MotoringFile MINI to Share Countryman Platform With Saab?

Discussion in 'MINIs in Other Media' started by Nathan, Sep 27, 2010.

  1. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #1 Nathan, Sep 27, 2010
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2010
    According to several well placed sources Bloomberg is reporting a deal is about to be struck between Saab Automobile and BMW. The deal is said to have Saab buying engines made by BMW.

    Reportedly the redesigned 9-3 set to debut in 2012 will be the first SAAB to be powered by BMW. The motor more than likely will be a yet to be released 4 cylinder turbo as BMW has said in the past they would refrain from selling their 6 cylinders to other mainstream manufacturers.

    The deal is rumored to be announced in Trollhaettan, Sweden, on Sept. 29, before the Paris Motor Show.

    In addition to the deal for BMW engines, Spyker (Saab’s parent company) has openly announced that they continue to negotiate terms with BMW for use of the MINI Countryman platform. The MINI platform would become the basis of the planned Saab 9-2, expected to launch in 2014.
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    More...
     
  2. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    I kind of like the looks of the car pictured. Retro, but new at the same time. I like it better then the drawing of the new MINI.

    Jim
     
  3. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Ahhhh...... Jim
    Are you talking about this pic? It really is an old Saab. 2 cycle ran on a gas/oil mixture. Pretty cool car though.:Thumbsup:


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  4. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    Oh. I thought that was the new one. :blush2:

    Jim
     
  5. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    Well

    Saab will have to get platforms from somewhere.... And they are too small to do it on thier own. If it's not gonna be BMW, then it will be someone else.

    I'd love BMW to figure out how to do some good platform sharing. Something has to give on the cost to design or build the MINIs....

    Matt
     
  6. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Any light on why BMW doesn't want to share their six cylinder engines?
     
  7. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    Brand identity..

    they want to protect what makes a BMW a BMW...

    Matt
     

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