Mini's chassis chopped (and 4x4 added?)
Newswheel staff :: 08 May 2005 :: Filed under Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Europe & UK, US
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Munich penny pinchers eye up that pricey rear end
We forgave the BMW-sired Mini its coarse and souless engines. We turned a blind eye to the rather cynical, pastiche-laden aesthetic. And we cared not a jot that the car’s packaging was as retro as the styling. Why? Because the Mini manages that difficult trick of being both supremely competent in the modern fashion and yet engaging and full of zest. In short, it’s a hoot to drive.
Largely, that’s down to the expertise and resources BMW pumped into the Mini’s chassis in general, and into the car’s sophisticated multi-link rear axle in particular. In fact, that independent rear setup is the one thing we’d beseech BMW to leave unmolested on the new car (due out around summer 2006). So, a recent story from Motor Trend has us worried. The US magazine reports that the apparently all-new Mini (the spy shots reveal a very familiar looking vehicle) will lose its sophisticated rear axle in favour of a cheaper and more space-efficient alternative that provides better suspension travel. That, we suspect, is a Very Bad Idea. It’s also just one in a series of cost cutting measures that includes the demise of the one-piece bonnet with integrated lights.
No more engine trouble
Better news takes the form of a new range of engines designed by BMW and produced in a joint venture with PSA. For the Cooper S flagship model, out goes the uninspiring supercharged, iron-blocked and Chrysler-sourced lump in favour of a turbo-charged 170bhp 1.6-litre version of the new direct injection, all-alloy unit. The John Cooper Works special edition will likely churn out 230bhp.
Meanwhile, UK title Autocar has been speculating on the possibility that the Mini might morph into a into a compact crossover/SUV with four-wheel-drive. Gearbox and drivetrain specialists Getrag have been showing off a current-gen Mini running the firm’s compact “Twinster” 4x4 drivetrain. Add in rumours of a stretched wheelbase version of the next Mini and Bob’s your rootin', Mini-SUV-tootin' uncle. Of course, Twinster could also be used as the basis of a performance variant or even a World Rally assault. Here’s hoping…
Anyhooo, we realise BMW needs to make money on the Mini. We just hope it finds a way to carve a profit without removing the car’s heart.
Linkage:
Motor Trend story
Autocar story
Posted 28 February 2007, by Sanik
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