BMW Isetta revival info from Auto Express - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

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: 2140
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.

vonsazkin · 05-15-2009, 12:19 PM

I want it with the front door. No side doors, please! For real. It'll be my grocery-getter/bank work/posting mail/etc. car.

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!!!

research · 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

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

05-15-2009, 09:26 AM	#1
Jason Administrator Drives: 4 wheels on the bus go round.. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: IoT Posts: 7,136 iTrader: (0) View Jason's Garage	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, 11:03 AM	#3
SteveMD London was home for 26 years. Now a Marylander! Drives: On the wrong side of the road. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Raventown! Posts: 2,079 iTrader: (3) View SteveMD's Garage	I'd want to climb in through the front though. __________________ 2009 E90335i - Blue Water/Grey/Light Burl\|\|ZSP\|\|ZPP\|\|Nav\|\|Step\|\|Hot Seats\|\|Sirius\|\|Comfort Access \|\| JB3 2.0 See me for Industrial Electronic Repair.

05-15-2009, 11:10 AM	#4
JIM E92 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2007 328 Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sandy Eggo Posts: 260 iTrader: (0)	It's all wrong....there are too many doors. __________________ "You can shut the gate on this one, Maxy. It's the duck's guts!"

05-15-2009, 12:19 PM	#7
vonsazkin Captain Spaulding Drives: 328xi coupe Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: USA Posts: 313 iTrader: (0)	I want it with the front door. No side doors, please! For real. It'll be my grocery-getter/bank work/posting mail/etc. car. __________________ 2007 BMW 328xi coupe 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4x4

05-15-2009, 02:07 PM	#8
cougfan335 First Lieutenant Drives: 335i Coupe MT, Montego/Saddle Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 319 iTrader: (4)	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: JB+, BMS Dual Intake, Cyba Scoops, Beyern Mesh Chrome, 15% F1 tint, LeatherZ weighted shift knob, body color reflectors, ACS roof spoiler.

05-15-2009, 10:37 AM	#2
vgame64 Colonel Drives: 4 wheels, engine Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Posts: 2,454 iTrader: (9)	I'd buy one for $12k-$14.5k.

05-15-2009, 11:18 AM	#5
MidwestBimmerFan Private First Class Drives: E92 M3, 1995 E36 M3, 1976 2002 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Willowbrook, IL Posts: 147 iTrader: (0)	Sweet!!! but it does need a door on the front. Probaly cant nowadays with crash standards.

05-15-2009, 12:16 PM	#6
yashBMW Superior Genral Drives: BMW 325i, LP560-4 Spyder Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London Posts: 208 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.

05-15-2009, 02:27 PM	#9
E90SLAM Supreme Allied Commander Drives: A BBS WHORE Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: . Posts: 56,517 iTrader: (6) View E90SLAM's Garage	oh my!!! I'd hit it and take to the Nurburgring!!! __________________

05-15-2009, 03:36 PM	#12
Imola.ZHP NOT FOR SALE! Drives: 2003 BMW 330i ZHP Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cordova, TN Posts: 1,175 iTrader: (0)	fail __________________ Marcus

05-15-2009, 03:41 PM	#13
RavenE90 Private First Class Drives: 06 E90 Sedan Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: California's Central Coast Posts: 162 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?

05-15-2009, 05:08 PM	#15
ptack Colonel Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 2,769 iTrader: (0) View ptack's Garage	Put an N54 in it and I'll consider one. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod

05-15-2009, 08:04 PM	#16
yowhuddupb Stuntin'. Drives: a HELLA_FLUSH 335i/CBR 600RR Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: LA/Anaheim Hills Posts: 540 iTrader: (3) View yowhuddupb's Garage	they need to keep the front entrance original style. just like steve urkel's Isetta! cool car!

05-17-2009, 09:11 PM	#17
numba1guju driver Drives: 02 325i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: H-town Posts: 291 iTrader: (0)	urkels car...WICKED! but price is too steep for something like that

05-17-2009, 10:56 PM	#18
Davin Major Drives: BMW 530i M-Sport Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Trinidad & Tobago Posts: 1,178 iTrader: (0)	the new competitor to the Smart car ?

05-18-2009, 08:44 AM	#19
ChrisV 7er Drives: 1998 BMW 740iL Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pikesville, MD Posts: 408 iTrader: (0) View ChrisV's Garage	It's a photoshop based on the Mitsubishi i Sport Air: __________________ 1998 740iL

05-18-2009, 02:58 PM	#20
bimmerlex Captain Drives: '07 335i is gone. '10 335i now Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: SoCal. Posts: 680 iTrader: (11) View bimmerlex's Garage	Hard to determine from outside where is the front and where is the back, except for the side mirrors positioning...

05-18-2009, 06:20 PM	#21
imported_mega Lieutenant Colonel Drives: various bmw's Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: neverland Posts: 1,883 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. Gone but not forgotten.. 1974 2002, 1987 325ic, 1987 325is 1995 M3, 2001 X5, 2007 MCS R56