BMW to bring back ‘Isetta’ to compete with Smart and Fiat

From the company that resurrected the MINI Cooper into an amazing piece of microcar machinery it is today, comes word of another classic microcar coming back to life. That’s right BMW is reported to be working on a 21st-century Isetta microcar.

For those of you that don’t know the BMW Isetta, it was one of the most successful microcars produced post WWII years. Sold in a number of countries including Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil, Germany and Britain, the BMW Isetta became known as the ‘bubble car’ because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows. Power came from a 9.5 horsepower...
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EL34 - 11/28/2007 10:21:52 AM

0 Boost

I saw one of those Isetta's the other day at Crevier BMW.

http://www.crevierbmw.com/

EnnNorak - 11/29/2007 6:42:52 PM

+1 Boost

I hope the reincarnated Isetta will be powered by BMW's strongest motorcycle engine and will be available with a conventional automatic transmission. The car is cute but too small for practical use.

zairnaim - 11/28/2007 11:06:16 AM

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wow 0-30 in just 30 seconds 9.5 hp engine. it seems so weird as to how slow and weak cars were at that time how time flies...

0to60 - 11/28/2007 11:07:45 AM

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LMAO!

DaHarder - 11/28/2007 11:14:24 AM

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As 'charming' as the Isetta was to many Urkel fans, I just don't see a vehicle of this sort having as much mass appeal today, especially since small retro-styled vehicles are 'on the outs' in America.

For Europe, as a small city car, it might work though... Who knows?

Bill - 11/28/2007 11:22:00 AM

+5 Boost

Technically the BMW Isetta wasn't even a BMW. The Isetta was a car from ISO, an Italian company. BMW just bought the rights to produce it as they needed a mass market car to sustain them after the 501 and 502 "financial" disaster.

EL34 - 11/28/2007 11:52:08 AM

+1 Boost

I don't get all the jokes about this BMW???

It's a fine automobile ;)

eimr02 - 11/28/2007 12:08:59 PM

+3 Boost

I rented a 1959 Isetta convertible in Texas a couple months ago. It was the biggest (or smallest) piece of crap I have ever driven, and I loved every minute of it! Attracted more attention than anything I have ever driven. Drove 65 miles at fit 1 gallon of gas in the tank.

Given the new EU laws, BMW has no choice but to produce a true microcar, at least this could keep true to BMW heritage. If its rear engine, I assume RWD too, which lets me accept it as a BMW product.

0to60 - 11/28/2007 12:58:23 PM

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I wonder how many clowns will be able to crawl out of this one?

lenkun - 11/28/2007 1:14:01 PM

+2 Boost

Will there be a "//M" version of this too?

0to60 - 11/28/2007 4:04:30 PM

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LOL!

BmwCarGuyO9 - 11/28/2007 1:19:28 PM

+1 Boost

lmfao

mini22 - 11/28/2007 1:27:41 PM

+1 Boost

It will be interesting to see what platform they use.Will it be a much shortened Mini platform meaning FWD or will BMW develope a new RWD platform with another auto maker to jointly produce? The car is obviously going to be a lot smaller then a Mini.Since Mercedes owns Smart I don't think BMW is going that route.I'm leaning towards a modified Mini platform.

daytonaviolet - 11/28/2007 2:39:38 PM

+2 Boost

I thought the Mini already competes with the Smart and Fiat 500.

The Isetta would just be ridiculous.

bmwdrvr - 11/28/2007 3:35:50 PM

+2 Boost

this is rediculous ill believe this when i see it....the fiat 500 was created as a fighter to the Mini, why does BMW also need a fighter to the MINI, and the Fiat 500.....thats as bad as vw/skoda/seat/audi having models based on the same chassis, and use the same engines that all compete with each other in the compact segment

bmwdrvr - 11/28/2007 3:38:11 PM

+1 Boost

but on second thought maybe it would help with the CO2 requirements by reducing the average CO2 emissions of the brand....but otherwise still rediculous

mini22 - 11/28/2007 3:58:33 PM

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The Isetta would be directly for the C02 regs.The question is can BMW develope a brand new platform with a rear engine and sell the car at a profit below the Mini. I would think they would want to cut cost by collaborating with another car company. Using a cut down Mini platform I would think would be more cost effective.

EL34 - 11/28/2007 4:35:11 PM

+2 Boost

An entire family could go on holiday in the Isetta.

Here's a photo to prove it :)

http://www.maxmatic.com/TriHy/Images/isetta_w_teardrop

EL34 - 11/28/2007 4:36:40 PM

+2 Boost

Here's the Isetta Police car ;)

http://www.1-puchundoldieclub-stpaul.at/images/puch500/bmw-isetta.jpg

EL34 - 11/28/2007 4:38:15 PM

+2 Boost

Here is what the 2010 Isetta will look like.

http://media.diariomotor.com/imagenes/isetta3.jpg

S4cabriofoxone - 11/29/2007 5:06:10 PM

+1 Boost

I hope not. That drawing has no charm.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/28/2007 8:02:40 PM

-1 Boost

MINI!

dayday - 11/28/2007 11:00:37 PM

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i looovvveee isetta!