Mini GTI in the Works?

BMW is currently looking at adding three new vehicles to the Mini lineup, including an enthusiast-targeted GTI model. U.K. auto pub AutoCar is reporting that the car would be build on the new five-door Mini platform that will also underpin the company’s upcoming crossover.

We’d welcome such a vehicle as Mini is already an enthusiast brand… so a more hard-core model from Mini can only be a good thing. The sporty new model is likely to have a base powerplant that develops 180hp, with a John Cooper Works version delivering upwards of 220hp.

The car would get unique styling cues and feature a more race-inspired interior with more seriously bolstered seats.

Even if the car does make it to market, it is unlikely to appear before 2012.

[Source: AutoCar]