Saab could use BMW and Mini engines to power its next generation Saab 9-3 and new 92, according to Autocar sources.
Other unconfirmed reports also suggest that the deal between BMW and Saab could extend to Saab building its 9-2 on the Mini platform - something that would appeal to Mini as it attempts to increase volume and cut costs.
It's thought that as early as last summer Saab had its eye on the highly regarded 1.6-litre turbo petrol and turbodiesel units used in the Mini, and reports from Sweden now suggest the deal is done.
The company is keen on what it calls 'right-sized' engines, which it can modify using its extensive experience in turbocharging and engine management technology.
The sources now say that BMW and Saab have already signed an agreement for the Swedish company to buy in the new BMW-derived diesel and petrol engines that are set to make their debut in the forthcoming Mini Countryman.
If true, the deal could include the new 184bhp 1.6-litre, twin-scroll turbo Cooper S engine and the 112bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine used in the Countryman.
Indeed, a senior BMW source recently told Autocar that his company had "no problem" supplying engines to other car makers.
These engines are likely to be mated to the Countryman's new six-speed manual gearbox, which has the ability to accommodate a four-wheel drive system. Saab, however, would retain its own Haldex-based XWD system no matter who supplies the engines.
Saab is also likely to offer a dual-clutch gearbox in the 93, given that it has already developed one for GM.
Ahead of these newly sourced engines, however, Saab is expected to launch a mildly refreshed version of the current 9-3 powered by a GM-sourced 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine.
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Re: Saab 'to use BMW/Mini engines'
Re: Saab 'to use BMW/Mini engines'
Straight six man : if you're telling me you can any car regardless of Front or Rear wheel drive in heavy rain without any problems, then you are a liar. Sorry to be so blunt but you cannot drive a car in inclement weather with the same pace as in dry weather. It's a fact and if you can you have broken the laws of physics.
Re: Saab 'to use BMW/Mini engines'
I've driven many rear-drive cars in heavy rain, with and without traction control. There's no problem with it. There's only one front-drive car I've driven for which I'd swap my BMWs, and that's my wife's old Fiat Twin-cam engined Mini. God, I loved that car. Much as I loved her Alfa 1750GTV - sadly both rusted away to nothing. Understeer is easy to control, but it's no fun. Oversteer is very easy to control, and much more fun. I don't think anyone should be given a driving licence until they've proved they can hold and correct a slide - there have been so many nasty crashes caused because people haven't learned to control oversteer, despite the fact that it's so easy. I've actually witnessed accidents where someone has lost the rear of their car, it's gone into a slide and they've turned back in the direction they were going, making things worse, instead of applying 'a dab of oppo', holding and correcting the slide with just the right amount of throttle and powering out of the slide. It's so easy - I learned to do it as a teenager, I practiced it for ages until I could drift like a pro, and that early knowledge, experience and ability has saved me from crashes more than once. FWD has nothing to do with cruising ability, either - all the big barges, Rolls, Bentley, BMW, Merc, Maybach, are RWD (with the exception of the Audi A8 and the VW Phaeton/Conti Flying Spur). As for higher MPG? I think you'll find that a BMW 320D is rather more economical than the equivalent front-drive Passat or A4...