Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Saab, Rumormill, Diesel
When
Saab first showed the
9-X Biohybrid concept at the 2008
Geneva Motor Show, it was expected to evolve into a production model based on General Motors' compact Delta architecture which forms the foundation of the Opel Astra and
Chevrolet Cruze. Now that Saab is owned by
Spyker Cars, CEO Victor Muller is reportedly looking for a new platform partner in Munich.
According to Swedish daily
Dagens Industri, Saab is negotiating with
BMW about getting access to the
Mini architecture for a new 9-2 model to slot in underneath the
9-3. Before the teardrop-shaped runabout can become a reality, Saab needs to successfully launch both the
9-5 sedan and the 9-4x crossover.
There is no word yet on whether Muller is said to be in exclusive talks with BMW, or if Muller and Co. are in discussions with other automakers about supplying platforms and parts for the planned supermini. For its part, news agency
Reuters quotes a unnamed BMW spokesman as saying "We are in talks with several interested parties who have interest in our technology... there are no contracts with Saab at the moment."
The 9-4x, which shares its platform with the
Cadillac SRX, is expected to finally launch early next year. But for the model to be successful in Europe, it will need to have a diesel engine option, and
Dagens Industri is also reporting that BMW could also provide engines options, although that could be more problematic. The 9-4x has a transverse mounted powertrain, but all of BMW's engines are longitudinally arrayed, which would require significant re-engineering.
A tip of the hat to William!
[Source:
Reuters]
Report: Saab talking to BMW about using Mini platform for new 9-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |
Email this |
Comments
أكثر...