance upgrades, the GT benefits from a sportier suspension setup and uprated brakes curated by the John Cooper Works division. These should give it sharper handling, justifying the looks.
The 2027 Mini 1998 GT Edition is available in the US market with a starting MSRP of $36,875, excluding a $1,350 destination and handling fee. This makes it more expensive than a Cooper S which is priced from $32,800 and slightly cheaper than the JCW performance flagship at $38,900. For those who prioritize exclusivity over outright performance, reservations are now open, with the first deliveries scheduled for this fall.