The first generation of Mini Cooper was introduced in 2001. As the first Mini produced under BMW ownership, the Mini Cooper continued the tradition of the Classic Mini, while bringing the famous car into the present. The first generation Cooper was offered as a front wheel drive Hardtop or Convertible, powered by a range of naturally aspirated or supercharged inline four engines. Alongside the base model was the sporty variant known as the Mini Cooper S, which was offered as a Cooper S Hardtop and Cooper S Convertible. To commemorate the end of hardtop production in 2006, the special edition John Cooper Works GP variant was introduced. As was common with the Classic Mini, the new Mini Cooper was commonly used as a Race Car. While first generation Mini Cooper was replaced by the Second Generation Mini Cooper in 2006, the first generation convertible (including the Cooper S) was built until 2008.