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Innocenti Mini

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This article is about the new Innocenti Mini (Nuova) designed by Bertone. For the original Mini built by Innocenti, see Mini.

The Innocenti Mini is an automobile introduced by Leyland Innocenti in 1974. The vehicle was a rebodied, three-door hatchback version of the Mini, styled by Bertone. A five-door prototype was developed around 1980, but was never put into production. After having been sold to de Tomaso in 1976, the Innocenti Mini ended up being powered by Daihatsu-sourced three-cylinder engines and continued in production in incrementally updated forms until 1993.

Innocenti Mini 90 / 120
Innocenti Mini de Tomaso
Innocenti Mini 90/120
Overview
ManufacturerInnocenti
Production1974 - 1982
AssemblyMilan, Italy[1]
DesignerNuccio Bertone[1]
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car
Body style3-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout
RelatedMini
Powertrain
Engine998 cc BMC A-series I4
1,275 cc BMC A-series I4[1]
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,040 mm (80.3 in)[1]
Length3,120–3,170 mm (122.8–124.8 in)[1]
Width1,500 mm (59.1 in)[1]
Height1,365 mm (53.7 in)[1]
Curb weight730 kg (1,610 lb) (approx)[1]
Chronology
PredecessorInnocenti Mini

British Leyland years

Innocenti, under the ownership of the British Leyland Motor Corporation (BLMC) developed rebodied versions of the Mini, known as the Innocenti Mini 90L and 120L, which were released at the Turin Show in 1974.[2] The new, Bertone-styled Mini was originally launched in two versions, the 90L and 120L – the former having the 998 cc A-series engine putting out 43 bhp (32 kW; 44 PS), and the latter the 1,275 cc unit, with an extra 20 bhp (15 kW) on tap. These outputs were later uprated to 49 bhp (37 kW; 50 PS) and 65 bhp (48 kW; 66 PS) respectively. As for the English-built Mini, the Innocenti received the "dry" rubber cone suspension, which provided excellent handling but at the cost of a very bumpy ride. All Leyland-engined Innocentis received a four-speed manual transmission.

At one point there were even plans for the Bertone-designed Mini to replace the original British Mini, but these came to nothing. Within a year of the car's launch, BLMC went bankrupt and in May 1976 Innocenti was sold to de Tomaso and GEPI. BL retained a 5% stake. The new owners renamed the company Nuova Innocenti ("New Innocenti") and continued to build the car without any real change.[3]

Innocenti De Tomaso
Innocenti 90L mkII pre-Daihatsu-face-lift

De Tomaso

At the 1976 Turin Auto Show the sporting Innocenti Mini de Tomaso was first shown. It entered series production in early 1977 and featured moulded plastic bumpers rather than the filigrane, chromed units used for the 90/120. There were also integral foglights, a hood scoop, and wheelarch extensions to accommodate the alloy wheels which completed the sporting appearance. Power at introduction was 71 bhp (53 kW; 72 PS), but this crept up to 74 bhp (55 kW; 75 PS) in 1978.[4]

Mille

In 1980, the facelifted and better equipped Mini Mille made its appearance. The Mille (1000) replaced the larger-engined 120 in most markets, and featured molded plastic bumpers, headlights which sloped backwards, and redesigned taillights. Overall length increased by a couple of inches (5 cm). There was also a "90 LS II" version introduced for 1981, and the "90 SL" for the 1982 model year.[3] By 1982, however, Alessandro de Tomaso's deal with BL had ended. For various reasons, politico-industrial as well as due to British Leyland's reluctance to provide engines to what was a competitor in many continental markets, the decision to thoroughly reengineer the Innocenti Mini was reached.[5] After a lot of testing, the car was finally adapted to take a three-cylinder Daihatsu engine and various other mechanical parts. Thanks to Alfa Romeo's Arna deal with Nissan a few years earlier, the Italian political resistance against Japanese companies was minimized and DeTomaso encountered no political difficulties.[6]

