BMW Goes Green with Electric "City" Car
Earth-conscious city car
We know BMW has been putting quite an attempt to revive its renowned “bubble car” Isetta, probably either under the same badge Isetta or the classic British badge Triumph. We also know that BMW announced last September that there would be a separate fourth brand under the Munich-based manufacturer. Earlier reports said that BMW was indeed developing a low-emissions vehicle under this fourth brand rivaling the upcoming Audi A1 or possibly the VW Up, with several different models to be positioned just below the Mini.
Just yesterday Motor Authority reported of BMW not looking into having advanced technologies such as hybrid for this mini car, but instead was opting for small yet high-performing turbo petrol and diesel engines, mainly for economy and environmental reasons.
On the other hand, word comes today that BMW is seeking alternative fuel or power systems, which they think would be more appropriate for a car designed for town use. An EV or electric vehicle as we know it is rumoured to be in development, to fill in the 15 to 20 year gap before hydrogen fuel or fuel cell road cars becomes reality. Yet again, emissions regulations are causing profound impacts on automakers these days, and BMW is finally answering the call with a more practical solution; an electric city car.
Just yesterday Motor Authority reported of BMW not looking into having advanced technologies such as hybrid for this mini car, but instead was opting for small yet high-performing turbo petrol and diesel engines, mainly for economy and environmental reasons.
On the other hand, word comes today that BMW is seeking alternative fuel or power systems, which they think would be more appropriate for a car designed for town use. An EV or electric vehicle as we know it is rumoured to be in development, to fill in the 15 to 20 year gap before hydrogen fuel or fuel cell road cars becomes reality. Yet again, emissions regulations are causing profound impacts on automakers these days, and BMW is finally answering the call with a more practical solution; an electric city car.
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Comments
This small Isetta's are a piece of engineering. They are brilliant!
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by buozgs00 | February 4, 2008 11:02 PM
woo hoo, if it's got BMW build and handling, zero emissions and a reasonable price it should be absolutely awesome
by joelynn | February 4, 2008 11:59 PM
Of course , German will be No.1 in Green cars because they working hard . I mean Americans are sleep.
by german-cars-lover | February 5, 2008 12:08 AM
lol... they are trying, just not as smart...
by nickkop | February 5, 2008 12:57 AM
certain GM employees want to bring their european small diesel motors to the U.S. but their stupid General Manager will not allow it, probably because he wants to keep pushing their stupid ethanol B.S. (which gets worse gas mileage than gasoline, and still uses 15% gasoline) and hybrids.. lol
by nickkop | February 5, 2008 1:10 AM
Now BMW are aware of difficulty of hydrogen in short but are realized to go for EV as short solution. However, even if the Munich Engine Manufacturer goes for EV, thier mocel would be super as thier body/chassis technologies are still fully applicable to it.
by hiromichi | February 5, 2008 2:29 AM
very cute, it should appeal.
by persian187 | February 5, 2008 3:09 AM
if they make this isetta like cars in the us I will buy one and get a personalized plate that says URKEL
by benzboy | February 5, 2008 9:05 AM
looks kinda of awkward, but also nice for this segment i guess..
by nickkop | February 5, 2008 5:02 PM
Looks uneven and awkward. Could be a hit!
by starscream123 | February 5, 2008 6:12 PM
lol That's a cheap pseudo-scoop WCF! It's simply a 3-door Suzuki Swift grossly modified with photoshop. http://www.automotoportal.com/media/images/vijesti/060905002.jpg
by ck314 | February 6, 2008 12:09 AM
This is the BEST looking BMW by far....and yes I am aware it looks crap
by The_woo_factor | February 9, 2008 7:41 AM
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