Saab is in talks with BMW about licensing its new front-drive platform for use on its new 92 supermini.
Saab boss Victor Muller told Reuters that he was in talks with other manufacturers over securing their underpinnings for the 92, but has hinted his preference is BMW after the firm's recent engine tie-up.
“Clearly we have a preference, but whether it's BMW, I can't tell you," he said, "BMW would make a wonderful partner.”
Read more about the Saab/BMW engine tie-up
The new BMW platform will be used to underpin a new range of front-wheel-drive BMWs, as well as the next-generation Mini. The 92 is a pet project of Muller's and is based around the evocative teardrop shape of the 1950s original.
Saab has also received interest from manufacturers hoping to use the platform for its new 9-3, according to Muller. “We're in constant dialogue with a number of players to share the [9-3] technology," he said. "There are parties that are interested in talking about possible licensing of the technology.”
Read more on the next-gen Saab 9-3, due in 2012
The new 9-3 is due to go on sale at the very end of 2012 and will feature a version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine currently used in the Mini range.
Saab will only confirm use of the 200bhp version of the N18 engine so far, but further versions are likely, including a variant that runs on E85 biofuel. It will also incorporate BMW’s fuel-saving stop-start and regenerative braking systems.
