Showing posts with label Smart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smart. Show all posts

Sunday, 23 November 2008

2009 Smart Fortwo 61hp and 71hp Get Standard Micro Hybrid Drive and Equipment Upgrades

For the 2009 model year, the Fortwo 61hp and 71hp will feature the firm's micro hybrid drive system as standard while Smart has also enhanced the minicar's equipment levels. When Smart says 'micro hybrid drive' or MHD for short, what the company means to say is an automatic start/stop start function. The system operates during the engine idling phases and promises to return fuel savings of up to 24% compared to the standard models and lower CO2 emissions to 103 grams per km. If the driver doesn't want to use the start and stop function, it can be deactivated through a switch on the center console until the next time the car is started.

Together with the micro hybrid drive Smart also performed a few minor upgrades in the Fortwo's interior. Changes include a redesigned instrument cluster with an enhanced LCD display and new net storage pockets in the driver and passenger doors, while the passion's "design red" interior trim has now also been updated to match the new "rally red" paint finish.

Furthermore, Smart added the "grey metallic" to the Fortwo's exterior color palette along with new optional 15" six-spoke alloy wheels.

In the U.K., the 2009 Fortwo 61hp and 71hp are available for order as a coupe and a cabrio in all three lines – pure, pulse and passion – with prices starting from £7,060 on the road.

Thursday, 23 October 2008

Smart fortwo coupe (2007)

To get straight to the point: the new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but even better. This means that the new smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more ecological than its predecessor.

The changed running gear and the slightly larger body make the smart fortwo even more comfortable. The active and passive safety have been further improved. The new drive engineering provides for even more agility and driving fun and also makes the new smart fortwo even more ecological.

The design has been skilfully further developed and gives the new smart fortwo a fresh, more masculine appearance. And yet it retains its unmistakable character: you can always tell a smart fortwo at first sight - by its striking tridion safety cell that is also one of the main safety features, and by the innovative plastic bodypanels that are extremely practical into the bargain.


Engines: powerful, clean, economical

The smart fortwo will be launched in April 2007 with reengineered uprated petrol engines. The three cylinder engine has capacity of one litre and delivers 45 kW, 52 kW or 62 kW (61 bhp, 71 bhp or 84 bhp). The engine power of the smart fortwo cdi has increased by ten percent and now stands at 33 kW (45 bhp).

All engines are linked to an automated manual five-speed transmission from Getrag that has also been reengineered. The petrol versions now have a maximum speed of 145 km/h - 10 km/h more than the predecessor model.

Still smart - inside and out

The dimensions have increased as against the first generation. The 19.5 centimetre increase in length benefits pedestrians, rear impact protection and especially ride comfort.

The luggage compartment can hold 220 litres - 70 litres more than before - and when loaded to the roof there is space for up to 340 litres (a further 80 litres). The new smart fortwo also features the familiar twin-section tailgate. The lower section can be used as a little platform and facilitates loading and unloading.

Like the exterior, it goes without saying that the interior of the smart fortwo remains truly smart. Typical smart characteristics include the external-mounted air vents and additional dials, the large, fabric-covered areas on doors and instrument panel, the safety seats with integral seat belts and last but not least the ignition lock behind the shift lever.

The observer immediately notices that the instrument panel is no longer curved in an S-shape towards the passenger side but is now straight. This is partly to comply with US crash regulations. Nevertheless - and perhaps because of this - the new smart fortwo offers a unique feeling of spaciousness.

Safety at the highest level

The high level of passive safety has been further improved. Internal crash tests have shown that the smart fortwo will be at the level of four EuroNCAP stars.

And that's not all: as the new smart fortwo will be sold in the USA from 2008 it also complies with the strict American crash regulations.

Likewise, new regulations concerning pedestrian protection have been implemented in the front section. Furthermore, new head/thorax side airbags offering extensive protection in the event of a side crash are available as an option.


Exceedingly low consumption

The outstanding economy of the smart fortwo is underlined by further optimisations. Despite the greater engine power, the petrol versions consume less than five litres of fuel over 100 km.

