General MINI Talk Shared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

MINI and Fiat - Light Weight Rear Engine Model

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 6, 2009 | 10:15 AM
  #1  
MiNiBeamer's Avatar
MiNiBeamer
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
MINI and Fiat - Light Weight Rear Engine Model

Seems like it is slowly becoming closer to a reality, although, I am certain (and hope) it will look nothing like the concept proposed in the article.

According to a report in U.K.-Mag AutoExpress, MINI and BMW are currently working with Fiat to develop several new cars, including a new light-weight MINI model that will have its engine out back.
That’s right, the new car will be a small four-seater with as long a wheelbase as the body will allow - giving the new model a safe and stable ride as well as a gripping driving experience. It will also feature plenty of glass up front and on the sides, making visibility as ideal as possible.
The car will use both aluminum and composite materials (like carbon fiber) for a light weight chassis and may come with plastic bodywork, like that found on SMART models.
An electric model is also planned with the batteries located under the floor and individual electric motors powering each wheel. Apparently the technology will be similar to that which is currently being tested in the MINI E.
A concept of this new MINI is expected at the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall, although this story could change significantly throughout the year. AutoExpress reports that this new vehicle will be a small urban vehicle and yet continually refers to it as a flagship of the MINI line - seemingly contradictory comments.

This partnership between BMW and Fiat will also bring about the return of two other famous automotive names, the Fiat Topolino and the BMW Isetta.

Here's the link: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...ine-model.html

I hope this not a repost (I did do a search).
 
Reply
Old May 6, 2009 | 01:10 PM
  #2  
firenewt's Avatar
firenewt
4th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Greenwood, IN
So ugly................ Hood scoop and rear engine? Oh well, I plan on keeping my MCS forever anyway.

Kevin
 
Reply
Old May 6, 2009 | 05:16 PM
  #3  
JudgeS's Avatar
JudgeS
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 1
From: SINY
Originally Posted by firenewt
So ugly................ Hood scoop and rear engine? Oh well, I plan on keeping my MCS forever anyway.

Kevin
Thats what I was thinking, it looks like they put no thought into that image.
 
Reply
Old May 6, 2009 | 05:17 PM
  #4  
iwashmycar's Avatar
iwashmycar
6th Gear
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,313
Likes: 104
From: Columbus, Ohio
gross

lulz
 
Reply
Old May 6, 2009 | 05:18 PM
  #5  
Dr Obnxs's Avatar
Dr Obnxs
Former Vendor
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 10,340
Likes: 4
From: Woodside, CA
I gotta wonder at this...

seems like FIAT is busy with other stuff now. I'd be surprised if FIAT/Mini comes to much of anything....

Matt
 
Reply
Old May 6, 2009 | 11:33 PM
  #6  
Zhenya13's Avatar
Zhenya13
2nd Gear
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Northern Suburbs
Not true any more http://www.motoringfile.com/2009/04/...es-into-focus/
 
Reply
Old May 7, 2009 | 12:17 AM
  #7  
itsminibtch's Avatar
itsminibtch
4th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 598
Likes: 5
From: San diego, CA
i saw this a while ago, glad to hear its not going forward. it looks like something out of the movie total recall.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
igzekyativ
MINIs & Minis for Sale
34
Jul 16, 2020 12:54 PM
igzekyativ
MINIs & Minis for Sale
28
Dec 23, 2015 10:36 AM
ECSTuning
Vendor Announcements
0
Aug 7, 2015 08:02 AM
ECSTuning
Interior/Exterior Products
0
Aug 7, 2015 05:56 AM
ECSTuning
Vendor Classifieds
0
Aug 7, 2015 05:55 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:02 AM.