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Report: Fiat and BMW working on new small car family

 
1 1,545 views Mar 16, 2009

BMW has previewed its future electric powertrain planned for its compact cars in the recently revealed Mini E

BMW has previewed its future electric powertrain planned for its compact cars in the recently revealed Mini E

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Last year BMW and Fiat first started looking at cooperation over parts and platform sharing and possibly sales and distribution synergies, but with Fiat aligning itself with Chrysler earlier this year the scope of its workings with BMW have widened. Though exact details remain scarce, BMW and Fiat are reportedly working on a new range of fuel-efficient models together with Mini.

Both companies are desperate to reduce their fleet-average CO2 emissions and fuel-consumption levels in light of toughening standards being implemented in the U.S. and Europe. The common solution is to expand their respective lineups with ultra-frugal petrol and diesel minicars as well new zero-emissions electric vehicles.

The cars themselves will resemble compact hatchbacks with rear-mounted powertrains and seating capacity for four adults. A wheel-at-each-corner design should ensure sporty handling and stability, while lightweight construction methods and plenty of plastic bodywork should keep weight down.

BMW’s is expected to revive the Isetta name for its new vehicles, while Fiat will use the Topolino nameplate – both of which are speculated for a return. AutoExpress reports the first car will be on sale by 2011 and will be grouped under the Mini brand, with the BMW and Fiat versions to arrive one year later.

We’ve already had the first taste of the upcoming electric vehicles in the form of the Mini E, which was unveiled at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show and is currently being leased to customers in the U.S. and eventually Germany. Our second glimpse is expected to be at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, where a rumored concept vehicle will make an appearance.



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  1. By  villas bali Posted: 2/1/2010 2:27am PST

    The engine in the iQ is front mounted, not rear mounted. We can consider as a front-midship transverse engine, because of the differential in front of the powertrain, which is, again, front mounted.
    Replace "Toyota iQ" with "Mitsubishi i" and the sentence will be correct...
     
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