BMW Isetta revival info from Auto Express

Jason · 05-15-2009, 09:26 AM

Brits to design reborn Isetta

BMW microcar to revive legendary badge, with petrol, diesel and electric power

Name: isetta.jpg
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Name: isetta.jpg
Views: 11999
Size: 18.3 KB

...it’s the car that proves BMW is heading back to the future!

In an unlikely partnership, the German company has teamed up with the UK’s Bath University to design a new range of eco-friendly two, three and four-wheeled city runabouts. With this news comes the suggestion that the Isetta badge could make a comeback after 50 years, providing the main inspiration for the four-wheeled microcar.

Ideal for busy city roads, the tiny BMW would be rear-engined and rear-wheel drive, to provide the perfect balance of power and handling. Due to its tiny dimensions, the Isetta should be easy to park. And inside, it will be packaged in a similar way to the Toyota iQ, and will offer seating for three adults, plus an occasional chair behind the driver.

Sources at BMW have said that, despite its retro heritage, the new Isetta will be very futuristic. From launch, the range of small-capacity petrol and diesel engines should deliver economy in excess of 100mpg and emit less than 90g/km of CO2 – although other power systems are also under consideration. An all-electric version is the preferred option. A spokesman told us: “We are testing the viability of battery power with our MINI e.

“We need to see how people use these cars, as well as establish what kind of performance, range and life we can achieve. Only that way can we ensure it is truly viable.

“We are committed to producing a super-economical or zero-emissions vehicle or range of vehicles. However, it’s going to be at least five years before production models hit the road.”

BMW’s tie-in with Bath University suggests development is gathering pace, and as demand for eco vehicles is so buoyant, the Isetta could appear in showrooms here as early as 2011, with an electric version following close behind.

from Auto Express: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...rn_isetta.html

vgame64 · 05-15-2009, 10:37 AM

I'd buy one for $12k-$14.5k.

SteveMD · 05-15-2009, 11:03 AM

I'd want to climb in through the front though.

JIM E92 · 05-15-2009, 11:10 AM

It's all wrong....there are too many doors.

MidwestBimmerFan · 05-15-2009, 11:18 AM

Sweet!!! but it does need a door on the front. Probaly cant nowadays with crash standards.

yashBMW · 05-15-2009, 12:16 PM

Looks nice but personally, I dont think this will arrive until 2013-14 because of the economical crisis....but you never know it may arrive in 2011.

cougfan335 · 05-15-2009, 02:07 PM

I love it. I would really like to see a targa/t-top model and of course the door moved to its original position. This could be such a fun little car and could be huge for sales if they do it right. I live in Seattle and you see a lot of Smart cars around and I bet a lot of people around here get them for the convertible top and of course tiny size and green cred. If BMW puts out a fun little Isetta that drives better and doesn't look goofy and upright it'll sell like hotcakes.

E90SLAM · 05-15-2009, 02:27 PM

oh my!!!

I'd hit it and take to the Nurburgring!!!

Tallest · 05-15-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vgame64

I'd buy one for $12k-$14.5k.

LOL.

I'd pay 9k max. comon, wtf, 15k for this??? That's insane, get ford focus.

Remonster · 05-15-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 320what

LOL.

I'd pay 9k max. comon, wtf, 15k for this??? That's insane, get ford focus.

Now that is insane.

Joking aside, I'm glad they're making this rather than sticking a hybrid powertrain in a 3 series and calling it a day, a new Isetta is a much more well thought out solution.

Imola.ZHP · 05-15-2009, 03:36 PM

fail

RavenE90 · 05-15-2009, 03:41 PM

wheres the front door.....how am I suppose to be all pimp like Steve Urkel without the front load door people huh? please tell me HOW?

E90SLAM · 05-15-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenE90

wheres the front door.....how am I suppose to be all pimp like Steve Urkel without the front load door people huh? please tell me HOW?

go to LTBMW...and longtran will cut ur front out for you...

ptack · 05-15-2009, 05:08 PM

Put an N54 in it and I'll consider one.

yowhuddupb · 05-15-2009, 08:04 PM

they need to keep the front entrance original style. just like steve urkel's Isetta! cool car!

numba1guju · 05-17-2009, 09:11 PM

urkels car...WICKED! but price is too steep for something like that

Davin · 05-17-2009, 10:56 PM

the new competitor to the Smart car ?