The smart fortwo with a starter generator that will be available from the end of 2007 and will be based on the 52 kW petrol version, promises further savings of up to 13 percent in city traffic.

This has particular advantages when driving in urban areas and frequent stop-and-go traffic: the three-cylinder engine automatically switches off when the car stops at traffic lights, for example. It starts again as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

The new smart fortwo cdi consumes even less fuel. The diesel engine in the predecessor model already had the lowest consumption of its class and the new smart fortwo also achieves "three litre" status (corresponds to consumption of less than 3.5 litres/100 km under standard conditions) with emissions of just 90 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Alternative drives are also possible and the new smart fortwo has been designed to allow for quick implementation of natural gas or electric drive concepts - as soon as there is a demand for these new drive systems and they become economically viable.

smart fortwo cabrio with an electric soft top

The smart fortwo cabrio's electric soft top is a further example of the enhanced comfort. It is now fully automatic and can be infinitely adjusted to any position. This means that the rear part, too, can be opened to the final position and closed again at the touch of a button.

Unique: the smart fortwo doesn't have to be stationary for this - the soft top can be opened and closed at any driving speed. Furthermore, the roof bars can be removed and stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate. The soft top offers further added comfort and safety with the heated rear window made of glass.

Equipment variants pure, pulse and passion, BRABUS variant

The equipment lines continue to go by the names of pure, pulse and passion. Whereas the basic pure version has a plastic roof, the pulse and passion feature a transparent, high-strength panoramic roof made of polycarbonate. Fans of the BRABUS variant also have something to look forward to: the introduction of an uprated BRABUS variant is planned for autumn 2007.

Extensive range of standard equipment and options

The most important standard features include the tridion safety cell, front airbags, seat belts with belt tensioners and belt-force limiters and safety seats with integral seat belts. Further features that are unique in the standard spec of vehicles in this class include esp, abs and an integrated brake assist.

Further excerpts from the long list of standard equipment: H7 headlights featuring projection technology, central locking with radio remote control, folding driver and passenger seat backrests that can be adjusted with a notch lever, an exterior temperature indicator, comfort windscreen wipers with speed-sensitive interval wiping and indicators with lanechanger function.

The smart fortwo can be individualised and tailored to customer requirements with a wide range of extras. These include head/thorax side airbags, air conditioning (standard for passion), electric power steering, heated seats, alloy wheels (standard for pulse and passion), leather seats, Isofix child seat fastener, a high quality audio system with a CD changer for 6 CDs and a sound system featuring a subwoofer and an MP3 interface.

Furthermore, a portable navigation system that can be integrated in the car is available. Voice instructions are given via the loudspeakers of the stereo system. Further options that are often only found in high-end cars include a light and rain sensor and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

Hambach: exemplary modular production and protection of the environment

The smart fortwo is produced in the French town of Hambach. System partners on site deliver pre-assembled modules straight to the production line. The production process has been optimised and the production time reduced from 9.5 hours to 8 hours. The whole final assembly, which only took 4.5 hours for the predecessor model, now takes just 3.5 hours.

Great importance is given to protection of the environment in Hambach. Only water-soluble, solvent-free base coats are used for the smart fortwo's plastic bodypanels.

The tridion safety cell is powder coated and no solvents are needed here, either. The solid colour bodypanels in the colours black, white and yellow are fully recyclable.

Same price level as the previous model

The basic price for the new smart fortwo will stay at the level of the predecessor model. The diesel variant, too, will remain an inexpensive "three litre" car that will continue the great success of its predecessor. Likewise, the new smart fortwo cabrio will continue to be by far the cheapest production cabriolet available worldwide.

Smart fortwo cabrio (2007)

To get straight to the point: the new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but even better. This means that the new smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more ecological than its predecessor.

The changed running gear and the slightly larger body make the smart fortwo even more comfortable. The active and passive safety have been further improved. The new drive engineering provides for even more agility and driving fun and also makes the new smart fortwo even more ecological.

