A bigger MINI to be based on Fiat platform?
We're not sure that a bigger MINI Cooper is exactly what the buying public at large has been waiting for, but it is exactly what they might get. We would certainly hope that the small-size MINI would remain in the line, though that would certainly negate whatever savings BMW is hoping for by collaborating with Fiat on the project in the first place. Fiat will be using the platform for the next Grande Punto, due in 2011. MINI would not use the platform until 2012 at the earliest, followed up by Alfa Romeo's planned MiTo successor a year later. Also on the docket is a new Fiat-sourced 1.6L four-banger, which would be the third 1.6L engine used by BMW for the MINI in as many platforms.
It sounds as if BMW would like to save a few million euros in the development cost of the next MINI so it can continue building its larger rear-wheel drive passenger cars and *ugh* sports activity vehicles. What's more, the expected costs to hit future targeted fuel economy standards are rather staggering. This being the case, despite the huge sales potential of the MINI brand, it could well be playing second fiddle to the larger machines from its parent company in this case.
[Source: Automotive News – sub. req'd.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
wildgoosechase73 5:12PM (7/21/2008)
This is becomming a troubling trend. Eventually the point will come that virtually all cars will be based off a relatively few platforms. What happens to consumer choice?
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steve 6:10PM (7/21/2008)
The inventor of the original mini - Sir Alec Issigonis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Issigonis) - must be turning in his grave at the thought of an even bigger mini.
As if the present mini (only in name, not in size) isnt big enough.
And all this at a time when gas prices are increasing and everyone is looking for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. Is there anyone awake at the auto companies?
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Brent 6:34PM (7/21/2008)
Increasing the size of MIMI vehicles will be the death of that brand.
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Josh 7:26PM (7/21/2008)
Ah, America gets its talons into the poor, unassuming Mini brand. "FASTER, BIGGER, WIDER, TALLER" screams the public. Or do they???
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Nick 10:31PM (7/21/2008)
The original Mini was awesome, the remake was great, but the new larger Mini Clubman....is incredibly ugly !
What happened ? And why do we need a big mini ?
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