ChrisV · 05-18-2009, 08:44 AM

It's a photoshop based on the Mitsubishi i Sport Air:

bimmerlex · 05-18-2009, 02:58 PM

Hard to determine from outside where is the front and where is the back, except for the side mirrors positioning...

imported_mega · 05-18-2009, 06:20 PM

based on the sales sucess of the reborn bug, and the mini, cult classics have proven themselves

although I would rather see a true 2002 remake

mjez · 05-18-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vgame64

I'd buy one for $12k-$14.5k.

$12k-$14.5k...hmmm. someone is forgeting that we're talking about bmw here.
I'm thinking more like upper teens to mid twenties. You have to remember only because it's going to be small it doesn't have to carry small price. Toyota Yaris is priced at $12k and Mini starts just under $20 but then again it'll be eco car so most likely it'll be priced higher than the other two. It's hard to say at the moment but I'm guesing it'll start in low to mid $20k

///MSpt550xi · 06-26-2009, 03:12 PM

I know that it is an old article, so it might be a repost.

If it is, sorry!

http://deus-ex-machine.blogspot.com/...mw-isetta.html

05-15-2009, 09:26 AM	#1
Jason Administrator 44272 Rep 21,333 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	BMW Isetta revival info from Auto Express Brits to design reborn Isetta BMW microcar to revive legendary badge, with petrol, diesel and electric power ...it’s the car that proves BMW is heading back to the future! In an unlikely partnership, the German company has teamed up with the UK’s Bath University to design a new range of eco-friendly two, three and four-wheeled city runabouts. With this news comes the suggestion that the Isetta badge could make a comeback after 50 years, providing the main inspiration for the four-wheeled microcar. Ideal for busy city roads, the tiny BMW would be rear-engined and rear-wheel drive, to provide the perfect balance of power and handling. Due to its tiny dimensions, the Isetta should be easy to park. And inside, it will be packaged in a similar way to the Toyota iQ, and will offer seating for three adults, plus an occasional chair behind the driver. Sources at BMW have said that, despite its retro heritage, the new Isetta will be very futuristic. From launch, the range of small-capacity petrol and diesel engines should deliver economy in excess of 100mpg and emit less than 90g/km of CO2 – although other power systems are also under consideration. An all-electric version is the preferred option. A spokesman told us: “We are testing the viability of battery power with our MINI e. “We need to see how people use these cars, as well as establish what kind of performance, range and life we can achieve. Only that way can we ensure it is truly viable. “We are committed to producing a super-economical or zero-emissions vehicle or range of vehicles. However, it’s going to be at least five years before production models hit the road.” BMW’s tie-in with Bath University suggests development is gathering pace, and as demand for eco vehicles is so buoyant, the Isetta could appear in showrooms here as early as 2011, with an electric version following close behind. from Auto Express: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...rn_isetta.html Attached Images
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05-15-2009, 10:37 AM	#2
vgame64 Colonel 143 Rep 2,479 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	I'd buy one for $12k-$14.5k.
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05-15-2009, 11:03 AM	#3
SteveMD Colonel 202 Rep 2,485 Posts Drives: 2016 F10 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Raventown! iTrader: (3)	I'd want to climb in through the front though. __________________ 2006 E90 330i (retired) 2009 E90 335i (retired) 2012 E70 X5 50i M Sport (retired) 2016 F10 535i M Sport
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05-15-2009, 11:10 AM	#4
JIM E92 Lieutenant 17 Rep 410 Posts Drives: 2007 328 Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sandy Eggo iTrader: (0)	It's all wrong....there are too many doors.
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05-15-2009, 11:18 AM	#5
MidwestBimmerFan Private First Class 14 Rep 148 Posts Drives: E92 M3, 1995 E36 M3, 1976 2002 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Willowbrook, IL iTrader: (0)	Sweet!!! but it does need a door on the front. Probaly cant nowadays with crash standards.
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05-15-2009, 12:16 PM	#6
yashBMW Superior Genral 2 Rep 208 Posts Drives: BMW 750Li Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Looks nice but personally, I dont think this will arrive until 2013-14 because of the economical crisis....but you never know it may arrive in 2011.
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05-15-2009, 02:07 PM	#7
