From user omolody on Flickr.

Uploaded a few months ago to Flicker, the image above take a wild stab at what the new BMW iSetta mini car might look like. For comparison, check out Auto Express' vision, which is much more normal if you think the iMiEV is standard-looking. At first glance, it's hard to tell which end of these flights-of-fancy is the front (it's the stubby side, in keeping with the original). We like the vertical stripe down the front and the semi-tadpole layout of the wheels (the back wheels are closer together than the front wheels), but we're not sure we'd actually enjoy driving one of these. While we wait for something a little more official from BMW on the rumors of reviving the iSetta as an electric city car, we'll imaging driving around in one of these little spaceballs. Man, that looks tiny. Thanks to Olivier for the tip!

[Source: Flickr]

The rumors of BMW's new green brand have been circulating for months. We talked about the possibility back in January and November. A bit of news came in early February with the discussion of a revived Isetta small car. Automotive News (subs req'd) is now reporting that the Isetta rumors - or, as one of our readers said, iSetta - might be coming true. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer told AN that a 12-member planning group called "Project i" has been working behind the scenes for about a year to discuss forming a new brand just for BMW's alternative-fuel vehicles. Reithofer said that the group, "Is fully independent and even free to act beyond BMW structures if necessary." BMW may build a small EV and if it does, the badge is just as unknown at this point as the look and battery type.

Of course, there's no reason BMW can't find religion on just greening up the BMW brand itself. I mean, a 520d gets better mileage than a Prius, don't ya know? Would an all-electric BMW city car be too much brand dilution?

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

BMW seems to like the idea of an efficient new micro-car to offset the emissions of some of the brand's more egregious models in the upcoming EU carbon rules. There's more potential good news for people who'd like to drive a BMW that's green as all get out: there is a chance that the blue-and-white might build an all-electric car for the U.S. market. Automotive News (subs req'd) is reporting that a decision on such a car will come later this year. According to AN, one key question is whether to go it alone or work with a partner (Daimler, anyone?) on this vehicle. We're not picky.

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]