BMW city car (Isetta) is a go
02-04-08, 04:58 PM
#1
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
BMW city car (Isetta) is a go
A new range of city models is being planned by BMW, and they could be called Isetta after the famous bubble car of the Fifties.
In Issue 989, we revealed how the firm was looking at the designs for such a vehicle (above). But now, it seems the project is being developed into a range of eco-friendly models to sit below MINI.
Back in September, bosses announced plans for a fourth brand – and this is the clearest indication of what it will be.
Strong
An insider revealed the range would be primarily designed for town use, but driver appeal would still be key. As with MINI, it would need a badge with a strong heritage. And while Isetta is the likeliest candidate, BMW has some classic British badges at its disposal – most notably Triumph.
There has been speculation that BMW’s new range would be hybrids. However, our insider said: “That technology is reserved for larger models, such as our SUVs.”
Instead, small turbo petrol and diesel engines would be used to help keep costs down, yet provide decent performance and excellent economy and emissions. This last feature is a key reason for BMW giving the city car project the go-ahead. It needs to reduce the average CO2 outputs from its vehicles to meet new EU targets.
In Issue 989, we revealed how the firm was looking at the designs for such a vehicle (above). But now, it seems the project is being developed into a range of eco-friendly models to sit below MINI.
Back in September, bosses announced plans for a fourth brand – and this is the clearest indication of what it will be.
Strong
An insider revealed the range would be primarily designed for town use, but driver appeal would still be key. As with MINI, it would need a badge with a strong heritage. And while Isetta is the likeliest candidate, BMW has some classic British badges at its disposal – most notably Triumph.
There has been speculation that BMW’s new range would be hybrids. However, our insider said: “That technology is reserved for larger models, such as our SUVs.”
Instead, small turbo petrol and diesel engines would be used to help keep costs down, yet provide decent performance and excellent economy and emissions. This last feature is a key reason for BMW giving the city car project the go-ahead. It needs to reduce the average CO2 outputs from its vehicles to meet new EU targets.
Trending Topics
02-04-08, 09:58 PM
#11
Guess BMW couldn't stand by and watching MB grab the headlines with the new smart fortwo.
Seriously, BMW's becoming like Sony - just flooding the market with models. Actually wait, I take that back. It's becoming like GM, flooding the market with models.
Don't get me wrong, I like BMWs and love the way the drive (if only I can afford one!) and innovation is great but seriously some of the stuff like the X1 and X6 is getting ridiculous.
This does have potential though.
Seriously, BMW's becoming like Sony - just flooding the market with models. Actually wait, I take that back. It's becoming like GM, flooding the market with models.
Don't get me wrong, I like BMWs and love the way the drive (if only I can afford one!) and innovation is great but seriously some of the stuff like the X1 and X6 is getting ridiculous.
This does have potential though.
02-06-08, 09:13 AM
#13
Out of Warranty
Taxation based on engine displacement made the original Isetta, F.M.R., and Messerschmidt practical urban transportation. These tiny cars were OK at speeds up to 35 to 40 mph, but with motorcycle-based powerplants, they tore themselves to pieces on long (1 hour) highway jaunts.
There were dozens of manufacturers in the micro-car business at the end of WWII, both in Europe and Japan, where raw materials were costly, and the real alternative was walking. For a real hoot, see some of these historic attempts at transportation for the masses -
click on the link and take the tour. http://microcarmuseum.com/tour/messerschmittkr201.html
Some are pretty cool - others simply . . .
Great way to kill an hour or so, browsing over the write-ups and specs.
It's hard to remember that these were serious efforts at providing cheap automobiles for the masses. With few exceptions, these were not considered toys.
Certainly this one with a blown 502 Chevy was not to be messed with . . .
There were dozens of manufacturers in the micro-car business at the end of WWII, both in Europe and Japan, where raw materials were costly, and the real alternative was walking. For a real hoot, see some of these historic attempts at transportation for the masses -
click on the link and take the tour. http://microcarmuseum.com/tour/messerschmittkr201.html
Some are pretty cool - others simply . . .
Great way to kill an hour or so, browsing over the write-ups and specs.
It's hard to remember that these were serious efforts at providing cheap automobiles for the masses. With few exceptions, these were not considered toys.
Certainly this one with a blown 502 Chevy was not to be messed with . . .
Last edited by Lil4X; 02-06-08 at 09:21 AM.
Yet another choice besides the Smart car for the urbanites.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RXSF
Car Chat
5
02-22-08 05:28 PM
