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

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

http://www.crevierbmw.com/

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 10:21:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

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...

— zairnaim (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 11:06:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

LMAO!

— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 11:07:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

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?

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 11:14:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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.

— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 11:22:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

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

It's a fine automobile ;)

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 11:52:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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.

— eimr02 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 12:08:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

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

— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 12:58:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

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

— lenkun (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 1:14:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

lmfao

— BmwCarGuyO9 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 1:19:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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.

— mini22 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 1:27:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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

The Isetta would just be ridiculous.

— daytonaviolet (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 2:39:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 3:35:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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.

— mini22 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 3:58:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 4:35:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Here's the Isetta Police car ;)

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

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 4:36:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Here is what the 2010 Isetta will look like.

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

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 4:38:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

MINI!

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 8:02:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

i looovvveee isetta!

— dayday (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2007 11:00:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0