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BMW Isetta revival info from Auto Express
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05-15-2009, 08:26 AM | #1 |
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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 |
05-15-2009, 10:03 AM | #3 |
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I'd want to climb in through the front though.
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05-15-2009, 01:07 PM | #7 |
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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.
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05-15-2009, 01:27 PM | #8 |
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oh my!!!
![]() I'd hit it and take to the Nurburgring!!! ![]()
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05-15-2009, 01:31 PM | #9 |
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LOL.
I'd pay 9k max. comon, wtf, 15k for this??? That's insane, get ford focus.
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05-15-2009, 02:04 PM | #10 | |
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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. |
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05-15-2009, 02:36 PM | #11 |
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fail
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05-15-2009, 02:41 PM | #12 |
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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, 03:14 PM | #13 | |
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Quote:
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05-15-2009, 04:08 PM | #14 |
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Put an N54 in it and I'll consider one.
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05-15-2009, 07:04 PM | #15 |
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they need to keep the front entrance original style. just like steve urkel's Isetta! cool car!
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05-18-2009, 07:44 AM | #18 |
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It's a photoshop based on the Mitsubishi i Sport Air:
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05-18-2009, 01:58 PM | #19 |
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Hard to determine from outside where is the front and where is the back, except for the side mirrors positioning...
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05-18-2009, 05:20 PM | #20 |
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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
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05-18-2009, 10:11 PM | #21 |
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$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 |
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06-26-2009, 02:12 PM | #22 |
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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
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