Daihatsu era

Innocenti Minitre/990/650
Innocenti Turbo de Tomaso
1991-1993 Innocenti Small 500
Overview
ManufacturerInnocenti
Also calledInnocenti Small
Production1982 - 1993
AssemblyMilan, Italy
DesignerNuccio Bertone
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car
Body style3-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout
RelatedDaihatsu Charade
Powertrain
Engine548 cc Daihatsu EB I3
617 cc Daihatsu AD I2
659 cc Daihatsu EF I3
993 cc Daihatsu CB22 I3
993 cc Daihatsu CB-DT/CB60/61 turbo I3
993 cc Daihatsu CL10 diesel I3
Transmission5-speed manual
2-speed semi-automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,045–2,205 mm (81–87 in)[2]
Length3,135–3,375 mm (123–133 in)[2]
Width1,515–1,530 mm (60–60 in)[2]
Height1,340–1,380 mm (53–54 in)[2]
Curb weight638–740 kg (1,410–1,630 lb)[2][7]
Chronology
PredecessorInnocenti Mini

In April 1982, at the same time as the engines were changed for Daihatsu units, the Mini's original rubber suspension was changed to a more conventional (and comfortable) independently developed layout with MacPherson struts up front and an independent, leaf-sprung rear suspension with lower wishbones.[8] To indicate the new engines, the cars were renamed Innocenti Tre Cilindri, or simply "Tre" (three). The new engines and suspension carried with them a weight penalty of about 55 kg (121 lb).[6] The new Innocentis were nearly indistinguishable from their predecessors, the external changes being limited to badging and a chin spoiler. In 1984 they were renamed Minitre (sometimes written "Mini 3"). Most of the new parts came straight from the Daihatsu Charade. European exports, which had hitherto been managed by local British Leyland affiliates, were either halted or generally slowed down. For the first year or two, Minitres were limited to exporting to France, Belgium, and Switzerland. In 1983, the German Daihatsu importer Walter Hagen took over sales there, after a hiatus of over a year.[9] The old Leyland-engined versions continued to be sold until stocks ran out. In spite of the new model, production dropped steadily: from 23,187 in 1981 to 21,646 the next year to 13,688 in 1983, the first year in which all cars were Daihatsu-engined.[10][11] During 1984, sales shot up again as the car had regained its credibility.

Aside from the sporting turbocharged version, the Minitre was originally only available with a carburetted 52 PS (38 kW) petrol engine, in three different levels of trim: S, SL, and SE.[7] While usually fitted with a five-speed manual transmission rather than the four-speed unit used in the four-cylinder cars, later a two-speed semiautomatic also became available, sold as the "Matic". This was the same unit as the one marketed as the "Daimatic" by Daihatsu themselves. The Matic's gearbox has the same dimensions as does the manual transmission, and is fitted with a torque converter and a planetary gear train with two gear ratios which are selected by a traditional, floor-mounted gear lever.[12]

While the Daihatsu powertrains were considerably more expensive than the British units, Alejandro DeTomaso stated that this was more than paid for by lowered warranty claims. In 1984 he said that warranty repairs were down by 70% when Japanese-engined Minis were compared with the BL-engined ones. His biggest problem was that his service network had become overstaffed as a result of the higher quality engines.[6] To be honest, this surfeit of servicing staff may have also been a result of steadily declining production numbers (down from the forty-thousands in the late seventies to the mid-teens by 1984/1985), something which De Tomaso tried to ameliorate by offering a more luxurious and customizable product than did their main competitor Fiat.[13]

The three-cylinder (and some two-cylinder versions as well) continued in production until 1993, and this range was also available with a 37 PS (27 kW) diesel version of the 1-litre engine. The diesel looked the same, inside and out, as did the regular Minitre. At the time of introduction, this engine was not only the smalllest passenger car diesel in the world, but also had the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated diesel engine in series production - it thus made for a surprisingly spirited performer.[14] Introduced as part of an effort to bring Innocenti production above the threshold of profitability, around 20,000 cars annually, the Minidiesel sold very well right out of the box.[15] The diesel took thirty percent of the overall production with nearly no negative effect on sales of the petrol versions, a considerably bigger share than the expected twenty percent.[6]

In Turin 1986, the longer 990 was presented - this version had a wheelbase which was extended by 16 cm (6 in) and was available with either the naturally aspirated petrol or diesel 1 L engines.[2] In addition to a more useful backseat, the 990 also had a more sloped windshield for somewhat better aerodynamics.[16] A well balanced design, the longer wheelbase version can be hard to identify, if it wasn't for the missing pillar in the glass of the door, and the forward placement of the rear view mirrors. The luggage space also increased somewhat, with 295 L (10.4 cu ft) rather than 280 L (9.9 cu ft).[17] The 990 was an adaptation of a 1982 concept executed by the Embo carrozzeria, using the longer chassis of the Mini Traveller.[18] Excepting the turbo, the shorter 1-litre versions were taken out of production in July 1987. The 990 was available as the SL, and as a better-equipped SE version.

