MINI Undecided On RWD Superleggera Roadster - Care To Sway Them One Way Or The Other?

No MINI concept has ever motivated so many thumbs to upward than the Superleggera. However MINI is struggling with approving the car according to Autocar. Given its new strategy of less niche models and more emphasis on core models like the F56 and upcoming Clubman it would seem the Superleggera doesn’t make a lot of sense. However it could serve the company well s a halo car helping to get people excited about the brand and into showrooms. Interestingly BMW has admitted for the first time that the Superleggera rides on a rear wheel drive platform. While we knew the concept was powered by an electric engine, that fact that this has once again been reiterated could be a sign that MINI is serious making the Roadster electric if produced.
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mini22 - 12/15/2014 4:21:58 PM

+1 Boost

I get the argument that technically this is not really a Mini as Mini only offered FWD. But let's face it the new Mini today is really a FWD BMW 1 series configured to fit both a One series and Mini body style.
It is in fact a "German" car now that is built in Britain. So the question is does it really matter. I would assume for economy of scale the Superleggera could share a RWD platform with the 2 series or Z1 Roadster. Since Mini is discontinuing the FWD Coupe and Roadster having this one vehicle would be welcome break. Further it could compete with the upcoming Fiat Abarth Roadster(formally the Alfa Romeo Spider that is shared with the Mazda Miata). It would be a 'halo" car for Mini. If not this than do a mid engine car from current Cooper FWD mechanicals. Whatever would be the most cost efficient to make.

valhallakey - 12/15/2014 6:58:43 PM

+1 Boost

Generally agree with mini22 however I really like the idea of a hybrid solution. Use the 3cyl turbo motor with a small battery pack for around town jaunts. You only need maybe 10mile range to cover 90% of all city driving and a 220+hp turbo 3 seems kinda neat for the other stuff. For BMW to use the exact platform they may have to go down into the 0.7 and 0.5 model range though. Even the 1 series is not tiny enough.

valhallakey - 12/15/2014 6:59:25 PM

+1 Boost

Shoot almost forgot, rwd or awd with the hybrid model.

MDarringer - 12/15/2014 8:08:38 PM

+2 Boost

It needs to be a Triumph TR4/BMW Z2

valhallakey - 12/16/2014 1:47:39 AM

+1 Boost

Could even fit in with the Triumph motorcycle tradition lately of using 3cyl engines :)

W124E320 - 12/16/2014 1:12:36 PM

0 Boost

Great idea... who owns the Triumph name these days?

mini22 - 12/16/2014 3:36:28 PM

+1 Boost

I'm keen on the idea of a 3 cylinder and even a hybrid electric motor. The problem is Mini needs to build this car within a certain price point. When you go hybrid you tend to get very expensive. I could see a 200 HP turbo 3 cylinder RWD light weight sports car here. Whether BMW can make a business case for it remains to be seen. Obviously the now discontinued Coupe and Roadster was a sales failure. I think part of the problem was that mechanically it was identical to the 3DR hatchback. Further the Coupe had abysmal rearward vision. This new car would be longer and different. It could really be a "Halo" car for Mini if they are brave enough to build it. Perhaps they could do a folding hardtop as well. However that's pushing up the price again.