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Author Topic: BMW Bubble  (Read 1352 times)

Offline Wizzo

BMW Bubble
« on: November 29, 2007, 09:48:55 PM »
If there’s one car maker that knows how to resurrect a motoring legend, it’s BMW.

And the firm that brought us the MINI has delved into the design archive once again – to produce a 21st-century Isetta microcar! With its tiny dimensions and simple cabin, the Fifties origi­nal was hard to beat in town, even if it had no reverse gear.

The car was only 2.4 metres long, with space for two adults inside – and even some luggage. And now it looks as if the Fiat 500 and Smart ForTwo could have a new rival. Bringing the concept up to date, the modern Isetta’s dimensions are bigger. That’s to help it accommodate a fourth wheel - the post-war was famously a three-wheeler, although examples with an extra rim were produced.

A distinctive feature of the ‘bubble car’ was its unique front access. Safety regulations don’t allow that today, but the cute shape will remain. And while the classic delivered only 12bhp, the newcomer will easily keep pace with urban traffic, thanks to the efforts of BMW’s powertrain development team.

The rear-mounted en­gine layout will be retained. This gives the car similar packaging advantages to Volks­wagen’s up! concepts, as seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. And, due to its tiny size and light weight, the new Isetta will have the lowest CO2 output of any car in BMW’s range.

That will help it to cut the line-up’s average emissions to meet future targets. A zero-emissions electric variant would also provide a similar benefit. BMW has given no official confirmation of the new Isetta’s existence, but company bosses are said to be considering design proposals.


"No Matter how little money and how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

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Wizzo

Offline cosworth151

Re: BMW Bubble
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2007, 11:53:19 PM »
In high school, I dated a girl that drove an Isetta. She was about 4' 10". It was a very interesting car.

Have any of you ever heard of a car named Janus? It was out about the same time as the Isetta and was built by the Zundap motorcycle company. It looked like someone backed 2 Isettas into each other. The back seat faced the rear, with a door that opened straight out the back of the car. I got a close look at one about a year ago at the Lane Automotive Museum.

http://lanemotormuseum.org/show_vehicle.php?veh=ZUNDAPPJANUSDOORSOPEN1956
“You can search the world over for the finer things, but you won't find a match for the American road and the creatures that live on it.”
― Bob Dylan

Offline Steven Roy

Re: BMW Bubble
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2007, 11:17:40 AM »
That is a new one to me.

When I was a kid there were a few bubble cars around.  As well as the Isetta there were som Messerschimts.

I found the following link which not only shows the Janus but is a complete microcar museum.

http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/zundapp-janus.html

Offline cosworth151

Re: BMW Bubble
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2007, 11:28:08 AM »
Good link, SR! I'll have to look that place up the next time I'm in the area.

The Lane is a full microcar museum, too.

http://lanemotormuseum.org/carcollection.htm

They even have a 1957 Messerschmitt KR 200. They have one there that I've always liked: the King Midget. They were built in Athens, Ohio, where I did my undergrad work. My second year on campus, my apartment was in their old warehouse building!
“You can search the world over for the finer things, but you won't find a match for the American road and the creatures that live on it.”
― Bob Dylan

Offline Ian

Re: BMW Bubble
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2007, 07:06:56 PM »
And the designers christian name was Hugh.  :DD
An aircraft landing is just a controlled crash.

Offline cosworth151

Re: BMW Bubble
« Reply #5 on: December 10, 2007, 03:59:14 AM »
I was at the Peterson Automotive Museum in LA today. On of the feature exhibits at the moment is on minicars. I found an Isetta, a Janus and 2 Messerschmitts sitting together.

One thing about the Janus. The steering column doesn't swing out of the way when the door opens. It must make it a real treat to get in and out of.
“You can search the world over for the finer things, but you won't find a match for the American road and the creatures that live on it.”
― Bob Dylan

Offline Wizzo

Re: BMW Bubble
« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2007, 01:24:58 PM »

Cool picture - it looks like a pile up on the motorway in the 60's!
"No Matter how little money and how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

GPWizard F1 Forum https://www.gpwizard.co.uk
:wizard:
Wizzo

 


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