3rd generation MINI based on Grande Punto?

[~Marcus~]

BMW and Fiat have announced a technical alliance, including platform sharing for the Punto & MINI

Autocar - BMW and Fiat confirm technical alliance

Insert doom & gloom comments below!

[Ant FR]

why. The only weak link in the Fiat brand is the delaer and that has always been the case. The engines they develope are some of the best in the world. look at all the JTD's They are also a pioneer in the Camless Pneumatic valve tecnology which is going to reshape the petrol engine for years to come. The chassis is great, when was the last time you drove a Fiat.

To be honest the idea of merging with FIAT seems a better idea than the previous merge with PSA. Also i suppose you are aware they have a twin turbo 1.9 JTD engine in the new lancia delta which would easily drop in the mini, its 190 bhp stnadard and would make a very nice Dooper JCW.

It sounds great tie up to me. Oh and dare i mention the amount of technology FIAT borrow from Maserati and ferrari.

[~Marcus~]

I don't think I have a problem with it, but I reckon some MINI fans might!

Though if the next Mito drives just like a MINI (the current one doesn't apparently) I have always fancied an Alfa....

[Shaun]

I was a bit shocked at first, but to be honest I wouldnt touch anything from the Peugot Citroen group with a barge pole.
So why not, that Mito looks like kak though as does the 8c despite being a TVR rip off and it would not be built very well. Were running the repmobile sized Alfa at work and well... its an Alfa
It eats tyres is poor on fuel loves the garage, damn site more fun than a Peugot 407 though.

[Paul]

Read this in Automotive News and I think it's an interesting one. Perhaps BMWs reputation for reliability and chassis tuning will boost FIAT and Alfa, perhaps it will turn out the other way around. Be interesting to watch though.

MINI on a shared platform though, might mean a lot of negative vibes from people.

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original)

MINI on a shared platform though, might mean a lot of negative vibes from people.

Surely not?

[mister.t]

Grande Punto is a fine car on a fine chassis Not all doom and gloom at all!

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by mister.t (original)

Grande Punto is a fine car on a fine chassis

I'll second that

I've had a Sporting for 3 months now and it's a great little car

[Den W]

must admit to liking the Alfa Mito and Grande Punto - Ive owned a few Fiats in the past (Uno Turbos) and must have been one of the lucky ones coz mine were reliable (a lot more reliable than my MINIs )

[mister.t]

Quote: Originally Posted by Den W (original)

must admit to liking the Alfa Mito and Grande Punto - Ive owned a few Fiats in the past (Uno Turbos) and must have been one of the lucky ones coz mine were reliable (a lot more reliable than my MINIs )

I'll reserve judgment on the MiTo until I see it at the London Motorshow this month. The rear end so far looks great, not too keen on the front, but in the flesh will help

The Alfa I'd buy is...



Just make it back, and make sure it has a V6 (has my wheels and interior)...

Oh god not again

Not quite a MINI I grant, but what a stunning looking car

[M.O.S]

The MINI chassis is perfect anyway - why change it?

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by M.O.S (original)

The MINI chassis is perfect anyway - why change it?

Cost

[Paul]

Progress.

[Mosposco]

Quote: Originally Posted by ~Marcus~ (original)

BMW and Fiat have announced a technical alliance, including platform sharing for the Punto & MINI

Autocar - BMW and Fiat confirm technical alliance

Insert doom & gloom comments below!

The Grande Punto itself already shares it's chassis with.............


the current model Vauxhall Corsa

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mosposco (original)

The Grande Punto itself already shares it's chassis with.............


the current model Vauxhall Corsa

Fiat have already started severing their ties with GM.