The design has been skilfully further developed and gives the new smart fortwo a fresh, more masculine appearance. And yet it retains its unmistakable character: you can always tell a smart fortwo at first sight - by its striking tridion safety cell that is also one of the main safety features, and by the innovative plastic bodypanels that are extremely practical into the bargain.


Engines: powerful, clean, economical

The smart fortwo will be launched in April 2007 with reengineered uprated petrol engines. The three cylinder engine has capacity of one litre and delivers 45 kW, 52 kW or 62 kW (61 bhp, 71 bhp or 84 bhp). The engine power of the smart fortwo cdi has increased by ten percent and now stands at 33 kW (45 bhp).

All engines are linked to an automated manual five-speed transmission from Getrag that has also been reengineered. The petrol versions now have a maximum speed of 145 km/h - 10 km/h more than the predecessor model.

Still smart - inside and out

The dimensions have increased as against the first generation. The 19.5 centimetre increase in length benefits pedestrians, rear impact protection and especially ride comfort.

The luggage compartment can hold 220 litres - 70 litres more than before - and when loaded to the roof there is space for up to 340 litres (a further 80 litres). The new smart fortwo also features the familiar twin-section tailgate. The lower section can be used as a little platform and facilitates loading and unloading.

Like the exterior, it goes without saying that the interior of the smart fortwo remains truly smart. Typical smart characteristics include the external-mounted air vents and additional dials, the large, fabric-covered areas on doors and instrument panel, the safety seats with integral seat belts and last but not least the ignition lock behind the shift lever.

The observer immediately notices that the instrument panel is no longer curved in an S-shape towards the passenger side but is now straight. This is partly to comply with US crash regulations. Nevertheless - and perhaps because of this - the new smart fortwo offers a unique feeling of spaciousness.

Safety at the highest level

The high level of passive safety has been further improved. Internal crash tests have shown that the smart fortwo will be at the level of four EuroNCAP stars.

And that's not all: as the new smart fortwo will be sold in the USA from 2008 it also complies with the strict American crash regulations.

Likewise, new regulations concerning pedestrian protection have been implemented in the front section. Furthermore, new head/thorax side airbags offering extensive protection in the event of a side crash are available as an option.


Exceedingly low consumption

The outstanding economy of the smart fortwo is underlined by further optimisations. Despite the greater engine power, the petrol versions consume less than five litres of fuel over 100 km.

The smart fortwo with a starter generator that will be available from the end of 2007 and will be based on the 52 kW petrol version, promises further savings of up to 13 percent in city traffic.

This has particular advantages when driving in urban areas and frequent stop-and-go traffic: the three-cylinder engine automatically switches off when the car stops at traffic lights, for example. It starts again as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

The new smart fortwo cdi consumes even less fuel. The diesel engine in the predecessor model already had the lowest consumption of its class and the new smart fortwo also achieves "three litre" status (corresponds to consumption of less than 3.5 litres/100 km under standard conditions) with emissions of just 90 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Alternative drives are also possible and the new smart fortwo has been designed to allow for quick implementation of natural gas or electric drive concepts - as soon as there is a demand for these new drive systems and they become economically viable.

smart fortwo cabrio with an electric soft top

The smart fortwo cabrio's electric soft top is a further example of the enhanced comfort. It is now fully automatic and can be infinitely adjusted to any position. This means that the rear part, too, can be opened to the final position and closed again at the touch of a button.

Unique: the smart fortwo doesn't have to be stationary for this - the soft top can be opened and closed at any driving speed. Furthermore, the roof bars can be removed and stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate. The soft top offers further added comfort and safety with the heated rear window made of glass.

Equipment variants pure, pulse and passion, BRABUS variant

The equipment lines continue to go by the names of pure, pulse and passion. Whereas the basic pure version has a plastic roof, the pulse and passion feature a transparent, high-strength panoramic roof made of polycarbonate. Fans of the BRABUS variant also have something to look forward to: the introduction of an uprated BRABUS variant is planned for autumn 2007.

