| Industry rumours | BMW-Isetta |
BMW has confirmed that it is building a new, ultra-frugal city car reminiscent of the Isetta. It is understood that the new model - being developed under the codename 'Project i' - could be branded as a standalone marque like that of Mercedes' Smart division, but could equally run under the BMW or MINI tag, with a heavy emphasis on 'green performance'.
With similar proportions to the Isetta model from the 1950s, the new car would use four wheels and two doors rather than the quirky three-wheel/front-entry arrangement to meet modern-day safety requirements. Although there aren't any official pictures yet, initial reports suggest that the car's preliminary design could be completed by as early as 2010.
Looks aside, where most interest is currently placed is in the engine department, with several eco-friendly options already being considered. In a recent interview, chairman Norbert Reithofer suggested that electric, petrol and diesel systems are all viable propositions, with the decision also helping to determine what branding the final car will take. With the addition of BMW's new EfficientDynamics system incorporating braking energy regeneration and Auto Stop-Start technology, the city car, with its small powerplant and light body. could easily avoid the London congestion charge and deliver big economy savings.
Given BMW's inclusion in the EU legislation for all cars to emit less CO2 with every passing year, the new car could have a relatively large impact on the average output of its cars - ideal for mitigating the financial burden of investment into new technologies. Just don't expect an M-badged Isetta anytime soon...
Kyle Molyneux - 31 Mar 2008
