Automakers are going back to their design books to look for ways to recreate the magic of classics. BMW may be looking to resurrect the Isetta of the fifties into a modern city car. The original Isetta was a 2.4m long three-wheeled two seater without a reverse gear.
The new car will come with four wheels but retain the same rear-mounted engine layout and the ‘cute’ looks. Another change will be for access, the ‘bubble car’ came with front access and since laws don’t allow this now, the new model will come with a more conventional access. Engine for the new car will obviously undergo a sea change as the classic had only 12bhp to pull it.
BMW has not spoken officially on this topic yet, but company bosses are supposed to be going through the designs. Brand image poses a major problem with BMW launching this car, a small car amidst BMWs present lineup could look like an ugly chicken. An incentive for looking into the project is that small cars are making success stories these days, Fiat 500, SmartForTwo and Mini are perfect examples. Secondly, the low CO2 outputs of a small car will be welcomed.
[Via: AutoExpress]