Late production, long-wheelbase "Small 990 Serie Speciale"
Rear view of Innocenti Small 500

650/500

A "Minidue" had been rumored for some time, but most were expecting the fitment of a Moto Guzzi 650 cc V-twin engine, since Moto Guzzi was another company owned by de Tomaso at the time.[6] A few prototypes were even built with this engine, but the amount of work it would have taken to make the motorcycle unit suitable for a car made the project unfeasible.[19] Instead, Innocenti chose to stick to Daihatsu engines. First shown at the Turin Auto Show in November 1984, the two-cylinder, short-stroke 617 cc "Mini 650" was also available as a better equipped "SE" model.[20] The 650 received a silver-painted asymmetric grille, while the SE model had model-specific hubcaps divided into threes. While not very powerful at 31 PS (23 kW), the two-cylinder engine was surprisingly smooth-running thanks to the use of twin balance shafts.[21] The dashboard was also unique to the 650 and was quite spartan, for instance it had no door to the glove compartment. In the rear, the reflective bar between the taillights was replaced by a black plastic unit.[21]

The "650" was succeeded by the three-cylinder 550 cc (660 cc from late 1990) "Mini 500". These engines all came from the Daihatsu Cuore rather than the bigger Charade. The 550 cc Innocenti 500 (with L or more luxurious LS equipment) was first shown in November 1987 and replaced the preceding "650" since engine-supplier Daihatsu had ended production of the outdated two-cylinder engine.[22] The carburetted 500 offered 31 PS (23 kW) at 6,400 rpm for a 116 km/h (72 mph) top speed. Outside of Italy, this car also found some popularity in France, where its 3CV tax rating was as low as the considerably less habitable Fiat 126.[16]

Small

Following Fiat's 1990 takeover of Innocenti, the car was renamed the Innocenti Small and the Diesel, Matic, and Turbo de Tomaso versions were dropped.[23] Updates included a slight facelift in November 1990,[24] while the little 500's engine was updated to a 659 cc version following changes to the kei car regulations in March 1990 to allow for 660 cc of displacement—Daihatsu had quickly replaced the smaller EB engine with the somewhat bigger EF unit. Power remained exactly the same, while an increase in torque from 42 N⋅m (31 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm to 49 N⋅m (36 lb⋅ft) at 3,400 rpm increased flexibility and meant that the top speed crept up to 120 km/h (75 mph).[24] Fuel consumption also decreased somewhat.[n 1] In July 1991 a luxurious "Serie Speciale" variant of the 990 was introduced, also offered with an available canvas-roof.[24] The 990 Serie Speciale featured an alcantara interior by Missoni.

In 1992, fuel injected and catalyzed versions of both Innocenti Small versions entered the market. These versions had marginally lower power (see table) and top speeds. The last development was the "Small 500 SE" of 1993, which offered the smaller engine mounted in the longer "990"-style body. Production ended on March 31, 1993, with sales continuing into the next year. Daihatsu did stop using the three-cylinder CB engine in their own cars a few months before, but this may be coincidental.

Turbo de Tomaso

After the change to Daihatsu engines, a new De Tomaso version with a turbocharged, 72 PS (53 kW) version of the 993 cc three-cylinder engine was presented in December 1983. Italian sales began the next month.[26] This was the two-valve version; the considerably more powerful mulitivalve version used in the Charade GTti was never used in the Innocenti. The bodywork was also revised, with the headlights now sloping backwards and with new bumpers, skirts, and fender extensions to fit the 160/65 SR315 (TRX) alloys. The sporty steering wheel received a leather rim. The original version was equipped with an Italian development of the naturally aspirated CB22 engine (called CB-DT), with an IHI RHB5 turbocharger and the same 9.1:1 compression ratio as for the CB22. Max power was reached at 6,200 rpm for the original version.[27] In the second half of 1984 this engine was replaced with the fully Daihatsu-built CB60 engine.[26] The CB60, with a smaller IHI RHB32 charger and a more suitable 8:1 compression ratio (with a 0.5 bar charge, rather than the 0.37 bar used in the CB-DT), reached max power at 5,700 rpm.[2] Tractability at lower engine speeds also improved since the smaller charger was more willing to spool up; this had been an area of concern with the earlier engine which did not have a whole lot of power beneath 3,500 rpm.[28]

