Fuel-efficient city cars are being created at automaker R&D departments the world over, and even BMW plans on getting in on the action. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the German automaker was working on a 'mega city car' that will carry an all-new look, and two powertrains. One micro car will receive motivation with the aid of standard combustion, but the other will be pure electric. The electric vehicle will also comply with a California mandate that by 2012 there must be a fuel cell or battery-powered car that can travel 200 on a single charge. For comparison sake, GM promises at least 40 miles for the Chevy Volt, and Mitsubishi is looking at 100 mpg for the iMiEV.
It's also worth mentioning that the BMW CEO specifically pointed out that it meets California regulations, signaling that the vehicle would be available Stateside. There is still no word regarding which of BMW's three brands would be used for the vehicle, but we're still very sure it won't be a Rolls Royce.
[Source: AutoCar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
txdesign @ Sep 12th 2008 4:42PM
That rendering looks amazing. Since Minis seem to be getting bigger with every new model this would be a great replacement for my 03 Cooper S.
CarbonBlack @ Sep 12th 2008 4:43PM
Hell Yeah!
Xcrunk @ Sep 12th 2008 5:12PM
Ditto!
This is getting exciting now...everybody and their granny seems to be involved in some sort of Hybrid or full electric vehicle.
BRING IT ON!!!
3seriesisking @ Sep 12th 2008 6:11PM
Hell yeah, hell yeah....
I can't wait until they get this baby out on the streets.
Ligor @ Sep 12th 2008 4:58PM
Ugly as hell
only Alfa knows how to make little cars look like a million bucks
Timo Esser @ Sep 12th 2008 4:59PM
Isetta, I bet!
mr.ed @ Sep 12th 2008 8:05PM
It looks like a big Isetta, with full width track aft, and side doors instead of the front one with attached, articulated steering wheel. A friend had one, and never knew where it would be parked when he got out of school. Once it was between two trees, wedged in so the door wouldn't open. It was on the school roof one day, then in the library. It was so light. you could start it bouncing, walking it sideways anywhere you wanted if there was no help to pick up the front end to handle it like a wheelbarrow. Great fun.
catgirlshyla @ Sep 12th 2008 7:15PM
SHHHH!!! We don't want Hollywood to revive Family Matters!!!
CarlosMC @ Sep 13th 2008 7:39PM
For the nostalgic:
http://images.google.com/images?q=BMW+Isetta
Mehul Kamdar @ Sep 12th 2008 5:08PM
If BMW build an electric car, it will drive beautifully. I personally don't care how this thing looks as long as it drives nicely and is reasonably priced. Small companies like Think, Aptera etc have their plans but when big names like GM, Toyota, BMW etc get into this business, it should really take off.
Thanks, BMW! Hope you guys do really well!
Victor @ Sep 12th 2008 5:23PM
COmpanies will mention CARB because it's the toughest emissions standard in the world. EURO V will be somewhat similar (though still less stringent) to CARB in the next few years.
It doesn't mean they'll sell the car here...that is unless it makes financial sense.
Markona @ Sep 12th 2008 5:54PM
Awesomely retro! Looks just like the old 50's BMW Isetta.
JW @ Sep 12th 2008 6:19PM
Does this remind anyone else of a Volkswagen Beetle with its headlamps in the wrong place?
hatchbacks or cool @ Sep 12th 2008 10:38PM
This is just lazy it looks to much like the BMW isetta i hate retro cars to be fair . California set a man date for Electric cars before did you remember what happened last time , why don't i just remind you
http://www.evadc.org/photos/crushed.jpg
hatchbacks or cool @ Sep 12th 2008 10:38PM
This is just lazy it looks to much like the BMW isetta i hate retro cars to be fair . California set a man date for Electric cars before did you remember what happened last time , why don't i just remind you
http://www.evadc.org/photos/crushed.jpg
Todd @ Sep 13th 2008 1:09AM
This would be better if BMW had the nuts to install one of there 1.2L Boxer Twins, it's already set up for a driveshaft, doesn't take much space, and makes 120+hp.
I nice, sequential transmission RWD city car is what I want: ie the 700.
Michael @ Sep 13th 2008 1:06PM
I'd rather have a 123d M Sport 3-door hatchback.
perry @ Sep 13th 2008 6:46PM
It looks like the rear of a beetle.
Mitsufan @ Sep 15th 2008 10:12AM
Mitsubishi's electric car is looking at 100 miles per CHARGE, not MPG (=miles per gallon).
Electric car = no gasoline required.