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New Isetta by BMW UK and Bath University
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SHE IS BACK?? Apr 2009
There´s nothing confirmed yet, but with strict European Commission CO2 targets necessitating all manufacturers to reduce emissions across their model range you can expect something Isetta-shaped in the pipeline by 2010.
Check the latest news about the new Isetta at:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/235654/brits_to_design_reborn_isetta.html?CMP=NLC-Newsletters
Brits to design reborn Isetta
BMW microcar to revive legendary badge, with petrol, diesel and electric power
By Connor Mils
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.
BMW looks set to take on the smart, Volkswagen Beetle and Fiat 500 with its own resurrected legend - the Isetta microcar.
Originally made in the 50s, the three-wheeled two-cylinder Isetta measured 2.4m long and could seat two adults.
Though ideal for city driving with its bubble car-style front access, the Isetta made no allowances for parallel parking, having no reverse gear.
There´s nothing confirmed yet, but with strict European Commission CO2 targets necessitating all manufacturers to reduce emissions across their model range you can expect something Isetta-shaped in the pipeline by 2010.
It´s to be expected that the new version will add side doors, a fourth wheel and a few horses to the original´s 12, though the rear-mounted engine is expected to stay.
If equipped with BMW´s EfficientDynamics programme and a likely-small engine the Isetta can be expected to return excellent figures for fuel economy and carbon emissions.
http://motortorque.askaprice.com/news/auto-0711/bmw-mulls-allnew-isetta-compact-car.asp
And more...
Auto Express is reporting that BMW is currently considering bringing back the Isetta, the three-wheel mini car with a door where the hood should be that achieved pop-culture celebrity status as the personal whip of Urkel on the sit-com Family Matters (did I just date myself?). Unlike the original, the modern interpretation will have four wheels and two doors on the sides (damn safety regulations), but it will retain the rear-engine layout of the original. While BMW has not corroborated any of this speculation, there are many reasons why resurrecting the Isetta would be a good move for the Munich-based automaker. For one, the minicar segment is a robust one around the world, especially Europe where the new Isetta would do battle with the Fiat 500, smart fortwo and Volkswagen's up! lineup. Secondly, the Isetta would be powered by a clean engine that, coupled with its light weight, would yield the most eco-friendly BMW of them all. Its inclusion in the propellor's line up would serve to bring down the average emissions of BMW's entire fleet. Finally, the Isetta brand is eminently bankable thanks to the cult status it's achieved in car culture and the generally fun and jolly nature of the original. Hopefully, however, Urkel didn't damage the brand too much back in the '90s.
[Source: Auto Express]
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/bmw-ma-bring-back-isetta/1#c9020906
The latest update from the isetta yahoo group:
Peter Svilans has the original German text of the article about BMW's
latest Isetta design . He had a friend translate it and this is the
result ...
"The Art of Simplicity" had a name in the fifties: Isetta.
Only one door, barely 2.4 meters long, yet two adults, a kid and
their luggage fitted inside. Yet it was enough to transport the
children of The Economic Miracle to the Mediterranean. The mini-egg
was really cool once buyers got to know this symbol of the age. Is
it all over?
Not really- the Isetta club scene is very lively indeed. More
importantly, perhaps there is a second life in store- a rebirth in
the here and now, much as Fiat has done with their 500.
No joke. The managers are discussing a new version of its famous
little flea. To show its commitment, the design group has delivered
the first concepts of a very small car to bridge the gap between the
Mini marque and BMW cars.
Not only are there retro-elements incorporated, but also a rear-
mounted motor- an encouraging idea for those who have faith that this
space-saving concept has a future yet.
Rumours of a possible liaison with Smart are also making the rounds
in Munich. Most of all such a vehicle could lower the overall CO2
profile of the company. In particular, an emission-free version
specifically for the US market is being considered.
Sceptics warn that such an extreme concept will dilute the carefully
cultivated high end company image. "We don't build an A-Class Format
car with good reason". BMW chief Norbert Ruthoven doesn't deny the
attraction of the concept, but is not yet sure it is viable for the
future. BMW has deliberately distanced itself from its history.
Ruthoven says: "Isetta and the big V-8 limos were the product of a
certain age, as BMW teetered on the verge of bankruptcy. One must
think very carefully if a return to this era makes sense".
Historians, however, can take the opposite view- that without the
microcar, the blue and white marque would not now exist .
Our thanks to Peter and his pal .
Terry
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/213099/bmw_isetta.ht
ml
>
tml>
Regards,
Marc Vandermeir
(Belgium)
Hi Terry. Many thanks for posting the translation. Just one comment
though; Peter is a very multi talented individual with vast wealth of
information on all micro cars and also is fluant in German, so I suspect
thanks should be addressed to Peter for once again sharing his wealth of
information and knowldege with us lesser informed individuals.
Ralph
EL OBSERVADOR
de Uruguay
Proyectan una nueva versión del Isetta, el coche huevo de los años 50
La empresa alemana BMW estudia la posibilidad de fabricar una nueva versión del modelo Isetta con el fin de que compita con los coches pequeños para ciudad
El nuevo Isetta permitiría a BMW reducir sensiblemente el consumo medio de su flota de modelos |
La empresa automovilística alemana BMW proyecta sacar al mercado una nueva versión del legendario modelo Isetta, el pequeño coche huevo de los años 50 que solo tenía dos plazas.
El rotativo "Bild" publicó días atrás la foto de un prototipo del nuevo Isetta, que se asemeja a su antepasado de hace medio siglo en sus formas y color, con la habitual combinación de rojo y blanco.
Sin embargo y por motivos de seguridad, el nuevo coche huevo no tendrá una única puerta de entrada en el frente del vehículo, sino dos laterales.
El diario alemán asegura que el proyecto es apoyado por el presidente de BMW, Nobert Reithofer, que desea crear una nueva marca para su grupo que compita en el mercado de los vehículos pequeños de ciudad.
El nuevo coche huevo permitiría además a BMW reducir sensiblemente el consumo medio de su flota de modelos, en la que figuran muchos vehículos de lujo y gran tamaño que gastan una elevada cantidad de combustible.
(EFE)
http://www.observa.com.uy/Osecciones/OAutos/nota.aspx?id=90626&id2=5CB3F9C1-7F46-457F-8FF6-39CF25D75A31
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Know the Lastes Products! |
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PHOTO OF THE MONTH
LONG DAY
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Ugliest Isetta ever???
Nice custom (.......??????) Isetta for sale on the web.....
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PHOTO OF THE MONTH
CORAL RED
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Isetta to the limit!
Racing the slalom on the 2010 edition of the Rally del Rio de la Plata in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, South ...
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United States
Carole Said :
"Hello Capt. Luna,
The luggage rack was received today. Many thanks to you.
Best regards,
Carole Amey" ...
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