In July 1988 the engine was upgraded to CB61 specifications, this version received grey rather than red casings in the engine compartment. For the Canadian (and Swiss) markets, a catalyzed version of the carburetted CB60 engine was installed. This unit was slightly less powerful, with 68 PS (50 kW) at 5,500 rpm.[29] After Fiat's purchase of Innocenti in 1990, the Turbo de Tomaso, along with the diesel and the "Matic" versions, were all dropped.[23]

Exports

The Innocenti DeTomaso was brought to Canada by Incacars Inc from 1984 but sales dropped considerably with concerns about reliability - from 2,000 cars the first year to only 196 in the first six months of 1986.[30] Aside from a catalyzed version of the CB60 engine, the Canada-bound DeTomasos also received unique rectangular side-marker lights.

Data

Daihatsu-engined Innocenti Mini series (numbers in italics are test results, not factory numbers)
Small-engined
versions  		engine disp
(cc) 		fuel feed power torque top speed 0-100
(km/h) 		wheelbase length width height orig. weight trans-
mission 		production
PS kW @ rpm Nm lbft @ rpm km/h mph mm (in) kg lb
Mini 650, SE "AD" SOHC I2 617 single
carburettor 		31 23 5,700 45 33 3,500 118 73 29.8[20] 2,045
(80.5) 		3,160
(124.4) 		1,520
(59.8) 		1,375
(54.1) 		665 1,466 5MT 1984–1987
500 L/LS
Small 500 L/LS 		"EB" SOHC I3 548 31 23 6,400 42 31 4,000 116 72 3,212
(126.5) 		1,380
(54.3) 		650 1,433 1987–1990
"EF" 659 31 23 6,400 49 36 3,400 120 75 27.4 660 1,455 1990–1993
Small 500 L/LS (Cat.) fuel
injection 		30 22 6,600 46 34 3,200 118 73 1992–1993
Small 500 SE (Cat.) 2,206
(86.9) 		3,375
(132.9) 		1,375
(54.1) 		1993
1-litre versions
3 Cilindri/Minitre, SE, SE Special "CB22" SOHC I3 993 twin-barrel
carburettor 		52 38 5,600 74 55 3,200 145 90 17.4 2,045
(80.5) 		3,160
(124.4) 		1,520
(59.8) 		1,380
(54.3) 		638 1,407 5MT 1982–1986
5,800 71 52 3,600 675 1,488 1986–1987
Minimatic, SE 5,600 74 55 3,200 140 87 690 1,521 2AT 1984–1986
990 SE/SL
(Small) 990 SE/SL 		"CB23" 5,600 78 58 3,200 145 90 16.2 2,206
(86.9) 		3,375
(132.9) 		1,375
(54.1) 		695 1,532 5MT 1986–1988
53 39 5,750 78 58 3,500 147 91 715 1,576 1988–1993
Small 990 SE (Cat.) Fuel injection 50 37 5,800 74 55 3,300 16.6 1992–1993
990 Matic twin-barrel
carburettor 		52 38 5,800 71 52 3,600 140 87 24.4 715 1,576 2AT 1986–1988
53 39 5,750 78 58 3,500 1988–1990
Turbo De Tomaso
Turbo De Tomaso "CB-DT" SOHC I3 993 turbocharger,
twin carburettor 		72 53 6,200 95 70 4,400 165 103 10.8 2,045
(80.5) 		3,135
(123.4) 		1,530
(60.2) 		1,380
(54.3) 		670 1,477 5MT 1983–1984
"CB60" 5,700 104 77 3,500 162 101 710 1,565 1984–1988
"CB61" 5,800 108 80 3,400 158 98 1988–1990
Turbo De Tomaso (Cat.) "CB60" 68 50 5,500 106 78 3,200 158 98 1984–1987
Diesels
Minidiesel, SE "CL10" SOHC I3 993 diesel 37 27 4,600 60 44 3,450 125 78 24.8 2,045
(80.5) 		3,160
(123.4) 		1,520
(59.8) 		1,380
(54.3) 		710 1,565 5MT 1984–1985
61 45 3,000 685 1,510 1985–1987
990 Diesel SE, SL 2,206
(86.9) 		3,375
(132.9) 		1,375
(54.1) 		740 1,631 1986–1988
"CL11" 4,800 60 44 3,200 1988–1990

