Micro Mobility Systems wants to revive the Isetta ultra-compact car series BMW originally brought on the market in the 1950s. The tiny “bubble car” quickly became famous and ended up being produced in all of Europe and even in Brazil.
The prototype vehicle, called the Microlino Concept, debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2016. No one suspected back then that it will go into series. As it turned out, the production will even begin later this year, with a total of 100 cars expected to come out in 2018 and 5,000 more in 2019.
The original BMW Isetta came equipped with a tiny 0.24L engine that could produce up to 11 hp (8.2 kW). The Swiss remake will be getting an all-electric engine with 20 hp (15 kW). Its top speed won’t exceed 90 km/h, and it will be able to travel up to 200 km (125 mi) on a single battery charge.
The Microlino will enter the market priced at U.S. $14,000. Despite the somewhat steep price, the manufacturer has already received over 6,500 pre-orders.
Photo: autoclassics.com