Rumor: BMW in talks to use iQ platform , Toyota to get Mini platform in return

Rumormill: BMW in talks to use iQ platform for future models, Toyota to get Mini in return?!

Aston Martin may not be the only premium European automaker interested in Toyota's innovative iQ microcar. According to Inside Line and Autocar in the U.K., BMW and Toyota are in talks to collaborate on future small cars based on the Mini and iQ platforms. BMW may possibly use the interior and diminutive platform from the Japanese automaker's next-gen iQ for its long-rumored Isetta revival, possibly with an electric powertrain.

In return, Toyota would gain access to the German automaker's Mini division – specifically the Coupe and Roadster that were recently shown in concept form ahead of their expected debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September – though its not currently clear what Toyota would do with them. Neither company has confirmed these reports, so we're currently taking this rumor with an appropriately large grain of salt.

Source: Autoblog

After all the hyper spread here about this new range of vehicule and the murder of my dear F1 team, i am expecting much more than some crap and cheap platform sharing with Toy, i am expecting 100 in house made, clever and innovative platforms.

BMW are in talks for Project i / MINI platforms with many carmakers such as Daimler / smart, Fiat / Alfa Romeo, Peugeot / Citroen, and - yes - also Toyota.

And so are the others ... there will be quite some cooperation between mid-size & full-size carmakers.

Even VW are looking into cooperation with Suzuki - due to Suzuki expertize in small-cars.

So ... Regarding BMW & partners: everything will be known very soon ... definitely till the end of the year.

Meanwhile we will hear a lot of rumors who is talking to whom.

I don't think this story will come to anything.

The author of this article is somewhat misguided in thinking Toyota wants to use Mini platforms. Toyota has access to Mini-like platforms from its subsidiaries Subaru and Daihatsu. I am sure these internally sourced platforms can provide Toyota with more flexibility and lower costs.

Toyota (with Subaru) is already a long way down the road with a small coupe that is similar to the Mini coupe. So I really can't see how Toyota would want to work on another model that would compete against one of its own.

The Mini platforms are quite expensive and will be difficult for Toyota to justify the expenses in re-engineering the Mini platforms for its needs.

I think there are reasons for BMW and Toyota to collarborate on the electric car drivetrains though. But aren't BMW and Mercedes working on electric drivetrains?

As long as they don't destroy MINI by making it dull like a Toyota. Not even a single step in that direction. Platform sharing could well kill the MINI.