[DCMotorer]

Just saw an interesting post on Autoblog:

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/27/b...d-triumph-ftw/

It references an Automotive News article in which the writer makes the case for BMW bringing back the Triumph name in the form of a small RWD coupe and roadster. He suggests that it could use the 1 Series platform and be sold through MINI dealers.

The autoblog post offers the opinion that this could cannabalize sales from the 1 Series. I don't believe it necessarily would assuming the Triumph were a light, two-seater with the 4-Cylinder MINI engine and a base price around $20k. In fact, it would allow BMW to compete more directly with cars like the Miata while not diluting the BMW brand. If positioned and marketed right, I think BMW could carve out a niche for the Triumph name. I would definitely be interested in such a car.

The only question is, could they sell enough to be profitable?

[atr_hugo]

Triumph - hmmm, a way of sneaking in a four cylinder de-contented 1er (different sheetmetal of course - but same platform). Hmmmmmmm . . .

Could they do it profitably? Well it's been awhile since the Triumph name has been around, but the same could be said for Mini. The question would be, is there a market for a $19K to $23K RWD two door?

[1ster]

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

The question would be, is there a market for a $19K to $23K RWD two door?

The Miata, Solstice, and Sky would seem to indicate yes. I think this is a splendid idea. I just hope BMW doesn't make the interiors as cartoony as the Mini. Really, something like the Dodge Demon interior would be great -- classy and understated (never thought I'd say that about a Dodge!).

[atr_hugo]

BTW, DCMotorer, nice find!!

[kurichan]

Seems like an increasingly crowded space...

[WolfsburgerMitFries]

I'd love to see that. A new TR-6 would definitely be a winner. Just like BMW did a superb job with the Mini, and turned Rolls Royce into back into Rolls Royce...another British Marque (Triumph) could become quite viable with a German design and German Control.

[BMWeber]

wonder if you could make a 2500lb car out of a 1 chassis. 2500 lb with a nice supercharged 4 from the mini that would be fun. :smile:

[atr_hugo]

I suspect you get to 2700 w/o working up a sweat - ditch the sound insulation, axe the power seats & windows, different window glass, less engine weight, smaller wheels - yeah I'd say it's possible : -) HMMMM, should we wait for a s/c Triumph?

[imported_MPower]

BMW is certainly looking for a new brand and this actually seems to be the most logical. I really hope it happens.

[DCMotorer]

Originally Posted by MPower

BMW is certainly looking for a new brand and this actually seems to be the most logical. I really hope it happens.

It would be a good option assuming BMW was looking for a brand that would sell a limited volume of cars. It could be justified if they use existing parts. Utilizing the 1 chassis and the MINI engine would significantly minimize development costs.

While the Triumph name isn't well-known in the U.S., it at least has heritage which would be a great marketing advantage over starting a brand from scratch. Prior to bringing the MINI to the U.S., research found that very few people in the U.S. had ever heard of the original Minis. But MINI has done a great job of educating consumers of its heritage. I believe that a similar thing could be successfully done with Triumph.

[BForbes]

I hope it happens too!! Take note people, BMW is worried about diluting their "premium" image.

[joelk]

that would be amazing! i really hope this happens.

i had never heard of minis before the re-introduction but i've been quite familiar with triumphs since oh junior high or so.

[larryn]

I wish they would have a miata-like car. I always viewed MG as Triumph's competition, back in the day. It's more than likely going to be reincarnated as their competition again. MG is coming out with their TF LE500 in 2008 some time, but it's rumored to be at a higher price point than $20k, more like £18600 to £22260...

[Bill K]

Wonder if China is still gonna build MGs in Oklahoma.

[atr_hugo]

HA!! Haven't seen much on that lately - but since it's supposed to be a mid-engined coupe I was intrigued when that was mentioend in Automotive News.

[Bill K]

Having owned 3 different British Leyland products i may have nightmares after reading all this.

[atr_hugo]

Inscription found on a Lucas three way electrical light switch: 'Off, Dim, Smoke' (or was that, 'Off, Dim, Flicker'? ; -)

[Bill K]

No, it was probably smoke, for and option to set the damn thing on fire.