BMW’s intention to launch a fourth brand could herald the return of its quirky Isetta “bubble car” and challenge some of he company’s long-held traditions…the things some manufacturers do in the name of meeting emission standards.
By Gareth Dean
No sooner had I blogged about the implausibility of a “bubble car” revival, when news emerges that BMW could use its 1950’s motoring odyssey as the basis for an eco-friendly compact vehicle that will slot into its model range beneath the Mini in a bid to compete with rival low emissions vehicles such as the Audi A1 and VW Up!.
Back in September, BMW was making noises about adding a fourth brand to its portfolio, and shortly thereafter rumours emerged that a revival of the Triumph brand was a possibility. Given the increasing pressure being applied to car manufacturers to make their fleets greener, it seems that a city car model is a better proposition than a compact sports car when it comes to offsetting the emissions standards of the company’s M-Division cars and SUVs.
There have been conflicting reports as to the means of powering such a vehicle, but one thing remains constant throughout the speculation – the powerplant will be a low emissions stop-gap between present technologies and the 15to 20 years the company believes it will take for hydrogen/fuel cell technologies and infrastructures to properly establish themselves.
One option being explored is an electric vehicle designed specifically for city use, although this would sit at odds with the company’s dynamically involving line up. The other, more likely, option is the adoption of small capacity turbocharged petrol and diesel units that will fill the dynamic requirement whilst keeping emissions to an acceptable level.
There have also been suggestions that this compact model would measure no more than 3,75 metres in length (roughly the same length as the current Mini) and sport a front-wheel drive configuration – a move that would be a huge departure from BMW’s proudly rear-wheel driven heritage.