[Mark]

Rumors of BMW reviving its Isetta brand under the auspices of ‘Project i’, the company’s eco-centric think tank, have abounded for at least a year.

Hints from executives have kept the idea alive, and now BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has revealed that the company is working on a two-powertrain vehicle that is both combustion and electric-powered, to be targeted at major population centers.

The so-called ‘mega-city’ car will arrive in 2015, Reithofer told the German Die Zeit. Following next year’s first BMW-branded hybrid in response to toughening environmental regulations and high fuel prices, the company will begin work on the car, suited more ideally for urban centers than highways.

“It’ll be a car with a completely new look, with two engines available. One will be a very efficient internal combustion engine and the other will be a purely electric model,” said Reithofer.

It’s not yet clear if the car will be offered with parallel drive systems, such as those found in a series hybrid like the Chevrolet Volt, or simply with two separate powertrains, such as the Smart ForTwo, which is soon to be introduced in a purely electric form by its maker. The vagaries of translation, and corporate language, mean nothing is yet certain. At any rate, BMW board member Friedrich Eichener’s previous statement that a decision on an electric car could be made this year has gained some clarity, at least in terms of what sort of vehicles are being considered.

Targeting the car toward a purely urban environment will help control brand image issues such a small car might engender, and could even give the company some much-needed green cachet beyond its interesting but impractical Hydrogen7 cars. Just a few months ago Reithofer spoke in-depth about the future of the company’s powertrain lineup, including details on the hybrids set to arrive beginning next year.

[amgthis]

Cool

[Imola.ZHP]

Thats a long time to wait...

I might own a volt before 2015...

[BCMPOWER]

I think it's a great idea, honestly I first thought the smart wouldn't sell well in america but everywhere I go in DC I see a few of these cars.

[Year's_End]

Eh. Too early for me to judge.

[M3zifier]

We got that car in our garage. Unfortunatly, its not in a working condition.

Which plate number is that?

[mcacciola]

I found this one at the Garmin store in Chicago.
the little one looks brand new.

enjoy it.
:-)

[ase2dais]

I thought about Smart or Yaris coupe as a daily rider, but if Isetta is coming back maybe its worth looking at it.

Since BMWCCA has a rebate program.





.... I hope, even if its $50 bucks, that gas money would be alot or miles.

Performance Center Delivery Anyone?