Mini Coupe Platform to Underpin Future BMW/Toyota Models

Mini Coupe Concept

BMW Z2 roadster a possibility?

By Michael Gauthier
August 31, 2009 5:04 PM
Filed Under: BMW, European, German, Japanese, MINI, Rumours, Toyota

According to a recent report, the production MINI Coupe/Roadster platform could be shared with BMW and Toyota.

While details are lacking, the proposed product sharing agreement would allow BMW and Toyota to cut costs while gaining new, fuel efficient vehicles. In return for the MINI underpinnings, Toyota would give BMW access to the iQ platform. BMW would likely use the iQ to underpin their upcoming i-Setta electric car, in a similar fashion to Aston Martin's Cygnet Concept.

 

Last week, BMW's chief designer, Adrian von Hooydonk, said the MINI Coupe and Roadster could be used to underpin future BMWs. While he didn't specify which models, the likely choices seem to be the long-rumored Z2 roadster and possibly a future generation 1-Series.

It's unclear what Toyota would do with the MINI platform, but the company's new President, Akio Toyoda, has promised "cars that are fun and exciting to drive." MINI underpinnings would likely achieve the desired result, but a lot of details still need to be worked out.

The MINI Coupe and Roadster won't go into production for at least 2-3 years, so any resulting BMW and Toyota products are likely several years away.

 

Source: autocar

Comments

N20_Purge
August 31, 2009 5:17 PM
O rly? So we can expect retro BMW's and Toyota. Wait, that is a bad thing. :/

nederina
August 31, 2009 5:19 PM
never that i would imagine that these two corporation would likely to work together. somehow i am curious about the isetta car project. hope it is not BMW Group's another premium car brand or i might get a toyota.

Bristol411S3
August 31, 2009 5:43 PM
There isn't a Mini Roadster platform though is there? It's just underpinned by the Mini. I don't believe the Roadster is unique in anyway, other than possible some floor reinforcements to compensate for the loss of integrity from removing the roof (but that will be common with the convertible).

Narco
August 31, 2009 5:55 PM
This would most likely go under the scion brand, unless Toyota is looking to push its main brand a little further into the youth market to gain marketshare. Which is not a bad way to go, although I am not sure how they will position the tc coupe with this. As long as they maintain significant styling differences, I am sure each brand will have its own target customer base with not too much overlap pricewise. The biggest benefit here is the cost savings. Its a good business move for both parties. This is a good looking concept in my opinion and I'd buy one if I were in the market for a compact coupe.


Edited by user on August 31, 2009 at 5:58 PM
ivanadrive
August 31, 2009 6:33 PM
Does that mean FWD BMWs? If so, why would anyone still want a BMW? Driving experience is pretty much the selling point of a BMW, their design sucks as of lately and interior quality is the worst of any premium brand. The mini sells on its design, while it's a fun car to drive there are plenty of other FWD cars that are equally fun to drive.

teuton
August 31, 2009 9:00 PM
This MINI with its tonsured head (roof) is tacky. Toyota is the best place to bin it. BMW seem to know a thing or two about handling competition.

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