Autoblog

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]