Notes

  1. ^ From 5.5 L/100 km at a constant speed of 90 km/h and 6.6 L/100 km in the urban cycle to 5.3 and 6.5 L/100 km respectively for the larger engined version.[24][25]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Test: Innocenti 120L". Auto, Motor und Sport. Heft 20 1977: Seite 80–86. date 28 September 1977. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (1987). Automobil Revue 1987 (in German/French). Vol. 82. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. pp. 327–328. ISBN 3-444-00458-3. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  3. ^ a b World Cars 1984. Pelham, NY: L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books. 1984. p. 406. ISBN 0-910714-16-9.
  4. ^ Adams, Keith (2011-07-26). "Mini Overseas: Innocenti 90/120". AROnline.
  5. ^ Ferrari, Alessandro (1984). "Anteprima: La "Mini" si toglie il cilindro". Quattroruote (in Italian). 29 (347). Milan, Italy: Editoriale Domus: 67. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b c d e Pazzi, Giuseppe (1984). "Formula Tre: La soluzione preferita dall'Innocenti". Quattroruote (in Italian). 29 (345). Milan, Italy: Editoriale Domus: 155–157. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b World Cars 1984, p. 221-222
  8. ^ Costa, André & Georges-Michel Fraichard, ed. (1982). "Salon 1983: Toutes les Voitures du Monde". l'Auto Journal (in French) (14 & 15). Paris: Homme N°1: 167. M 1117-014/015. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  9. ^ Auto Katalog 1985 (in German). Vol. 28. Stuttgart: Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG. 1984. p. 106.
  10. ^ Heitz, Rudolf, ed. (1983). Auto Katalog 1984 (in German). Vol. 27. Stuttgart: Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG. p. 243.
  11. ^ Auto Katalog 1985, p. 252
  12. ^ "La Piccola "3 Cilindri" è Monoturbo". Quattroruote (in Italian): 121. 1984. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ Heitz, Rudolf, ed. (1987). Auto Katalog 1988 (in German). Vol. 31. Stuttgart: Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG. p. 125.
  14. ^ Mazzocchi, Gianni, ed. (1984). "Prove Su Strada: Innocenti "Minidiesel SE"". Quattroruote (in Italian). 29 (345). Milan, Italy: Editoriale Domus: 148–151. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ Mazzocchi, Gianni, ed. (1984). "La "tre cilindri" è anche a gasolio". Quattroruote (in Italian). 29 (342). Milan, Italy: Editoriale Domus: 96–97. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ a b Bellu, René, ed. (1990). "Salon: Toutes les Voitures du Monde 90/91". l'Auto Journal (in French) (14 & 15). Paris: Homme N°1: 274. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  17. ^ Aichele, Tobias, ed. (1992). Auto Katalog 1993 (in German). Stuttgart: Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG. pp. 28–29, Technische Daten tearout.
  18. ^ l'Auto Journal: Salon 1983, p. 195. The Embo showcar was less elegant than the finished "990", the bodywork being extended by simply adding an insert behind the B-pillar. Unlike the 990, it also had a slightly raised rear roof and a small luggage rack on the front portion thereof, á la the Matra Rancho.
  19. ^ Quattroruote September 1984, p. 68
  20. ^ a b Mastrostefano, Raffaele, ed. (1985). "Innocenti "Mini 650 SE"". Quattroruote (in Italian). 30 (351). Milan, Italy: Editoriale Domus: 115. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  21. ^ a b Quattroruote, January 1985, pp. 117, 120-121
  22. ^ Mastrostefano, Raffaele, ed. (1990). Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1990 (in Italian). Milano: Editoriale Domus S.p.A. p. 383.
  23. ^ a b Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (1991). Automobil Revue 1991 (in German/French). Vol. 86. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 329. ISBN 3-444-00514-8. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  24. ^ a b c d Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1992 (in Italian). Milano: Editoriale Domus S.p.A. 1992. p. 394.
  25. ^ Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1990, p. 384
  26. ^ a b Zaccarini, Francesco. "Innocenti De Tomaso Turbo: The story of the car read from the italian magazines". Innocenti Turbo De Tomaso Owners' Club. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
  27. ^ Bey-Rozet, Yves (1984). "Un Turbo Pour Trois". Sport-Auto (in French) (274): 118. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ Matteucci, Marco (1985). "Tutte Minime, Tutte col Turbo". Auto Capitale (in Italian): 22. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ Automobil Revue 1987, pp. 109, 328
  30. ^ "Innocenti car distributor moves head office to B.C." The Montreal Gazette. 22 August 1986. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
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