Extensive range of standard equipment and options

The most important standard features include the tridion safety cell, front airbags, seat belts with belt tensioners and belt-force limiters and safety seats with integral seat belts. Further features that are unique in the standard spec of vehicles in this class include esp, abs and an integrated brake assist.

Further excerpts from the long list of standard equipment: H7 headlights featuring projection technology, central locking with radio remote control, folding driver and passenger seat backrests that can be adjusted with a notch lever, an exterior temperature indicator, comfort windscreen wipers with speed-sensitive interval wiping and indicators with lanechanger function.

The smart fortwo can be individualised and tailored to customer requirements with a wide range of extras. These include head/thorax side airbags, air conditioning (standard for passion), electric power steering, heated seats, alloy wheels (standard for pulse and passion), leather seats, Isofix child seat fastener, a high quality audio system with a CD changer for 6 CDs and a sound system featuring a subwoofer and an MP3 interface.

Furthermore, a portable navigation system that can be integrated in the car is available. Voice instructions are given via the loudspeakers of the stereo system. Further options that are often only found in high-end cars include a light and rain sensor and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

Hambach: exemplary modular production and protection of the environment

The smart fortwo is produced in the French town of Hambach. System partners on site deliver pre-assembled modules straight to the production line. The production process has been optimised and the production time reduced from 9.5 hours to 8 hours. The whole final assembly, which only took 4.5 hours for the predecessor model, now takes just 3.5 hours.

Great importance is given to protection of the environment in Hambach. Only water-soluble, solvent-free base coats are used for the smart fortwo's plastic bodypanels.

The tridion safety cell is powder coated and no solvents are needed here, either. The solid colour bodypanels in the colours black, white and yellow are fully recyclable.

Same price level as the previous model

The basic price for the new smart fortwo will stay at the level of the predecessor model. The diesel variant, too, will remain an inexpensive "three litre" car that will continue the great success of its predecessor. Likewise, the new smart fortwo cabrio will continue to be by far the cheapest production cabriolet available worldwide.

Smart fortwo (2007)

To get straight to the point: the new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but even better. This means that the new smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more ecological than its predecessor.

The changed running gear and the slightly larger body make the smart fortwo even more comfortable. The active and passive safety have been further improved. The new drive engineering provides for even more agility and driving fun and also makes the new smart fortwo even more ecological.

The design has been skilfully further developed and gives the new smart fortwo a fresh, more masculine appearance. And yet it retains its unmistakable character: you can always tell a smart fortwo at first sight - by its striking tridion safety cell that is also one of the main safety features, and by the innovative plastic bodypanels that are extremely practical into the bargain.


Engines: powerful, clean, economical

The smart fortwo will be launched in April 2007 with reengineered uprated petrol engines. The three cylinder engine has capacity of one litre and delivers 45 kW, 52 kW or 62 kW (61 bhp, 71 bhp or 84 bhp). The engine power of the smart fortwo cdi has increased by ten percent and now stands at 33 kW (45 bhp).

All engines are linked to an automated manual five-speed transmission from Getrag that has also been reengineered. The petrol versions now have a maximum speed of 145 km/h - 10 km/h more than the predecessor model.

Still smart - inside and out

The dimensions have increased as against the first generation. The 19.5 centimetre increase in length benefits pedestrians, rear impact protection and especially ride comfort.

The luggage compartment can hold 220 litres - 70 litres more than before - and when loaded to the roof there is space for up to 340 litres (a further 80 litres). The new smart fortwo also features the familiar twin-section tailgate. The lower section can be used as a little platform and facilitates loading and unloading.

Like the exterior, it goes without saying that the interior of the smart fortwo remains truly smart. Typical smart characteristics include the external-mounted air vents and additional dials, the large, fabric-covered areas on doors and instrument panel, the safety seats with integral seat belts and last but not least the ignition lock behind the shift lever.

