Though MINI's lineup hasn't (literally) lived up to its name since its reboot by parent BMW, product boss Pat McKenna would like to see the Rocketman — a MINI that truly is mini — appear in showrooms all over the world.
For that scenario to play out, though, the Rocketman needs a flight partner.
The main issue is one of platform; while the newest MINI hardtop rides on the same platform that will make its way into BMW's smallest offerings, it's impossible to scale it down to the size of the Rocketman, and BMW doesn't want to invest the money in an all-new front-drive architecture of that size, especially if its just for one model. Therefore, BMW is looking for a Toyota-Subaru arrangement where two companies would split the development costs.
Alas, McKenna still hasn't found what he's looking for in a suitable partner chassis, due to MINI's focus on driving performance. That said, he does see potential in the Rocketman in markets near and (especially) far, and would love to sell the fun-size coupe in showrooms all over the world should the right partnership were to be forged.
from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com
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