MINI recently unveiled its facelifted lineup at the North American International Auto Show and a new report is claiming big changes are on the horizon.
A handful of BMW and MINI models ride on front-wheel UKL platform but the company has reportedly determined its upcoming FAAR architecture is too expensive to be used on MINI models. As a result, the company tried to convince Toyota to jointly-develop a new small car platform. However, those talks fell through and pushed BMW to pursue a partnership with Great Wall.
Automobile Magazine claims the first model based on the new platform will debut in 2023 and is tentatively known as the Metro Runner. It will reportedly be followed by a Clubman-like Metro Cruiser and a Metro Adventurer which is billed as a smaller replacement for the Countryman. The MINI Convertible, on the other hand, will reportedly be dropped.
Speaking of models getting the axe, Automobile says the 1-Series three-door hatchback will be dropped next year. It will eventually be joined by the 2-Series Convertible and 2-Series Gran Tourer.
In related news, the publication claims the next-generation Rolls-Royce Ghost will be offered as an electric vehicle.
On the BMW side, plans for an i5 and i9 have reportedly been scrapped. However, we can expect an all-new i7 and a crossover-inspired iX1 which will apparently replace the i3.
The i8 successor will reportedly become a “brand-shaper” that “combines the best of all worlds” and will help to define the company for the 21st century. Three proposals are reportedly under consideration including everything from a modest redesign and powertrain upgrade to a radical performance plug-in hybrid with up to 800 hp (596 kW).
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