Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Inside Line attempts to name 100 Worst Cars of All Time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/inside-line-attempts-to-name-100-worst-cars-of-all-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/inside-line-attempts-to-name-100-worst-cars-of-all-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/inside-line-attempts-to-name-100-worst-cars-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Inside Line is at it again, this time with a list of the 100 worst cars ever made. While we were pretty pleased with the website's choices for its 100 best earlier this year, this one is somewhat less satisfying, which is to be expected.

Calling out the bad eggs is indeed trickier and more fraught with potential missteps than merely committing sins of omission. So yes, we've got our beef with a few of the cars listed. The General Motors EV1 at #92? That's like calling out Gottleib Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach for not building a flying car. The Porsche 914 at #45? Hardly. If you want to pick on a Porsche, why not the 924? Speaking of which, putting the BMW Isetta on the list (#3) is like bullying a kindergartener. And don't even get us started on the inclusion of the Ariel Atom, at #94 or any other number.

Despite our quibbling, the list is a lot of fun - and sure to bring back "fond" memories for those who've had the misfortune of owning Iron Duke-powered GM products or tried to convince others that a Renault Fuego qualifies as a sports car. After devouring all 100 entries, we can say with certainty that there are far more "worthy" of inclusion here, and encourage you to name names in the comments.

And before anyone gets upset that our lede photo spills the beans on the "winner," ask yourself, is there any other vehicle that could possibly top such a list?

Inside Line attempts to name 100 Worst Cars of All Time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100 worst cars of all time914ariel atomaztekbmwbmw isettaedmunds inside lineev1inside lineisettapontiacpontiac aztekporscheporsche 914worst carsWed, 14 Dec 2011 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/inside-line-attempts-to-name-100-worst-cars-of-all-time/20127123/article-detail.xml 20127123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/x04pnaz001_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/x04pnaz001.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Announces Megacity hybrid-electric vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/bmw-announces-megacity-hybrid-electric-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/bmw-announces-megacity-hybrid-electric-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/bmw-announces-megacity-hybrid-electric-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , ,



BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer has reportedly confirmed a new eco-friendly machine called the Megacity Vehicle as part of the automaker's Project i. Beyond the name, details are sketchy. According to Reithofer, "Customers will have the choice between a fully electric drive and a high-efficiency combustion engine. Large-scale production could start in the first half of the next decade."

We're not entirely sure if that means the vehicle will be some sort of hybrid or if it will be offered with two separate powertrain options. We're also wondering if the Megacity has anything to do with the rumored small car development with Fiat, which would supposedly spawn new city cars from both the German and the Italian automaker. BMW is also "pursuing a radical approach toward establishing a truly sustainable value chain-from development to production and sales," said Reithofer.

[Source: Carscoop | Photo: snapsi42]

BMW Announces Megacity hybrid-electric vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw electric carbmw isettabmw megacitybmw project iBmwElectricCarBmwIsettaBmwMegacityBmwProjectIFri, 20 Mar 2009 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1494033/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/03/20/bmw-announces-megacity-hybrid-electric-vehicle/1494033/article-detail.xml 1494033 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/bmw_isetta_2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/bmw_isetta_2.jpg <![CDATA[BMW and Fiat working on new small car platform, concept headed to Frankfurt?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/bmw-and-fiat-working-on-new-small-car-platform-concept-headed-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/bmw-and-fiat-working-on-new-small-car-platform-concept-headed-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/bmw-and-fiat-working-on-new-small-car-platform-concept-headed-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



We've been hearing rumblings that BMW and Fiat were working together on the development of future small vehicle platforms for a while now. With the German automaker working on an Isetta revival and the Italian firm moving forward with a new Topolino, it makes some sense that the two companies would join forces on a single platform sharedbetween the two small retromobiles.

According to Auto Express in the U.K., work is far enough along that we could see both new city cars by 2011. If current rumors are accurate, the cars will feature a rear-mounted engine and four seats, putting the machines on par with the new Toyota iQ and upcoming Up! from Volkswagen. AE says that light weight would be ensured through the use of aluminum and carbon fiber for the chassis and possibly even plastic bodywork, and if that's the case, we can't see these being anything less than premium-priced.

An electric drivetrain featuring one motor for each of the four wheels and a thin battery pack sandwiched under the passenger compartment is also likely. If there's any truth to these rumors, we could see a concept vehicle on the new platform wearing a Mini badge at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.

