& Development of a successor to MINI's 2006 limited-build JCW GP appears near complete, with these thinly disguised prototypes spotted recently near the Nürburgring.

& The previous GP model was used to farewell the R50 model MINI, and featured several weight-reduction measures and the 163kW John Cooper Works (JCW) mechanical spec, making it the quickest of all R50s.

& These spy shots appear to be a prototype GP version of the current R56 MINI, and clearly reference the original with its four spoke wheels.

& With R56 production set to end in 2013, the timing of a new GP model would be in line with tradition.

& MINI boss, Dr Kay Segler announced recently that such a model would be unveiled at next month's MINI United event in France, and that it would feature mechanical, suspension, and body upgrades akin to the original GP.

& The prototype pictured hints at a carbon fibre bonnet, unique front and rear bumpers with more aggressive intakes and diffuser, all in line with Segler's announcement.

& Meanwhile, some reports suggest that MINI may be preparing a range of GP models, and using the moniker as somewhat of an equivalent to parent company BMW's 'M' brand.

& These reports are supported by the appearance of a prototype MINI Coupe wearing GP-style wheels in the background of the featured shots showing the Cooper GP prototype entering BMW's Nürburg test centre.

& A more hardcore GP sub-brand could be distinguished from regular JCW models, in a similar approach used by BMW with its 'M' cars in their more extreme performance focus than 'M Performance line' models.