BMW's Mini Builds its own a Mini-Me for 2012
by Eric Leech, New York, NY on 10.11.08
Photo by EdZa
When the BMW Mini crossover concept was first unveiled, we thought holly Toledo, that is certainly not much of a mini vehicle anymore, measuring some 6 inches wider and taller than the standard 2007 Mini Cooper.
The Crossover Mini looks like it should still continue to use the familiar gas sipping 1.6 liter 4 cylinder with BMW's Efficient Dynamics system, but what is happening to the Mini we have grown to love. Is BMW and the Mini Cooper heading in the direction of larger vehicles?
We are happy to report a big no to this question. While BMW is excited to release their new Crossover, which will feature all wheel drive, more interior room, and a larger overall stature, they promise that they are planning to go back to their original mini roots for 2012.
They are actually planning on unveiling an even smaller Mini, which we have dubbed the mini-me of the Mini. Its goal will be to focus itself as a small inner city car, designed to navigate around tight roads and even tighter parking lots, while offering stellar mpg.
This 5th model of mini will be built with the help of Fiat and will follow similar dimensions to the current model Volkswagen Polo. This means that the new Mini Mini-me should follow the dimensions of somewhere around 4 feet 6 inches in height, 5 feet 5 inches in width, and around 12 feet 6 inches in length.
We have been guaranteed by Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht, Mini’s global brand manager, that the new 2012 Mini will not only be small and very cute, but a real hoot to drive. It looks like manufacturers are continuing to take notice that there is a calling for the mini-car market in the U.S. Now the question remains, how well are they going to do?
More on the Mini
BMW to Make Electric Mini. Only in California. Only 500 of Them
Electric Mini: 0-60 in 4 Seconds: It Has Motors In Its Wheels
MINI Pedi-Cab Stunt in China: Not So Green
Source:
Left lane (http://www.leftlanenews.com/go-small-or-go-home-mini-developing-smallest-model-yet.html)
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As a Mini Cooper S owner, I would be interested in a Plug-In Hybrid-Diesel version for the U.S., or All Electric. The current size of my 04 model is just about right for my bachelor needs.
12 feet 6 inches is still 2 feet and 6 inches LONGER than the original and true Mini from 1959 which was only ten feet long.
BMW, please give us back the Mini and quit with the plastic, oversize imposters. You've obviously got no idea what it means to be 'Mini'.
I can't help but roll my eyes every time I hear the phrase "inner city car." People should be walking, biking or taking public transportation in the "inner city!" A car driven from point-to-point within the inner city is a complete waste.