The observer immediately notices that the instrument panel is no longer curved in an S-shape towards the passenger side but is now straight. This is partly to comply with US crash regulations. Nevertheless - and perhaps because of this - the new smart fortwo offers a unique feeling of spaciousness.

Safety at the highest level

The high level of passive safety has been further improved. Internal crash tests have shown that the smart fortwo will be at the level of four EuroNCAP stars.

And that's not all: as the new smart fortwo will be sold in the USA from 2008 it also complies with the strict American crash regulations.

Likewise, new regulations concerning pedestrian protection have been implemented in the front section. Furthermore, new head/thorax side airbags offering extensive protection in the event of a side crash are available as an option.

Exceedingly low consumption

The outstanding economy of the smart fortwo is underlined by further optimisations. Despite the greater engine power, the petrol versions consume less than five litres of fuel over 100 km.

The smart fortwo with a starter generator that will be available from the end of 2007 and will be based on the 52 kW petrol version, promises further savings of up to 13 percent in city traffic.

This has particular advantages when driving in urban areas and frequent stop-and-go traffic: the three-cylinder engine automatically switches off when the car stops at traffic lights, for example. It starts again as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

The new smart fortwo cdi consumes even less fuel. The diesel engine in the predecessor model already had the lowest consumption of its class and the new smart fortwo also achieves "three litre" status (corresponds to consumption of less than 3.5 litres/100 km under standard conditions) with emissions of just 90 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Alternative drives are also possible and the new smart fortwo has been designed to allow for quick implementation of natural gas or electric drive concepts - as soon as there is a demand for these new drive systems and they become economically viable.

smart fortwo cabrio with an electric soft top

The smart fortwo cabrio's electric soft top is a further example of the enhanced comfort. It is now fully automatic and can be infinitely adjusted to any position. This means that the rear part, too, can be opened to the final position and closed again at the touch of a button.

Unique: the smart fortwo doesn't have to be stationary for this - the soft top can be opened and closed at any driving speed. Furthermore, the roof bars can be removed and stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate. The soft top offers further added comfort and safety with the heated rear window made of glass.

Equipment variants pure, pulse and passion, BRABUS variant

The equipment lines continue to go by the names of pure, pulse and passion. Whereas the basic pure version has a plastic roof, the pulse and passion feature a transparent, high-strength panoramic roof made of polycarbonate. Fans of the BRABUS variant also have something to look forward to: the introduction of an uprated BRABUS variant is planned for autumn 2007.


Extensive range of standard equipment and options

The most important standard features include the tridion safety cell, front airbags, seat belts with belt tensioners and belt-force limiters and safety seats with integral seat belts. Further features that are unique in the standard spec of vehicles in this class include esp, abs and an integrated brake assist.

Further excerpts from the long list of standard equipment: H7 headlights featuring projection technology, central locking with radio remote control, folding driver and passenger seat backrests that can be adjusted with a notch lever, an exterior temperature indicator, comfort windscreen wipers with speed-sensitive interval wiping and indicators with lanechanger function.

The smart fortwo can be individualised and tailored to customer requirements with a wide range of extras. These include head/thorax side airbags, air conditioning (standard for passion), electric power steering, heated seats, alloy wheels (standard for pulse and passion), leather seats, Isofix child seat fastener, a high quality audio system with a CD changer for 6 CDs and a sound system featuring a subwoofer and an MP3 interface.

Furthermore, a portable navigation system that can be integrated in the car is available. Voice instructions are given via the loudspeakers of the stereo system. Further options that are often only found in high-end cars include a light and rain sensor and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

Hambach: exemplary modular production and protection of the environment

The smart fortwo is produced in the French town of Hambach. System partners on site deliver pre-assembled modules straight to the production line. The production process has been optimised and the production time reduced from 9.5 hours to 8 hours. The whole final assembly, which only took 4.5 hours for the predecessor model, now takes just 3.5 hours.

Great importance is given to protection of the environment in Hambach. Only water-soluble, solvent-free base coats are used for the smart fortwo's plastic bodypanels.

