It's official – BMW is working on a top-secret new eco-friendly model which could mark the rebirth of the famous Isetta badge.
Auto Express first broke news of the plans to revive the name on a green city runabout back in Issue 989, and now company chairman Norbert Reithofer has revealed further details of the programme.
The initiative, known internally as Project i, includes development of an all-new urban runabout that will complement the existing BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce ranges. According to Reithofer, the i stands for innovation, rather than Isetta – although bringing back the brand behind the original microcar would make perfect sense for the German firm’s fourth potential model line-up.
Engineers working on the project are currently evaluating which technologies the Smart ForTwo rival will use, with advanced electric systems and fuel-efficient petrol and diesel powerplants under consideration. “We will look at all these things before we decide whether this might be a sub-brand for BMW or MINI, or whether it is a standalone marque,” said Reithofer.
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