Intelligent pierce? Daimler reportedly teams with Renault for next-gen minicar
The Daimler brain trust of Dieter Zetsche and Thomas Weber has reportedly struck a understanding with Renault/Nissan to develop its next generation of minicars due out in 2014 or so. As you would design, Daimler will get the brandnew Intelligent Fortwo out of the understanding whilst a Franco-Japanese conglomerate will use a design for unknown future models that could bear both a Nissan as well as Renault nameplates.
According to Vehicle Magazine, Daimler insisted upon maintaining the Intelligent brand’s tradema rk rear-engine as well as rear-wheel drive configuration, which was rather understandably met with some terror by Renault. Additionally held over will expected be a steel reserve cage design with transmutable cosmetic body panels so the resulting vehicles will be protected as well as simply distinguishable from each other.
Not surprisingly, electric powertrains will be part of the brew, along with the newly developed 1.0-liter approach injected three-cylinder engine and the duo of 1.3- as well as 1.5-liter fours. The modular chassis might additionally be lengthened in order to parent a brandnew four-seat Fourfour as well as the taller Formore micro-minivan with shifting doors.
Gallery:Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo
[Source: Automobile Magazine]