The tridion safety cell is powder coated and no solvents are needed here, either. The solid colour bodypanels in the colours black, white and yellow are fully recyclable.

Same price level as the previous model

The basic price for the new smart fortwo will stay at the level of the predecessor model. The diesel variant, too, will remain an inexpensive "three litre" car that will continue the great success of its predecessor. Likewise, the new smart fortwo cabrio will continue to be by far the cheapest production cabriolet available worldwide.

Smart fortwo edition red (2006)

Before the fortwo successor model becomes available in the spring of 2007, the smart fortwo edition red will be offered for sale as a final special model to mark the phase-out of the current model. The sporty two-seater will be exhibited at the Paris Motor Show (28 September - 08 October 2006).

The current smart fortwo model is already as good as sold out and it has achieved cult status within a very short space of time. Due to the high demand, production in Hambach, France, was increased once more at the beginning of this year. More than 750,000 vehicles have been delivered to customers since the market launch in October 1998.


The smart fortwo edition red is just as sporty as it looks: the BRABUS engine has a power output of 55 kW (75 bhp). 16 inch alloy wheels, a front spoiler and sports rear muffler further underline the sporty appearance. And as the name says, the tridion safety cell and bodypanels are painted in "intensive red".

Leather and Alcantara with elaborately stitched seams dominate in the interior of the smart fortwo edition red. Special contrast components in "intensive red" and aluminium pedals add to the exclusive look. Air conditioning and an audio system with an MP3 interface are also part of the package. The smart fortwo edition red is available as a coupé or a cabrio and costs € 20,995 and € 23,695 respectively.



Smart forfun2 (2006)

The smart forfun, a smart forfour with monster truck ambitions, caused quite a stir at the Athens Motor Show in November 2005. Following the extremely positive response to this, the decision to develop a further vehicle with a similar character was a logical step.

Following the initiative of Mercedes-Benz Hellas, Stefan Attart (46), Greek Champion in 4x4 Rally Races had clear ideas: the new off-road vehicle should have the body of a smart fortwo. A suitable platform now had to be found.

Awakening the inner child

DaimlerChrysler has always had an unusually large range of off-road vehicles - from the M-Class to the G-model and the Unimog. One look at the smart forfun2 (pronounced smart for-fun to the second) and you see straightaway that it is based on a Mercedes-Benz Unimog 406 series.


This is what makes it so fascinating: the combination of two vehicles, each of which has achieved cult status in its respective segment. So it's no wonder that the smart forfun2 awakens the inner child in everyone who sees it.

Combining vehicle and platform

But first things first: once the platform for the smart forfun2 had been decided, in January of this year Stefan Attart started working on the first designs. It goes without saying that there's more to an off-road vehicle like this than simply screwing four wheels under a smart fortwo.

Based on technical drawings of both vehicles, a design was created that for the first time clearly showed the direction the new vehicle was to take. Stefan Attart laid down the design that was to connect the vehicle with the platform, and precise attachment points were defined on the axles and the chassis.

Oversized dimensions

The engine and transmission were adopted from the Unimog. The OM 352, a six-cylinder diesel engine with a capacity of 5,675 cc, was given a prominent and clearly visible position on the front axle. It delivers 84 bhp - an impressive figure for the smart forfun2. The diesel version of the production car has a 41 bhp engine.

The dimensions also turn heads: tyres on 26 inch rims with a diameter of 140 cm. Not to mention ground clearance of 65 centimetres and an unbelievable total height of 3.7 metres.

Maximum off-road mobility

The designers wanted to give the smart forfun2 maximum off-road mobility - and the platform of the 406 offers optimum prerequisites for off-road driving. The off-road character is further emphasized by oversized wheels and the safety cage made of aluminium tubes.


To optimise the vehicle for off-road driving, in addition to special shock absorbers Stefan Attart fitted manually controlled air suspension. This enables the driver to specifically influence individual springs - a particular advantage on extreme downhill gradients.

