Originally Posted by Peter J
My prediction:
1. A new Aero Six on the chassis, possibly with electric support, to give more performance: the body will take the LIFE car and Series 5 design flavour, but be even more avant guard.
2. A Plus Four, with a BMW 2.0L Turbo, or the 3 pot as below as a full plug in hybrid.
3. A Plus Three, with the Mini 3 pot turbo.
4. A full electric version.

There is always the possible return of the Plus Eight, with the twin turbo V8. That would be mental, 553 bhp.... really? Traction control would be vital and how many would they sell? Not enough to make it viable.

Given MMCs production capacity the 3 and the 6 make most sense, with the Plus 4 as a PHEV, together that would slash their overall emissions.

I think you are right on the money here Peter. The only thing is that the B38 engine will not be exactly that used in the front wheel drive Mini but the version used in the BMW 218i coupe / convertible.

The days of the ladder frame trad chassis must be numbered.

Regarding width I think it will be more or less the same story as with the current trad series. The tub for all models will remain the same but the overall width will change by using narrower wheels and tyres and hence narrower mudguards.

Peter

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