BMW may bring back Isetta!

[1931Chevy]

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/b...g-back-isetta/


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.

[mini1]

If I can't get in the front, then it is not an Isetta.

[Mr. Burns]

Is that car coming or going?

[Bravada]

If it looks like that, another goal for BMW. That said, if they're bringing the Mini Spiritual back too, aren't they stepping on their own tails?

[F14CRAZY]

And it needs a two stroke

[1931Chevy]

IMO if the car looks like the one on the photo it doesnt look bad

[chaseabryant]

I would be rather surprised (if this indeed will be marketed in the US) if it kept the BMW Branding... It would seem like it would make a better MINI variant...

I understand how it can be somewhat of a sticky area being as (like mentioned above) the Isetta holds a cult status, however, It would seem to "bring down" the luxury element of BMW USA.

-Chase

[Bravada]

It would make 0,00 sense if it came w/o BMW badging... Let's revive the Chevelle but give it to Saturn, shall we?

[chaseabryant]

Originally Posted by Bravada

It would make 0,00 sense if it came w/o BMW badging... Let's revive the Chevelle but give it to Saturn, shall we?

That's why I identified it as being a sticky subject, honestly, it doesn't belong in the BMW of USA lineup...

Now, elsewhere in the world? Sure thing. BMW has a bit of a different identity in places other than the U.S. I mean, why are they so reluctant to bring over the full 1-series line? Why didn't we get it when it dubuted?

-Chase

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by 1931Chevy

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?).

The Isetta had four wheels. The rear axle was so short, it didn't need a differential!

[paul8488]

Ha! That's super cool! With a rear engine and two seats it differentiates itself nicely from the Mini (and has its sights set straight on the Smart)... but what is this Mini Spiritual you're talking about Bravada?

[chaseabryant]

Originally Posted by paul8488

Ha! That's super cool! With a rear engine and two seats it differentiates itself nicely from the Mini (and has its sights set straight on the Smart)... but what is this Mini Spiritual you're talking about Bravada?

The Mini spiritual was one of the design proposals by Rover Group for the rebirth of the MINI; see link:

http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/index.htm?r50storyf.htm

-Chase