cougfan335 First Lieutenant 10 Rep 326 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe MT, Montego/Saddle Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Reno, NV iTrader: (6)	I love it. I would really like to see a targa/t-top model and of course the door moved to its original position. This could be such a fun little car and could be huge for sales if they do it right. I live in Seattle and you see a lot of Smart cars around and I bet a lot of people around here get them for the convertible top and of course tiny size and green cred. If BMW puts out a fun little Isetta that drives better and doesn't look goofy and upright it'll sell like hotcakes. __________________ e92 335i: Montego, Saddle Brown, Burl Walnut, MT, Sport, Prem, CW, PDC, Rear Shade. Mods: JB4, BMS Dual Intake, Cyba Scoops, Beyern Mesh Chrome 19" wheels, 15% F1 tint, LeatherZ weighted shift knob, body color reflectors, Matte black grill with Montego surround, middle lower grill removed, left and right lower grills painted black.
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05-15-2009, 02:27 PM	#8
E90SLAM Supreme Allied Commander 2031 Rep 61,781 Posts Drives: A BBS WHORE Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: . iTrader: (6) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i [0.00]	oh my!!! I'd hit it and take to the Nurburgring!!! __________________
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05-15-2009, 03:36 PM	#11
Imola.ZHP Colonel 129 Rep 2,218 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW i3 BEV EE Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mud Island, TN iTrader: (0)	fail __________________ - 2014 CPO i01 BEV Electronaut Edition Capparis White Tera World, '17- - 2015 CPO i01 BEV Laurel Grey Tera World, '17- - 2015 i01 REx Laurel Grey Tera World, '15-'17 - 2003 CPO 330i ZHP Imola Red Build 03/03/03, '06-'15
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05-15-2009, 03:41 PM	#12
RavenE90 Private First Class 1 Rep 162 Posts Drives: 06 E90 Sedan Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: California's Central Coast iTrader: (0)	wheres the front door.....how am I suppose to be all pimp like Steve Urkel without the front load door people huh? please tell me HOW?
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05-15-2009, 05:08 PM	#14
ptack Brigadier General 307 Rep 4,483 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	Put an N54 in it and I'll consider one. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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05-15-2009, 08:04 PM	#15
yowhuddupb Stuntin'. 25 Rep 583 Posts Drives: //Mtrey/K7 GIX600 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: LA/Santa Monica iTrader: (4) Garage List 1998 Prelude [0.00] 2008 335i [0.00]	they need to keep the front entrance original style. just like steve urkel's Isetta! cool car!
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05-17-2009, 09:11 PM	#16
numba1guju Lieutenant 27 Rep 488 Posts Drives: 2015 VW Jetta Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	urkels car...WICKED! but price is too steep for something like that
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05-17-2009, 10:56 PM	#17
Davin Lieutenant Colonel 59 Rep 1,721 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Trinidad & Tobago / NYC iTrader: (0)	the new competitor to the Smart car ?
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05-18-2009, 08:44 AM	#18
ChrisV 7er 9 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 1998 BMW 740iL Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pikesville, MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 740iL [6.00]	It's a photoshop based on the Mitsubishi i Sport Air: __________________ 1998 740iL
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05-18-2009, 02:58 PM	#19
bimmerlex Captain 76 Rep 890 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW X4M Competition Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: SoCal. iTrader: (25) Garage List 2025 BMW X5 40i M-S ... [9.75] 2024 BMW X4M Compet ... [0.00]	Hard to determine from outside where is the front and where is the back, except for the side mirrors positioning... __________________ 2025 BMW X5 Xdrive40i M-Sport 2024 BMW X4M Competition
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05-18-2009, 06:20 PM	#20
imported_mega Colonel 128 Rep 2,208 Posts Drives: various bmw's Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: neverland iTrader: (0)	based on the sales sucess of the reborn bug, and the mini, cult classics have proven themselves although I would rather see a true 2002 remake __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. Driving e82, e72, e85, R53 Gone but not forgotten.. 1974 2002, many various 3s.
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06-26-2009, 03:12 PM	#22
///MSpt550xi Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 208 Posts Drives: F10 550xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philly Area iTrader: (1)	The return of the BMW Isetta? I know that it is an old article, so it might be a repost. If it is, sorry! http://deus-ex-machine.blogspot.com/...mw-isetta.html __________________ 2012 F10 550xi M Sport, Dark Graphite Metallic II, Black Nappa, Aluminum Hexagon Trim, Cold Weather Package, Ceramic Controls, Premium Sound Package, Luxury Seating Package, 30% Tint, Painted Reflectors
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