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      09-21-2014, 04:29 PM   #195
SCOTT26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Diver View Post
Mini sales are down this year, but I think the brand is far from dead. A lot of improvements in the drive train are possible, perhaps a variant of the 3 cylinder 1.5 L turbo would fit.
We are in the transitional phase of the new MINI which is not even in a full year of sales but this model is increasing numbers per month.
In Europe the MINI One has just recently hit the market.
Plus there is a European backlog of customers who have ordered the F55 5dr MINI which goes on sale in Europe before the end of the year.
US MINI sales of the new F56 are currently on hiatus until early October due to UPA legislation.

The new MINI Cabrio premieres in LA in November with the MINI Cooper S JCW premiering in Detroit in early 2015. And an all new Clubman as previewed by the Concept. Receives 5drs and extra flexibility and a World Premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt September 2015. In between we will see some new ideas for MINI that have been considered and never thought of for the brand at that time.
But the moment is most definitely now.

The Rocketman is back on schedule and there is options via a preferred partner which will suit the Rocketman Especially with BMWs desire to accommodate an electric drivetrain within the new City car. The possibilities are now there.

It won't be based on the Aygo-108-C1 architecture as first thought. With PSA aligning with GM. PSA have severed ties with BMW so a new FWD platform has been created for a city car that can be adapted to accommodate additional changes required by BMW for MINI.

The decision to bring back the Rocketman was felt at the Geneva show in March when the usual touring of the stands showcased a lot of focus on new small city cars by Europe's volume manufacturers. In which BMW were compiling segments they are not active in at present . A large S-Klasse type Coupe was one as was the City car segment especially in how MINI has and will continue to progress.

The Superleggera attributes to current brand thinking in terms of replacements for the MINI Coupe and Roadster - individual sports cars and for the first time a unique appearance and not simply a MINI variant using the body of a MINI.

The new Countryman is also testing in public now and provides an evolutionary update on the current Countryman. The change of pace will be with the all new PACEMAN which moves to five doors but still with the Coupe roof.
It will be the more sportier choice to the utility like Countryman.

Also under consideration for the Countryman is the extended model based on the upcoming BMW X1 which will provide seating for 7 but will be identified as a new SAV designation. Think of the X1 L as a competitor or such to the new Land Rover Discovery Sport in which the next X3 will also receive an extended model.
Both X1 and X3 extended were originally for the Chinese market but will be issued globally , allowing BMW to compete in the worlds best selling segment at all levels.
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