We’re not sure how much to believe but Autocar is reporting that BMW is considering adding a “softroad” version of the MINI sometime during the next generation’s lifespan. Now it’s worth mentioning that this idea was rumored several years ago only to reportedly be axed in favor of keeping MINI and the term SUV as far away from each other as possible. However, since Autocar is so adamant that something is in the works, I thought it appropriate to report on it. Here’s an excerpt of the article:
BMW’s top product development specialists are burning the midnight oil in Munich and California, putting together plans for a ‘soft-roader’ version of the third-generation Mini. The new car could be fitted with a highly advanced all-wheel-drive system developed by specialist Getrag. Sources say BMW’s engineering boss has already driven, and been impressed by, Getrag’s own four-wheel-drive Mini Cooper prototype.
The US market is important for Mini and there’s said to be considerable pressure for BMW to enter the booming crossover market. The biggest problem BMW faces is the inherently compact nature of the Mini’s platform, despite the rumoured upcoming wheelbase stretch. The company is also balancing the problems of investing in a brand new body style for an uncertain market segment.
Three words: Grain of salt. You can read more at the link:
[ Mini’s radical 4×4 future ] Autocar
Let the comments begin!
<p>‘Softroader’ my foot! It’s merely going to be an all-wheel-drive MINI — remember that Red Getrag MCS prototype you mentioned months ago? Well, this simply shows that BMW might be taking it seriously.</p>
<p>Ground clearance?!</p>
<p>Are those 22″ wheels??? And the fenders wrap around the bottom of the tire? And while I’m ranting: Isn’t that just a picture of a normal MINI with a raised beltline and maybe a suicide door (along with the aformentioned stupid-huge tires)? What aspect about that says “soft-roader”?</p>
<p>If I had wanted a SUV i would have bought one. Now if they come out with a true p/u version maybe!</p>
<p>Don’t worry Ron, I don’t think it’s possible for your MINI to magically become an SUV. Unless you have version 5.73 of the software, of course.</p>
<p>Ron, look at the bottom of the story:
[ Mini’s radical 4×4 future ] Autocar, there is an aberration of a concept. Not suitable for the faint of heart and/or good taste.</p>
<p>I am so glad I have an ’05, that picture of the big red 4×4 on the autocar link is not my taste. </p>
<p>It looks like the car is from some horrible cartoon. </p>
<p>Cheers.</p>
<p>Horrid.</p>
<p>I kind of like the idea. I would not want them to stop the current line, but a rugged small car like the old Subarus would be fun.</p>
<p>While I think we all largely agree that an SUV Mini is not only a bad idea, but an afront to all things Mini, the idea of an all wheel drive version is something that screams to become a reality IMHO (vs. the four wheel drive silliness suggested above). That’s a bandwagon I would hop on right quick!</p>
<p>Well said Alex!</p>
<p>I think it’s very cool.</p>
<p>Bring them on, the more variations the better. A car company cannot survive with one or two models alone.</p>
<p>stop your cryin!</p>
<p>My next winter car??????</p>
<p>Those Autocar guys apparently love to go out on a limb rumor-wise and make it seem more credible/plausible via Photoshop. However, if you take the Moke concept and add a more styled and suitable body/chassis, you could theoretically see why the idea might be floating around out there at all.</p>
<p>“A car company cannot survive with one or two models alone”</p>
<p>I would dispute that… I believe the company most certainly can survive with one good selling car. The dealers, on the other hand, may not be so fortunate.</p>
<p>“I believe the company most certainly can survive with one good selling car. The dealers, on the other hand, may not be so fortunate”</p>
<p>NO Dealers……No car company. The Math is easy…….</p>
<p>While I like the idea of a mini-SUV I wonder if an SUV MINI could be called a MINI? Might it be a MAXI? </p>
<p>I have been driving a small SUV for a long time (Geo Tracker) and am finally giving it up for an MCSa. The Geo suited my “mature” driving needs. I would not mind getting a rakishly packaged very small hybrid SUV because at my age getting in and out of a low car aint so easy and I like being able to see over half the vehicles in a traffic jam. </p>
<p>Just can’t imagine calling such a car a MINI though, but I’m an old fart.</p>
<p>Before everyonje panics think Audi TT Quatro. If you haven’t driven one, you can’t appreciate the qualities of 4 wheel drive on a compact, tight wellbase. Though it does add weight, it allows for more power without torque steer which seems proper for the evelotuion of the MINI brand. Just chill. I don’t think BMW is that stupid to undermine what has made the MINI successful.</p>
<p>Could this be the future of BMW in World rally racing? I would think they would want to get a share of that market and competition. I trust BMW and the direction they take.</p>
<p>Can you imagine an all-wheel drive MINI!? Oh yes.</p>
<p>Yeah, ditto that. I don’t want an SUV but would buy an AWD mini in a heartbeat; I used to have an Audi A4 and currently have a Subaru Outback as my second car, and AWD is the only thing IMHO I would want to improve my Mini…</p>
<p>BMW Group will find a softer landing for this concept than allowing it be, or become, an SUV.</p>
<p>We are [fast] entering a new automotive landscape, with more people than the auto companies want to admit seeking smaller special purpose vehicles. MINI served a purpose in it’s first run from 1959-2000. Some of the variants worked real well, and some didn’t (many limited by available technology).</p>
<p>MINI graduated from a grand cheap experiment for BMW Group, to a successful brand. We’re going to see much more from it than simply what’s there now, or redoing what was tried before.</p>
<p>It’s exciting really.
And, MINI fits into the current situation very well.</p>
<p>It also seems rational that World Rally will be recast into this new market situation (thus the persistent AWD idea may become another wizard move for MINI).</p>
<p>In the US, we will soon experience the first of an innovative crop of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) that will be effective here. MINI is an advantaged answer to some of what they offer.</p>
<p>We need BMW Group to bring over the new diesel.</p>
<p>And back on point, what does “crossover” mean anyway? It does not necessarily mean much bigger, but they do provide more interior room than the comparable sedan in it’s class. Isn’t that a MINI?</p>
<p>While it is far from ideal, a car company can survive on one hot seller, as could be demonstrated by BMW iteself in the 1950’s. The company nearly went under and was saved by the very unlikely Isetta. This allowed breathing room until the development of the very popular 700 series. True they had motorcycles being manufactured, but that market was very much dropping off.
In relation to Mini today, as a profitable subsidiary of a huge company, they could putt along indefinitely.
That being said, I do think we will be seeing a multitude of variations arising in the next decade or so, widening the market for a clearly successful brand.
Unfortunately, I’m sceptical about seeing an AWD version any time soon.</p>
<p>Yech…next thing we’ll see is Chris Bangle putting the old Wolsley bustle back on them!</p>
<p>seriously—Chris Bangle is so two years ago. If you still can’t get over that, then you should work that out with yourself before you talk about MINIs.</p>
<p>Are you sure this wasn’t dated April 1st, Gabe?</p>