German Magazine Auto Bilde gives us a peak (so it would seem) into BMW’s plans for small cars over the next few years. While the headliner is the new Z2, there are a couple notable mentions of the MINI brand. According to the article both BMW and MINI will introduce a city car based on the Project i technology (as seen in the MINI E) in 2012. The car will be rear engined and (gasp) rear wheel drive according the article. Interestingly also in the article is mention of MINI’s new people carrier that will comfortably seat four and be front engined and front wheel drive.
Details are obviously scarce for both cars but we’ll continue to bring you the latest.
+ BMW macht es leicht / Auto Builde (Translated)
<p>It’ll hopefully have 5 doors!</p>
<p>It says “rear engine and RWD” when I surf to the translated article, configuration used in the Smart and other micro city cars. Which is fantastic – although it does create some packaging challenges for the transmission.</p>
<p>But whether front or rear engine, the key spec is RWD… although a city car doesn’t NEED to be a great handler, MINI’s brand DNA should help handling/agility rank higher in the design brief.</p>
<p>Sure, 2012 is far away so anything could happen between now and then, but still this sounds like great MINI news to me!</p>
<p>Somehow im underwhelmed by this. I’ll reserve judgement for when we hear more, but this feels like a further dillusion of the MINI brand. First an suv, now a smart fortwo. I just don’t know. On the bright side, im extremely pleased with what’s to expect from the z2. I would definetly pick that up over a mini fortwo.</p>
<p>No no no! Don’t call it a MINI. Especially a rear wheel drive car. Call it an BMW Isetta.
If it ain’t broke – stop trying to fix it!</p>
<p>GregW- couldn’t agree more. And the Isetta was a name BMW was going to pull out of its hat before</p>
<p>Not surprising… the packaging and crash-engineering that makes the Smart work isn’t rocket science. Depending on the motor used, an electric version could be even more compact since the need for a lot of transmission gears would be reduced.</p>
<p>Bringing back the Isetta name would be neat… and since it IS rear wheel drive… they could call it a BMW… but I’m not holding my breath…</p>
<p>It is true that the Project-i MegaCity Vehicle will be badged as a MINI not a BMW (creating a new brand is not physically possible in the current climate , MINI is tried and tested and successful to introduce a car of this calibre.)</p>
<p>The MINI MPV or as it is known in Munich – The MINI SpaceBox is an alternative take on such a vehicle – It is best described as the Progressive Activity MINI it is not as upright as the rear of the clubman but more raked it’s a very sporting MINI with 5drs, a 5dr of the current MINI is not what our customers want but an entirely new 5dr Concept – sharing the floorplan with the MINI-X will reduce costs overall but MINI Spacebox will be a totally seperate design from the MINI-X.
Customers want more flexibility with their MINI and not necessary four wheel drive and a commanding driving position.</p>
<p>Lastly enthusiasts have not been forgotten with a MINI Speedster – a 2dr Concept with either a clip on hardtop or roof panel to two butresses on the rear deck for occupant safety – The design takes it’s cues from the look displayed by the MINI Concepts with a less circuilar look to the headlights.</p>
<p>Scott, fantastic news. In terms of size, how this car will compare to the current R56 hardtop?</p>
<p>BMW Z2=BMW Isetta=MINI Speedster=MINI Triumph Sports Car…</p>
<p>…no matter what they call it,I could see myself buying one…</p>