Rumormill: MINI 4x4 under development
With the new MINI on its way and the Clubman on the horizon, how else can BMW capitalize on the iconic hatch's popularity? Diversify.
According to AutoExpress' sources within BMW/MINI, the Cooper will likely come equipped with some manner of all-wheel-drive in the future, along with an "intelligent" transmission and a flexible interior that makes the most of the interior space. If such a beast comes to fruition, the possibility of a crossover version and even a pickup variant are also in the cards.
That last part leaves us a little stunned and somewhat worried about brand dilution, even if they are just rumors. Then again, with total sales of the new MINI likely to reach one million sometime in 2007, the automaker's momentum may allow for some interesting spinoffs.
[Source: AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Owen 8:44AM (11/21/2006)
I think that would be great if they kept the exterior dimensions the same, otherwise I think it would be a total brand diluting abomination. 4x4, and a little extra ground clearance, sure! I mean who wouldn't want to be able to take thier MINI in the snow (it already does fairly well with a good set of snow tires and all of its electronic wizardry) But making it larger... it'll no longer be a MINI.
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Al English 9:22AM (11/21/2006)
Maybe what is needed is an updated version of the Morris Minor - it was larger than the original Mini Minor, and was available in convertible and station wagon versions. Having a new one built by BMW could only improve it...
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Peter 9:35AM (11/21/2006)
> But making it larger... it'll no longer be a MINI.
Funny, considering that the current car is 2' longer, 1' wider and more than 1000lbs heavier than a real Mini...
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Dustin 10:26AM (11/21/2006)
I think their concern isn't to make a MINI 4x4 Jeep-type vehicle, but to offer a CVT + AWD sort of driveline to be able to pump out more power and have the traction to put it to use.
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Eric 12:24AM (11/23/2006)
Actually, the original mini had a pickup variant, so I would hesitate to call it brand dilution
pic:
http://www.nopistons.com/forums/gallery/gallery_59_16_1078286991.jpg
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Richard Warren 11:32AM (11/21/2006)
#2 Yep and do a retro job and have them look like the old Morris Minor. Had one, what a blast.
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Steve S 1:44PM (11/21/2006)
A mini with 300hp and AWD would be some serious fun. Keep everything else the same.
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PJ 2:29PM (11/21/2006)
It'll be pretty hard for MINI to keep up their fuel-miser advertising pitch if they add AWD and a couple hundred extra pounds to this platform, while worsening aerodynamics with a taller stance.
As it is, MINIs aren't particularly fuel-efficient for their size... the non-supercharged version's 28/36 MPG is the same as a base Pontiac Vibe's, and worse than a 5-speed Civic's or Corolla's.
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johdaxx 2:30PM (11/22/2006)
AWD Mini Cooper S - next stop, WRC.
Possibly that's why they enlarged it slightly, to make room for other motorsport features that wouldn't fit in the cramped shell as it was.
Sign me up. :)
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Spule4 8:17PM (11/21/2006)
What, no open body like the Mini-Moke? Tisk tisk.....
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John riley 8:53PM (11/21/2006)
There is at least one of these mini pickup things in Toronto:
http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/ads%252fpromotions/specialty-vehicles-for-marketing-red-bull-mini-120383.php
I think the moke is an interesting idea.
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Spule4 11:40PM (11/21/2006)
Actually, I am surprised that with the rest of the world and style looking at nostlagia, that the "retro" bit has not kicked in more....
Bolt on Riley Elf/Wolseley grille and badge conversion?
The infamous Hooper modified car (with painted wicker) for Peter Sellers that Radford duplicated....see "Shot in the Dark" for this sharp little car.
Yes, Radford is modifying the new Mini. Like the old one? No, what did Radford do...made it look like a Honda Civic owned by an 18 year old American kid. Zzzzzz......
Back on the task at hand....would a AWD Mini = WRC?
The return of red "works" cars anyone?
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Spule4 11:45PM (11/21/2006)
Here are photos of the abovementioned Radford car:
http://www.theclassictimes.com/english/cinema/Ashotinthedark.asp
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Brian McMahon 1:02PM (12/04/2006)
"brand dilution" ? lolol Product enhancement to capitalise on the image and the market more like.
Other have noted a couple of the variants on the original, but they were many and successful too !
There was a pickup, a van and a station wagon version, all based on a longer vehicle
Plus, the Mini Moke of course, but also, when that went out of production in UK, the tooling went to Australia, where they produced the Moke (not mini) on the same basic body, but much strengthened, 13" wheels and ground clearance same as below the diff on a Land Rover. It had 1100 and 1275 engines, plus all brake and fuel lines inside the body work for protection and a massive works type rally sumpguard. I drove one across the Sahara in 1972.
They even experimented with an AWD drive version of the Moke, but decided it was too expensive for the (then) market. I suspect something similar would sell well in today's world, without "diluting" anything ! lol
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Tyler Edmondson 4:39PM (11/28/2006)
I think this is a poor idea, when will all these companies get off the SUV kick!
Tyler
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