well, I was scanning the usual automotive news sites, and I came across this:
http://motoringfile.com/2007/07/09/r...el-drive-mini/
Take it all with a grain of salt.

second, related article:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/r...n-development/

 

I hope that they will make an AWD mini. They already handle great, but AWD would be even better. Do you know what engine they are planning on using for this project?

 

I only know what I saw in the links. I'm no insider, just a guy who reads too many news blogs.

 

Well, if the little picture and blurb in the latest AutoWeek are any indication, then I wouldn't be holding my breath for a "street performance" oriented AWD system. It looks like MINI is leaning more toward, as AutoWeek put it... "a soft-roader" 4x4 - kind of a MINI equivalent of the Honda CRV but with more attitude. Not exactly something to compete with Quatro TTs and the like.

 

Talking about this thing? Current Road & Track.

 

Yeah, that's the one.

 

I was reading my R&T in bed, and showed that to my wife, who suddenly wasn't in the mood anymore!

 

 

Me either...

 

oh dear.

on the bright side a nice set of 19x9.5 HREs and a set of H&R coils could make that sucker look mean!!!!

 

Ugg...I'd rather go with this...

 

I was thinking when I read this thread of a nice subtle MINI with 4WD, classic stealth, blow the doors of AUDIs of the lessor kind, etc.

Then I saw the R&T picture, BULLFROG came to mind.

Forget it!

I have Jeeps for this.....

 

 

Seemed like the text description and the pic weren't really describing the same thing, though.

From what I read, I gathered to would basiclly be the R55 Clubman with AWD, some suspension tweeks (a little higher and softer) and a little bit different wheels and tires ("soft roaders"). I pictured somthing more like a small Volvo XC70 wagon-like car vs. that 4x4 FJ/small SUV mock-up they showed.

If it did turn out to be an AWD clubman... I think it would be great!

That other thing... well, not so much.

 

First, BMW ruined their entire line-up with Banglized cars, now they are going to ruin the MINI brand with MINI sport-utes! What a shame

 

Word is, the R60 will be a clubman-type ride wrapped tightly around a four cylinder version of the powerplant in the 335d, producing over 300 pound ft.

 

It would be a completley different engine, considering the 335d is a 6 cylinder, with asymetrical turbos. They can't just cut off two cylinders.

 

if they make an awd Clubman, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. That other...thing...is hideous.

 

As long as they leave the Mini hatchback as two wheel drive, I will be a happy camper. The day all Mini's go AWD, is the day I will be driving my last Mini.

 

Why is that?

 

The added weight and complexity is simply useless to me. Long term costs are going to be higher. Fuel economy will be worse. Maintenance costs are higher.

Technology for the sake of technology irritates me. The base Cooper does not have enough power to warrant 4 wheel drive.

 

BINGO!

 

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

 

It's funny. The front of that thing looks a lot like this "smiley":

 

Not very cool. That ute mock up, or the gay jokes.