Whether it’s using a Lotus platform for riving Abarth or providing the underpinnings for the new Ford Ka, Fiat has seen no shortage of partnerships recently. If new rumors are to be believed, the Italian automaker might be partnering with BMW for a new small car platform. More specifically, the forthcoming BMW Isetta and Fiat Topolino electric city cars might be born as twins.
By sharing a platform, the Fiat and Bimmer will have similar proportions, but unique surface development and brand-specific design cues. The agreement was reportedly made as part of the same deal that will see a new Mini model share the Alfa Romeo Mi.To’s platform.
While the Topolino will be sold in Europe only, the Isetta is most certainly coming to America. The rear-engine vehicle is billed to come Stateside in 2011 or 2012, just in time to meet California’s laws that would require major car manufacturers to produce a certain amount of zero emission vehicles.
Isetta is the result of BMW’s “Project i unit,” which has been working largely independently to develop electric car technology. It’s not know if the Fiat-BMW partnership will be a two-way stream, with the Topolino sharing BMW’s electric technology. It appears Fiat has at least two regular engines planned for the car — one delivering 65 horsepower and the other 105 hp.
Both cars are likely to seat three passengers, including the driver. This should give Isetta the upper hand over Daimler’s Smart ForTwo.
07/30, 4:37 PM
posted by:
inline6
How interesting…the original Isetta was originally designed and sold by ISO, an old Italian refrigerator and eventual supercar company. Then ISO sold it to BMW, which made their own version of it.
Now Fiat’s going to supply the Isetta platform. It’s all just a little bit of history repeating. Will this thing be marketed in the US as a BMW, or a Mini?
07/30, 4:44 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
It should be sold in the US as a Club Car. Looks like an overgrown golf cart… will probably drive like one too. I prefer my cars with internal combustion engines.
07/30, 4:53 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
The original Isetta was incredibly cool.
The Isetta concept was also cool.
These illustrations have zero appeal. The Toyota IQ looks better than this.
07/30, 5:00 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Isetta should be BMW brand, since it was sold by BMW. However it was not even known stateside and can be sold as anything. Considering that BMW (Mini) is planing to sell Alfa’s Mito, it probably will sell Isetta as well. IN Europe BMW can sell more powerful version for more money then FIAT’s to avoid marketing clash.
07/30, 5:04 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
I expected it to be bad, just not this bad. I like the creative thinking with the design, but nothing about it is innovative, it’s just looks that way.
Now, can we get a Steve Urkel edition? Maybe render it with funky glasses, or jump jets.
07/30, 5:04 PM
posted by:
Flipper
This is the best looking (possible) BMW product I’ve seen years. I really liked the CS, but the new 7 is disappointing and yet its still a HUGE improvement over the current one . I’m wishing this one luck.
07/30, 6:39 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
So many microcars. Where the **** are they?!
07/30, 7:27 PM
posted by:
inline6
1) The Isetta was actually sold in the US, and as a BMW.
2) This is simply an LLN illustration.
07/30, 7:43 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
“Both cars are likely to seat three passengers, including the driver. This should give Isetta the upper hand over Daimler’s Smart ForTwo.”
But it won’t give Isetta the upper hand over the Smart ForThree.
07/30, 8:08 PM
posted by:
razr1983
mobile toilet…
07/31, 3:10 AM
posted by:
Stinky007
Last time I heard news about a new Mini, there were rumors about a BMW-Mercedes collaboration for a common Mini/A-class platform…
07/31, 8:45 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
For those of you who’ve never seen or ridden in the original Isetta, these are the most insanely different vehicles you’ll ever know. All I’m hoping for is they keep the *front door*. (Not likely, given modern safety laws…)
07/31, 9:49 AM
posted by:
shaver
I’ll stay with my shift cart. Even know it only seats one.
07/31, 12:20 PM
posted by:
oldraven
‘riving’? Really? They’re going to tear Abarth in half with a Lotus chassis?
09/26, 3:23 PM
posted by:
writeeddie
bummer that you won’t be able to enter it from the front like the original. What would you call it if its smaller than mini?…. Nano was already taken
11/13, 11:09 AM
posted by:
big o
i certainly hope they dont make it. the last thing we need is some stupid overpriced fiat polluting all of america. besides, i bet it doesnt have any advantages, like BM’s are supposed to.