Uncompromising vehicle concept

Everything in one car that is sure to divide opinions - or boys from men. Two vehicles, which each represent an uncompromising vehicle concept in their respective environments, and yet remain unique. And this combination in the smart forfun2 is sure to cause even more controversy.

As with the real smart fortwo, some people are sure to find the concept of the smart forfun2 too radical, whilst others will love it - with not many opinions in-between. However running apart from the herd is probably the best prerequisite for achieving cult status.

Smart fortwo coupe (2005)

The Fortwo is the original Smart model, launched in 1998 as City Coupe. The name Fortwo was introduced for this car when Smart began producing additional models.

Concept

The Smart "Micro compact car" was designed primarily for urban use in European cities, where parking is scarce and fuel economy is of great importance. The Smart Fortwo's length of only 250 cm allows as many as three of the vehicles to be parked in the space normally taken by one standard-length car.


Providing adequate passenger safety was a challenge to the designers. To solve this and to provide a rigid frame, a solid steel "Tridion" frame, left visible at the exterior as a major design element, completely surrounds and protects the passenger compartment, and defines the basic shape of the car as well. Interchangeable plastic body panels complete the exterior. With a weight of 730 kg, it is one of the lightest cars in the European market.

In order to make maximum use of the minimal crumple zone at the front, the Smart Fortwo has its engine positioned at the rear of the vehicle.

The engine range is composed of only turbocharged three cylinder motors. Originally, the base petrol engine had 599 cc, but displacement was increased to 698 cc along with the restyling. It is available in 37 kW (50 PS) or 45 kW (61 PS) variants. The turbodiesel engine has 799 cc displacement with 30 kW (41 PS). Engines are mounted in the boot.

Although only a manual transmission is offered, there is no clutch pedal per se; instead, input from floor-mounted shifter or optional steering-mounted paddles is fed to a servo-operated clutch to shift the sequential automatic gearbox.

The Smart averages 4.7 L/100 km (50 mpg or 21.3 km/L) for the gasoline model and 3.4 L/100 km (69 mpg or 29.4 km/L) for the diesel.

Parking

As free parking spots are hard to find in many European cities, official parking is expensive, and illegally parked cars are fined, immobilized or towed, the original idea behind the very short "smart car" is that the vehicle may be parked back-in in parallel parking zones. Its length of 250cm (98.4 in) equals the width of a truck or a regular parking slot, allowing two or three Smarts to park in the same space as one normal car if parked side-on to the usual parking direction. However, this type of parking is very dangerous because drivers are unable to see the parked vehicle's brake lights to know that the car is operational. As such, this type of parking has been banned in Munich, Germany, amongst other places.

Models

The Fortwo is available with targa-style removable roof panels (originally City Cabrio, now Fortwo Cabrio), introduced in 2000, and was restyled in 2002. Model variants include the base model "pure", sporty mid-spec model "pulse", luxury top-spec model "passion" and the "BRABUS" tuned version - all of which are available in both coupé and cabrio form.



Smart fortwo cdi (2005)

The Fortwo is the original Smart model, launched in 1998 as City Coupe. The name Fortwo was introduced for this car when Smart began producing additional models.

Concept

The Smart "Micro compact car" was designed primarily for urban use in European cities, where parking is scarce and fuel economy is of great importance. The Smart Fortwo's length of only 250 cm allows as many as three of the vehicles to be parked in the space normally taken by one standard-length car.

Providing adequate passenger safety was a challenge to the designers. To solve this and to provide a rigid frame, a solid steel "Tridion" frame, left visible at the exterior as a major design element, completely surrounds and protects the passenger compartment, and defines the basic shape of the car as well. Interchangeable plastic body panels complete the exterior. With a weight of 730 kg, it is one of the lightest cars in the European market.


In order to make maximum use of the minimal crumple zone at the front, the Smart Fortwo has its engine positioned at the rear of the vehicle.

