OXFORD, England — BMW's second-generation Mini could include a "soft-roader" four-wheel-drive version, according to reports. The revised Mini range will go into production in 2007, and will include a longer-wheelbase version that would allow the development of a "crossover SUV" Mini as well as other variants.
The third-generation Mini is expected to add a "countryman" estate version and a five-door hatch in addition to replacement for today's three-door and cabrio variants. The Oxford Mini plant is being expanded from current capacity of 190,000 to at least 230,000, and possibly beyond that.
According to U.K. magazine Autocar, the "soft-roader" Mini could be fitted with a highly advanced all-wheel-drive system called Twinster developed by specialist Getrag, which is already running in a Mini Cooper prototype. The Mini crossover would be squarely aimed at the U.S. market, where Mini sales — and demand for crossover vehicles — are booming.
The Getrag all-wheel-drive system could also form the basis of a rally version of the Mini, and BMW could enter the car in the World Rally Championship. The original Mini had a rich rallying history, having won the Monte Carlo Rally three times, in 1964, '65 and '67.
What this means to you: Sustaining Mini's explosive growth was always going to be challenging, but BMW is making all the right noises. How cool would a WRC Mini be?
The third-generation Mini is expected to add a "countryman" estate version and a five-door hatch in addition to replacement for today's three-door and cabrio variants. The Oxford Mini plant is being expanded from current capacity of 190,000 to at least 230,000, and possibly beyond that.
According to U.K. magazine Autocar, the "soft-roader" Mini could be fitted with a highly advanced all-wheel-drive system called Twinster developed by specialist Getrag, which is already running in a Mini Cooper prototype. The Mini crossover would be squarely aimed at the U.S. market, where Mini sales — and demand for crossover vehicles — are booming.
The Getrag all-wheel-drive system could also form the basis of a rally version of the Mini, and BMW could enter the car in the World Rally Championship. The original Mini had a rich rallying history, having won the Monte Carlo Rally three times, in 1964, '65 and '67.
What this means to you: Sustaining Mini's explosive growth was always going to be challenging, but BMW is making all the right noises. How cool would a WRC Mini be?
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