The debut is rumored to take place in 2012 and the new car is expected to use the same engine as the Mini Countryman, which will also make its debut in the WRC in 2011. The Countryman uses a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport. Regarding Saab, sources confirmed the fact that Spyker (the new owner of the Swedish firm) and WRC officials already met for further discussions and planned new talks at the Rally of France in October. “The initial meeting has happened and there’s a huge amount of enthusiasm from all concerned. Like Mini, Saab has a great heritage in the sport and a return to the WRC makes a lot of sense.” said the source. Another carmaker prepared for a WRC debut in 2012 is Volkswagen, but this is still a rumor.
