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BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

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Old Jan 4, 2006 | 03:40 PM
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BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

By 2010 we are going to have more 2-seat convertibles then we know what to do with.

http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/04/f...i-now-triumph/



BMW is working on a two-seater based off of the MINI platform that will form the basis of a Triumph concept car later this year and may eventually see production. This seemingly incredible news comes from this morning’s edition of autoindustry.co.uk and is based on information from Autocar’s January 3rd issue. For those that might not be aware, along with BMW’s purchase of Rover back in the mid-90s came a handful of old British brands such as Triumph. At the time it had been rumored that the MINI would be the first of several brands coming back to life. However it was assumed these plans were shelved when Rover was broken up and sold by BMW in 2000. Here’s an excerpt from the article:


Reviewing the unconfirmed news that BMW Group design team is working in California on a two-seater sports car derivative of the current MINI platform, Autocar’s 3 January issue speculates that the car, “close to getting the green light for production”, could become a concept vehicle later this year, and eventually, could be marketed under the Triumph brand.
Old Jan 4, 2006 | 04:11 PM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

Alot of people seem to question the demand for a small sports car market. Back in 1996, there was a wave of small two seat roadsters (Z3, Boxster, SLK230), and all of them are still around. Of course, those are at the upper end of the price spectrum compared to the Miata/Solstice/Sky.

Last edited by Sixer-Bird; Jan 4, 2006 at 04:14 PM.
Old Jan 5, 2006 | 10:11 AM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

Here's my well-I-would-think drivel: as more and more baby boomers are becoming empty-nesters and breaking hips and such, the ****-off-my-wife-mobiles will sell better and better.

I say bring 'em on...........

Most of the MINI drivers I see appear old enough to have sired me......(<---still secretly wants one.....the MINI that is.........no, seriously)
Old Jan 5, 2006 | 10:20 AM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

Originally Posted by WJH'sFormula

(<---still secretly wants one.....the MINI that is.........no, seriously)
Me too!

And I've always wanted a TR3/4. Can't wait to see what they come up with.
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 10:11 AM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

But the Mini is FWD.

I think FWD "sports" cars are dumb. Roadsters, even more so.

They should do something more like an evolution of what a Triumph would have turned into by today had it gone successful and a little more high end (albeit with a low price).
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 10:20 AM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

Originally Posted by 5thGen
But the Mini is FWD.

I think FWD "sports" cars are dumb. Roadsters, even more so.
.
True, in most cases FWD sucks, but on the otherhand the MINI handles better then anything I have ever drove (I should know, I own one)

Sure they aren't the fastest cars in the world, but (especially at their price) they are a lot of fun to drive and take turns like no other.

Last edited by johnsocal; Jan 6, 2006 at 10:26 AM.
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 10:40 AM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

Originally Posted by johnsocal
(I should know, I own one)
Assuming your avatar is of you and your rugrats.....how'd ya sell that one to the "boss".......?
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 10:56 AM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

Originally Posted by WJH'sFormula
Assuming your avatar is of you and your rugrats.....how'd ya sell that one to the "boss".......?
Its our 3rd car and since its a stick my wife cant even drive it,but she digs how it looks and really likes it when I take here out to dinner in it.

My sons love the car and my 2 1/2 year old calls it "Daddy's!!!" and everytime he sees and Mini on the road he yells and points "Daddy's!!!". Ironically, I don't drive my kids in the Mini since the back seats sit to close to the rear window/bumper and dont give the rear passengers enough rear crash protection IMO. On the otherhand the crash safety ratings for driver and front passenger are excellent.

Now how do I sell the boss on a new Camaro in 2010 is another question............

Last edited by johnsocal; Jan 6, 2006 at 11:12 AM.
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 12:31 PM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

Originally Posted by WJH'sFormula
(<---still secretly wants one.....the MINI that is.........no, seriously)

^^^not the only one. i really want to see what this new Triumph will look like.
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 02:31 PM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

I'm trying to pick up an old Mini while living in Germany. It is like an oversized gocart.
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 04:12 PM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

here's some more info about the return of triumph from www.motoringfile.com

Sources state that the sporting concept looks promising, with pleasing styling - the designs (one of which carried the MINI-MAXImum moniker) are retro-modern in style, but with a nod to the past, carrying traces of Triumph TR4 and Stag in places. Sources in the USA have also confirmed that MINI distributors over there have been told to expect ’some very big surprises’ in 2006/7, stating that ‘more than one new model is planned
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 04:39 PM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

Originally Posted by 5thGen
But the Mini is FWD.

I think FWD "sports" cars are dumb. Roadsters, even more so.

They should do something more like an evolution of what a Triumph would have turned into by today had it gone successful and a little more high end (albeit with a low price).
Yeah, I hear you on the FWD...but have you ever driven an old Triumph? They're so cool...but automotively, they're from the stone age.

If they do as good of a job as they did with the Mini, I have no doubt that this will be the best Triumph ever.
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 07:45 PM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

Originally Posted by Z284ever
Yeah, I hear you on the FWD...but have you ever driven an old Triumph? They're so cool...but automotively, they're from the stone age.

If they do as good of a job as they did with the Mini, I have no doubt that this will be the best Triumph ever.
I agree, it will be a good car. But I think it could be a great car. I am thinking Iconic, in the way the Miata re-established the roadster in the US. The Triumph should honestly be a car to reclaim that.

I am thinking roll up windows, manual top, manual 5 speed, 4 cylinder 220 hp individual throttlebody fuel injection a la M3, and most importantly, RWD. And also under 20k, I am thinking 17k. Cloth and plastic interior, and under 2500 lbs. Also a hatchback Stag model would be really cool too. Simple gauges, simple radio, etc. A true back to basics roadster.

I just don't think I will ever consider a fwd car as even possibly sporty again. I have driven the Mini, and it is a good driver, but not great imho.
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 07:46 PM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

And, no, I have never driven one, Being 6 ft 3 and 200 lbs, it is a small ergonomics problem trying to get into one of those.

However, I would obviously not expect it to drive like the cars of old, and would expect top notch handling since it is technically a BMW project.
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 08:19 PM
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Re: BMW to build Triumph 2-seat Convert off Mini platform?

Ahhhh! No Triumph never built great cars only great bikes.



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