Mini Minor: Joint Development of Toyota & Mini (BMW)

Craigy · Jan 23, 2015

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1501-deep-dive-the-mini-minor-one-of-five-core-cars/

Apparently Mini is looking to add a truly Mini model to its lineup, co-developed on a new platform with Toyota. Could this be the smallest variant of the co-developed modular sportscar platform? Could this be similar to the rumored sub-86 Toyota sportscar offering? Or is it something entirely new? Interesting read.

As far as size, the Euro-only Toyota Aygo could be a suitable donor car, but Mini won't have it. Not only because the next-generation Aygo won't be around before 2020 but also because BMW can’t allow Mini to adopt a badge-engineered product conceived and built by a third party. Instead, Toyota and BMW are looking into an all-new bargain basement effort that can be integrated in the Mini family. To keep costs and weight at bay, engineers will simultaneously have to focus on de-contenting and downsizing. No easy task, mind you, seeing how electromobility is said to play an important role in this build.

Supraman · Jan 23, 2015

I can see this for the sub 86 car. Makes sense since it will be smaller. They'll probably build just a base platform for it and share it and thats all. I hope this is what they're doing for the FT1 just the platform sharing, nothing else.

pbj · Jan 24, 2015

Very interesting. MINI's have gotten so big over the years so this is a good change. What I'm most curious about is what Toyota model will come from this. A sub-86 model definitely makes sense but will this but aren't MINI FWD? I'd love to see a sub-86 car but only if it's going to be a true RWD sports car.

Supra93 · Mar 17, 2015

It will not be a sub 86 car for Toyota. But instead a Lexus previewed by the LF-SA concept.

Mini Minor: Joint Development of Toyota & Mini (BMW)

Craigy

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