Future MINIs to get, um, mini-er
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the MINI Crossover Concept
Question: What's the maximum size that a can a car be that's called a MINI? Answer: Exactly 4 meters and 10 centimeters long, or 162 inches. Wouldn't 'cha know, that's exactly the length of the latest MINI Crossover concept from the diminutive brand? Moving forward, it sounds as if there will be two different platforms for future products from BMW's MINI brand, and both of them could be shared with Fiat. One of them could end up being a bit larger than the current Cooper, the other just a bit smaller. We are left wondering if the MINI brand will be blessed with the long-rumored Isetta revival as opposed to its parent company.
Rumors also abound regarding the powertrain of future MINI products. Engines seem likely to be supplied by Fiat moving forward, with a 1.6-liter four cylinder for the Cooper and a possible twin cylinder powerplant for the Isetta revival. Whatever the case, Mini Global Brand Manager Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht assures us that it will be cute and fun to drive.
Gallery: Paris 2008: MINI Crossover Concept
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jeffzekas 2:51PM (10/08/2008)
MINI should go back to basics: measure and photograph the ORIGINAL Mini, and use THAT as their role model and standard! How about putting the "old" Mini body on a new drivetrain, and sell it as a "classic" MINI? And why not downsize the motor, offering 850 cc and 998 and 1275 cc versions?... You would have better fuel economy, and the design would be more in keeping with Alec Issigonis' vision of what the Mini should be!!!
Reply
Tom Price 3:07PM (10/08/2008)
"Alec Issigonis' vision of what the Mini should be!" I seem to remember that the criteria was just big enough to carry four men in bowler hats and luggage. Toyota ruined the xB the Mini is NOT Mini. Tundra and Tacoma grew to obscene sizes and they wonder why nobody is buying. We are being freeze dried in the US with fuel prices. People are driving 30 BILLION less miles in six months because of this, and the auto makers keep making cars bigger with much worse fuel efficiency. I read where the Scion gets 22 MPG highway. What a pathetic joke. My full size Dodge RAM crew cab Diesel betters that (24+ MPG at 65 MPG, 26+ at 47 MPH). Come on you guys bring us some efficient clean Diesel cars and you will get my money.