Earlier this month BMW inked a memorandum of understanding with Italy’s Fiat group, but a new report indicates that agreement could be farther reaching than first thought. While the deal included platform sharing for the next-generation Mini Cooper, the memorandum also included the possibility of a larger Mini model built on Fiat’s new C-Evo platform.
The successor to Alfa Romeo’s 147 will be the first vehicle to ride on the C-Evo platform when it launches next year, but that platform could also underpin a larger Mini vehicle. The C-Evo platform is designed for front and all-wheel drive cars, according to Automotive News.
However, it remains unclear exactly what model the new platform would underpin. If Mini decides to go ahead with the program, the C-Evo platform could underpin next-generation Mini models such as the Clubman or even the yet-to-be-launched Crossman SUV. But with a launch date target of 2015, Mini still has plenty of time to decide exactly how to use the new platform.
In addition to the larger Mini platform, the deal also reportedly includes the co-development of gasoline and diesel powerplants – including a 1.6L unit and a 1.2L. The new engine family is being designed for front-wheel drive applications and will save the automakers at least 150 million euros.
07/21, 11:25 AM
posted by:
xyunya
… and GM could have all FIAT technology. BMW guys are shrewd.
07/21, 11:43 AM
posted by:
angelo
FIAT reliability on your MINI… woohoo!
07/21, 11:45 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Fiat reliability is actually higher than that of a Mini.
07/21, 12:08 PM
posted by:
TomF
High-style sophisticated minicars are where it’s at now. MINI made this market and they better stake a bigger claim to it before the Fiat 500, Alfa MiTo, little Peugeot, etc. start eating their lunch.
07/21, 12:31 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Tom, that is why BMW is shrewd. Assume, that MiTo and 500 are success, they will collect more profits on selling those automotive toys in US, then FIAT building them.
07/21, 12:37 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Well folks… step right up and take a look at the new 2015 Mini Mega. It confuses me why decent niche-market car companies can’t just stick to what they are good at. Mini needs to stick with tiny pseudo-lux cars that look good and handle like they are on rails. When everyone on the planet is going to a smaller car right now… why build a bigger one? The Clubman is already turning into a bust… I don’t even want to think about the Crossbreed.
08/02, 5:15 PM
posted by:
bstehen
def. going to have to side with RaineMan on this one.
definitely not a god idea, definitely not a good idea
red book.