[Source: Auto Express]

BMW and Fiat working on new small car platform, concept headed to Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenbmw isettaBmwIsettafiatfiat bmwfiat topolinoFiatBmwFiatTopolinofrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowisettaminimini isettaMiniIsettaMon, 16 Mar 2009 17:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1489673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/03/16/bmw-and-fiat-working-on-new-small-car-platform-concept-headed-t/1489673/article-detail.xml 1489673 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/mini_concept_crop_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/mini_concept_crop.jpg <![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: BMW's baby Isetta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This latest rendering of the long-rumored return of the Isetta brand, an offshoot of BMW, looks much more modern than any previous rendering that we've seen of the rolling mini-retro-mobile. According to the accompanying report on Autocar, the rear-engined zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) has indeed been approved by BMW, though we've heard nothing truly official as of yet. If true, the U.S. would be the likely first market to see the Isetta, possibly as early as 2012.

At this point, BMW is reportedly still deciding whether or not to offer both electric and internally-combusted versions of the new city car. BMW has quite a few small engines currently powering their line of motorcycles, and one of these engines could make an appearance in the rear of the vehicle. Possible powertrains also include a hybrid, natural gas or even fuel cell variants. Because of the high investment required to get the proposed vehicle off the ground, BMW could partner with Daimler-Benz which already offers its own tiny car under the smart brand. Rumors also link long-time BMW partner Manga Steyr to the project. Interestingly, the Canadian based auto parts giant has recently confirmed that they are working on hybrid vehicle development.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: BMW's baby Isetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw isettabmw-isettaBmwIsettaelectric isettaelectric-isettaElectricIsettaisettaWed, 30 Apr 2008 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1181863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/1181863/article-detail.xml 1181863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/bmw-new-isetta_250-op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/bmw-new-isetta_250-op.jpg <![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: BMW iSetta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-bmw-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-bmw-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-bmw-isetta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What you see above is a rendering of what a revived BMW Isetta could look like. While it may have been a shot in the dark a few months ago when it was rendered, following BMW's revelation that it is studying new options for urban vehicles, the idea is back on the table.

The design is certainly unusual compared to contemporary automobiles on the road today, but the same was probably said of the original Isetta when it debuted way back in the 1950s. The new design features the same stubby nose, although the front door seems to have been replaced or supplemented by more conventional side doors. which would likely be required by modern safety standards, while with the rear wheels are placed closer together than the front ones. Although this unofficial concept doesn't adopt the original nomenclature, the name iSetta (with the subtle but trendy use of upper- and lower-case letters) would seem to fit the old-is-new-again spirit of BMW's anticipated city car.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Rendered Speculation: BMW iSetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw isettabmw project iBmwIsettaBmwProjectIiSettarendering isettaRenderingIsettaMon, 31 Mar 2008 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1152714/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-bmw-isetta/1152714/article-detail.xml 1152714 http://www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/03/bmw-isetta-spaceball_thumbnail.png http://www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/03/bmw-isetta-spaceball.png <![CDATA[BMW considering all-electric car for the U.S.?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/bmw-considering-all-electric-car-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/bmw-considering-all-electric-car-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/bmw-considering-all-electric-car-for-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BMW's U.S. success means that come 2012, it will be considered a large vehicle manufacturer here in the States. In preparation for that, BMW will decide this year on whether to make "an ecologically-compatible car for the U.S. market," most likely to help the automaker meet more stringent CAFE standards that are forthcoming. Incredibly, for a company known for its engines, this newest car venture would probably run on batteries according to CEO Norbert Reithofer. We mentioned that BMW is considering the return of the Isetta brand as its green leader, but small gas and diesel engines were proposed for that car, and it's already been signed off on. Which means that if BMW were to come out with a U.S.-only all-electric vehicle, it could be something all new. Of course, a battery-powered M5 doesn't sound so bad, either.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

BMW considering all-electric car for the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery powered carsBatteryPoweredCarsbmwbmw electric carbmw isettaBmwElectricCarBmwIsettaelectric carsElectricCarsisettaTue, 11 Mar 2008 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1137123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/11/bmw-considering-all-electric-car-for-the-u-s/1137123/article-detail.xml 1137123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/bmw_logo_outlet_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/bmw_logo_outlet_opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW mini-car development underway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/04/isetta-strongest-candidate-for-retro-green-bmw-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/04/isetta-strongest-candidate-for-retro-green-bmw-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/04/isetta-strongest-candidate-for-retro-green-bmw-brand/#commentsFiled under: ,

Over recent months a collage of rumors surrounding a fourth brand under the BMW umbrella have been circulating, which may now be coming into clearer focus. With government fuel economy and emissions standards tightening both in the US and abroad, BMW, like other carmakers, is being forced to develop more earth-conscious vehicles to offset the fire-breathing monsters from their M division and the behemoths from Rolls-Royce.

