If you needed any more proof that the automotive industry is solely profit-driven, and will churn out anything to make an extra buck, how about this for a story: AutoExpress is saying that the famed builder of rear-wheel driven ultimate driving machines, BMW, will be using its new MINI’s modular UKL1 platform to underpin a future small roadster, which may be called the Z2.
As you are well aware, the MINI is front-wheel drive, and aside from growing in size, the new generation only takes the formula forward, without serious alterations to it. This means that if the report turns out to be true (and that’s a big if), we will, have a propeller-badged sports car, about the size of a Z3, with drive going exclusively to the front wheels – it may even get three-pot diesel power…
Sure, it could be a great handling package, again, if it materializes, as the MINI is renowned for its nippy nature and propensity towards quick direction changes without much fuss. However, would you really buy (into) that? Personally, I wouldn’t, and would just go for the standard MINI instead…
Hopefully, by that time, we will have more open-top sports cars at affordable prices to choose from, with the new Mazda MX-5, and its Italian sister car, the next Alfa Romeo Spider, arriving on the market until then, so that we have alternatives.
I really don’t mind BMW’s other front-wheel drive cars being front-wheel drive, but it should be kept away from their sports cars – it’s not like it will sell in the millions and make a real financial difference. The Bavarian automaker is reportedly also planning an all-FWD 1-Series range, as well as a new X1 crossover, plus a three-door coupe variant of it, which could wear the X2 designation.
By Andrei Nedelea
Note: Rendering is a BMW Z2 Concept study from Stephane Vaillant
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