The engine range is composed of only turbocharged three cylinder motors. Originally, the base petrol engine had 599 cc, but displacement was increased to 698 cc along with the restyling. It is available in 37 kW (50 PS) or 45 kW (61 PS) variants. The turbodiesel engine has 799 cc displacement with 30 kW (41 PS). Engines are mounted in the boot.

Although only a manual transmission is offered, there is no clutch pedal per se; instead, input from floor-mounted shifter or optional steering-mounted paddles is fed to a servo-operated clutch to shift the sequential automatic gearbox.

The Smart averages 4.7 L/100 km (50 mpg or 21.3 km/L) for the gasoline model and 3.4 L/100 km (69 mpg or 29.4 km/L) for the diesel.



Parking

As free parking spots are hard to find in many European cities, official parking is expensive, and illegally parked cars are fined, immobilized or towed, the original idea behind the very short "smart car" is that the vehicle may be parked back-in in parallel parking zones. Its length of 250cm (98.4 in) equals the width of a truck or a regular parking slot, allowing two or three Smarts to park in the same space as one normal car if parked side-on to the usual parking direction. However, this type of parking is very dangerous because drivers are unable to see the parked vehicle's brake lights to know that the car is operational. As such, this type of parking has been banned in Munich, Germany, amongst other places.

Models

The Fortwo is available with targa-style removable roof panels (originally City Cabrio, now Fortwo Cabrio), introduced in 2000, and was restyled in 2002. Model variants include the base model "pure", sporty mid-spec model "pulse", luxury top-spec model "passion" and the "BRABUS" tuned version - all of which are available in both coupé and cabrio form.

Smart fortwo cabrio (2005)

The Fortwo is the original Smart model, launched in 1998 as City Coupe. The name Fortwo was introduced for this car when Smart began producing additional models.

Concept

The Smart "Micro compact car" was designed primarily for urban use in European cities, where parking is scarce and fuel economy is of great importance. The Smart Fortwo's length of only 250 cm allows as many as three of the vehicles to be parked in the space normally taken by one standard-length car.

Providing adequate passenger safety was a challenge to the designers. To solve this and to provide a rigid frame, a solid steel "Tridion" frame, left visible at the exterior as a major design element, completely surrounds and protects the passenger compartment, and defines the basic shape of the car as well. Interchangeable plastic body panels complete the exterior. With a weight of 730 kg, it is one of the lightest cars in the European market.

In order to make maximum use of the minimal crumple zone at the front, the Smart Fortwo has its engine positioned at the rear of the vehicle.

The engine range is composed of only turbocharged three cylinder motors. Originally, the base petrol engine had 599 cc, but displacement was increased to 698 cc along with the restyling. It is available in 37 kW (50 PS) or 45 kW (61 PS) variants. The turbodiesel engine has 799 cc displacement with 30 kW (41 PS). Engines are mounted in the boot.


Although only a manual transmission is offered, there is no clutch pedal per se; instead, input from floor-mounted shifter or optional steering-mounted paddles is fed to a servo-operated clutch to shift the sequential automatic gearbox.

The Smart averages 4.7 L/100 km (50 mpg or 21.3 km/L) for the gasoline model and 3.4 L/100 km (69 mpg or 29.4 km/L) for the diesel.

Parking

As free parking spots are hard to find in many European cities, official parking is expensive, and illegally parked cars are fined, immobilized or towed, the original idea behind the very short "smart car" is that the vehicle may be parked back-in in parallel parking zones. Its length of 250cm (98.4 in) equals the width of a truck or a regular parking slot, allowing two or three Smarts to park in the same space as one normal car if parked side-on to the usual parking direction. However, this type of parking is very dangerous because drivers are unable to see the parked vehicle's brake lights to know that the car is operational. As such, this type of parking has been banned in Munich, Germany, amongst other places.


Models

The Fortwo is available with targa-style removable roof panels (originally City Cabrio, now Fortwo Cabrio), introduced in 2000, and was restyled in 2002. Model variants include the base model "pure", sporty mid-spec model "pulse", luxury top-spec model "passion" and the "BRABUS" tuned version - all of which are available in both coupé and cabrio form.