The answer may be to go after arch-rival Daimler's smart brand, but rather than going super-modern, BMW is tipped to design its line-up of city cars around a retro theme. Isetta, which made tiny commuter cars in the 50's, has been touted as one strong possibility, more likely than the prospect of reviving Triumph into a smart rival when its roots are in roadsters. We reported on the Isetta rumor back in November, but according to AutoExpress, development of the new city-car is officially underway. Whatever badge the new BMW city cars would wear, insiders suggest that motivation would come from small turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, while hybrids would be reserved for SUVs and other larger vehicles.

[Source: Auto Express]

BMW mini-car development underway originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw 4th brandbmw 4th divisionbmw fourth brandbmw fourth divisionbmw isettabmw new brandbmw new divisionBmw4thBrandBmw4thDivisionBmwFourthBrandBmwFourthDivisionBmwIsettaBmwNewBrandBmwNewDivisiongreen brandGreenBrandisetta revivalIsettaRevivaltriumphMon, 04 Feb 2008 06:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1105109/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/02/04/isetta-strongest-candidate-for-retro-green-bmw-brand/1105109/article-detail.xml 1105109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/isetta_revival_250-op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/isetta_revival_250-op.jpg <![CDATA[BMW may bring back Isetta!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/bmw-ma-bring-back-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/bmw-ma-bring-back-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/bmw-ma-bring-back-isetta/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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]

BMW may bring back Isetta! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW IsettaBmwIsettaIsettaIsetta comebackIsetta retroIsetta revivalIsettaComebackIsettaRetroIsettaRevivalWed, 28 Nov 2007 12:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1049875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/11/28/bmw-ma-bring-back-isetta/1049875/article-detail.xml 1049875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/car_photo_231687_5_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/car_photo_231687_5_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Find of the Day: 1959 BMW Isetta drag racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/08/find-of-the-day-1959-bmw-isetta-drag-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/08/find-of-the-day-1959-bmw-isetta-drag-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/08/find-of-the-day-1959-bmw-isetta-drag-racer/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Browsing the inventory of The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, we ran across this little beast. Based on BMW's Isetta 3-wheeler, a car barely able to get out of its own way, Weiner's Isetta "Whatta Drag" is, um, considerably quicker than the original model.

A case of life imitating art (or in this case, imitating toys), the Isetta thrill-ride is inspired by a Hot Wheels toy of the same name. Powered by a blown Chevy 502 cubic inch V8 putting out an estimated 730 hp, and weighing all of 1520 lb., we can assume that the demon Isetta has inspiring acceleration capabilities. Although the museum doesn't cite performance figures for the car, it's described as "very very fast" and "very very loud," and we believe it. Top speed is listed as "unknown," which could well mean that the museum has yet to find anyone willing to fully explore the car's performance envelope.

The Whatta Drag Isetta is described as able to "smoke any other microcar out there," and we don't doubt it for a moment. And with 730 hp driving just one 285/35 rear tire, we're betting that "smoke" would be the operative word... And of course, where there's smoke there's fire - the car is fitted with a switch that lets the driver throw flames out about 4 feet on each side.

More pics after the jump! Follow the link to browse the museum's collection - it's an amazing place.

[Source: The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum]

Continue reading Find of the Day: 1959 BMW Isetta drag racer

Find of the Day: 1959 BMW Isetta drag racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw isettaBmwIsettabubblecardrag racerdragsterhot rodHotRodisettamicrocarwhatta dragwhattadragTue, 08 Aug 2006 15:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/652263/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/08/08/find-of-the-day-1959-bmw-isetta-drag-racer/652263/article-detail.xml 652263 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/whattadrag-01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/whattadrag-01.jpg -1 2