BMW and Fiat working together for new Isetta and Topolino revivals?
We've been hearing rumblings that BMW and Fiat were working together on the development of new small vehicle platforms for a while now. With the German automaker working on an Isetta revival and the Italian firm moving forward with a new Topolino, it makes sense that the two companies would join forces on a single platform for the two small retromobiles.
According to Auto Express in the UK, work is far enough along that we could see both new city cars by 2011. If current rumors are true, the cars will feature a rear-mounted engine and four seats, putting the machines on par with the new Toyota iQ and upcoming Up! from Volkswagen. Light weight would be ensured through the use of aluminum and carbon fiber for the chassis and, possibly, plastic bodywork.
An electric drivetrain featuring one motor for each of the four wheels and a thin battery pack sandwiched under the passenger compartment is also likely. If there's any truth to these rumors, we could see a concept vehicle on the new platform wearing a MINI badge at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.
[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mirko 2:06AM (3/17/2009)
"If current rumors are true, the cars will feature a rear-mounted engine and four seats, putting the machines on par with the new Toyota iQ and upcoming Up! from Volkswagen."
Which are both front-engined and front-wheel-drive. (iQ already in production, with the Up! originally planned as a RWD car but switched to FWD for economies of scale reasons)
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NeilBlanchard 6:41AM (3/17/2009)
Hiya,
Having a rear wheel drive Mini would be more than ironic -- and it would be a very sad day. The original Mini "invented" the transverse engine front wheel drive layout...
Neil
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