Mercedes-Benz will use a range of four-cylinder engines in its next-generation B-class — designed by PSA Peugeot-Citroen — that were originally intended for use in BMW ’s Mini, a new report finds. The direct-injection engines will power several different variants of the B-class — including three and five door hatches, an SUV and a coupe and convertible — which will replace the smaller A-class.
According to AutoBild, the new cars should hit the market sometime in 2011.
The German publication also mentioned the possibility — although highly unlikely — that Mercedes and Fiat could share future vehicle platforms. “The fact that it might have found an agreement with other suppliers does not mean that it is not interested in Fiat,†Fiat Chief Sergio Marchionne explained. “Mercedes needs a lot of engines, some of them from others and some of them from Fiat.â€
Earlier this year, Mercedes COO Rainer Schmückle said that the automaker would shift production of the next generation B-class to developing regions to cut costs.
