From user omolody on Flickr.

We've seen the renderings - some fanciful, like the ones above, some unsurprising - and heard the rumors about the new all-electric BMW/iSetta vehicle. If we trust the phrasing in a short story in Global Insight (no direct link, sorry; found the story in Lexis Nexis thanks to the EDTA), then we can celebrate a new development at BMW. The story, written by Tim Urquhart, starts, "BMW will give the green light to an all-new zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) city car that will see the premium carmaker enter an all-new segment." This fits with the news that came out about a month ago that said that a decision would be made sometime this year. The new EV - which might be called the iSetta or potentially co-branded (?) with Smart - will likely have li-ion batteries. We're ready for some official confirmation on this one, don't you think?

[Source: Global Insight via EDTA]

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)]

Recently, it was revealed that BMW might soon enter the microcar market with a new/old brand, Isetta. No mention has been made of what might power one of these retro micro-machines, but we'd of course hope for at least a hybrid option if not a complete electric. If your tastes lean more towards the older models, perhaps you'd be more interested in a Harrington BB, which is a replica of the old Isetta minus the engine. Hub motors in each wheel allow for four-wheel-drive, while lead acid batteries currently hold the charge. Unfortunately, these lead acid batteries are most likely holding down the performance potential of the vehicle. As it is currently configured, the BB can only reach a top speed of 30 miles per hour. An eight hour charge is required to allow for a maximum range of 60 miles.

According to the official website, though, the Harrington BB is still in its infancy, and there are plans to upgrade both the batteries and in-wheel motors, which should help out on the speed and range issues. Once they get all of the details worked out, they plan to offer both complete vehicles and kits of the electric microcar. With operations based in Saigan, Vietnam, we are not sure whether Harrington plans on selling cars or kits in the U.S., but we've sent off a request for more information as it becomes available. Thanks for the tip, James!

[Source: Group Harrington via Retro Thing]

Long before cars got Smart, there were tiny bubble cars made by BMW and others. Back in the 1950s when Germany was still recovering from World War II, BMW built the two seat, one-door Isetta. That single door was on the front of the car and hinged on the driver side. As new European CO₂ emissions standards approach, the Munich brand is looking for more efficient models to help offset the thirstier performance cars in their lineup and the Isetta could be revived. Modern safety standards would obviously put the kibosh on the front door, but the styling would likely draw inspiration from the original. Like its rivals from Smart and Volkswagen (in the form of the up!) the new Isetta would probably retain the rear engine layout of the original.

[Source: AutoExpress]