Smart Roadster Concept Heading to 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Remember the patent designs of a topless, two-seat Smart model that we first showed you back in December, 2010? Well, according to Carscoop sources, the drawings are of a concept speedster model that will make its world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 1.

We also learned the concept is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, and that while Smart's parent company Mercedes-Benz has no plans to create a production version of the speedster-like model, key styling cues such as the headlamp and grille designs will pass on to the next generation Smart cars like the new Fortwo and the upcoming 5-door variant.



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Mercedes-Benz USA to Take Over Smart Distribution from Penske, Ditches Plans for Nissan Micra-Based Car

Daimler is planning to end an agreement with Penske Automotive Group regarding the distribution rights of Smart cars in the United States and transfer all activities to Mercedes-Benz USA, starting from the end of the second quarter of 2011.

"We are very excited about working toward integration of Smart into the MBUSA organization, and look forward to working with our dealer partners to exceed customer expectations for this unique vehicle," said Mercedes-Benz President and CEO, Ernst Lieb. "The addition of smart, combined with our Autohaus dealer initiative, will help us build upon the tremendous momentum the Mercedes-Benz brand has achieved here in the U.S."

Penske began selling the Lilliputian Smart Fortwo in the USA as an independent distributor in January 2008, and partially thanks to sky rocketing gasoline prices at the time as well as the initial shock factor, the company managed to sell close to 25,000 units that year. However, sales plummeted the next two years dipping to 14,600 cars in 2009 and to less than 6,000 units in 2010.

"Introducing the smart brand to the U.S. has been a unique opportunity for us," said Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske. "Over the last three years I've experienced the passion consumers express for the brand as we delivered over 45,000 vehicles. Aligning smart distribution with Daimler, as it is worldwide, is the logical next step for the smart brand in the U.S. This alignment will enable the smart brand to grow through the Mercedes-Benz dealership network and lead the way in conservation and meeting future fuel economy standards."

The decision to break up with Penske also marks the end of the firm's plans to add a Nissan Micra-based model to Smart's U.S. lineup in late 2011.

The company is readying its own five-door model (see our most recent scoop story here) using a new rear-wheel drive platform that is being currently developed in cooperation with the Renault-Nissan Group, but the four seat hatchback isn't expected for another two to three years.

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Tesla _ BRABUS Ultimate High Voltage Concept

The BRABUS Ultimate High Voltage is based on the smart fortwo. First seen at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show as a concept car called smart fortwo BRABUS Electric Drive few details were released. But now it looks set for production since BRABUS has released initial specifications.


Powered by a lithium-ion battery located under the floor and electric motors co-developed with Tesla Motors, the Ultimate High Voltage will do the 0 - 60 km/h (38.5 mph) sprint in 3.7 seconds and 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.8 seconds.


Building off of the Geneva concept's exterior body kit, the Ultimate High Voltage includes cream colored matte Tridionzelle paintwork, LED daytime running lights, beefy Widestar fender flares, Widestar side skirts and 18-inch wheels with transparent Plexiglas covers.


The key elements responsible for the pocket rocket's performance is the light body mass, and 61kW (82hp) and 280Nm of peak torque achieved at 0 rpm. One disadvantage with EVs is the lack of sporty exhaust vocals, so to compensate BRABUS equipped it with an artificial sound generator that can simulate engine sounds like American V8s or racing cars.


Interior comforts include processed white leather stitched with a yellow thread and a special instrumentation display monitor built into the lower center console for drivetrain and trip information.
More Photos



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Smart Fortwo Edition Highstyle Revealed

In keeping with its long tradition of special edition models, Smart has announced the launch of its latest creation, the Fortwo Edition Highstyle that is characterized by additional features, the use of finer materials and special color schemes. On the outside, the special edition Smart is distinguished by the chocolate brown metallic finish, the new 15-inch, twelve-spoke alloy wheels and the "Edition Highstyle" logos in aluminum look.


The special Fortwo model is available with a 71HP engine fitted with a start and stop system or with a 84HP engine and costs in Germany €15,695 and €16,195 respectively (including VAT).


Based on the Coupe Passion trim, the Highstyle comes equipped with standard softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, a panoramic roof with sunblind as well as additional dashboard instruments and Smart's radio 9 audio system.


Inside, the Fortwo features a mix of fabric and leather in contrasting colors which is further enhanced by the decorative brown seams on the seats. The kneepad and instrument panel have a leather look, while the 3-spoke sports steering wheel is covered with leather, as is the gear knob. Trim parts in matt silver round off the changes.
via:carscoop



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2010 smart fortwo cdi get 21% Power Boost

The 2010 model year car will also get some new optional equipment, like a folding armrest, hands-free system, and a color multimedia display. In Germany, the 2010 smart fortwo cdi coupe will cost €11,790, including tax. The price is up almost €200 from the '09 model.


Torque has also been boosted by 18% to 130 Nm. Never meant to be a speed demon, the fortwo cdi will go 0-100 km/h in almost 17 seconds. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions is kept relatively low at 88 grams per kilometer. Fuel consumption remains an efficient 3.4 liters per 100 km, or about 69 miles per US gallon (83 mpg in the UK).


A press release sent out by Daimler today indicates that the 2010 smart fortwo cdi will receive a significant increase in power. The tiny vehicle's three-cylinder engine will be bumped up to 54 horsepower, up from a hair over 44.


via:worldcarfans


Press Release

For model year 2010 the smart fortwo cdi has been given a clear power boost, yet it remains just as economical and environmentally friendly as before. In future the state-of-the-art three-cylinder diesel engine will produce 21 percent more power and deliver approximately 18 percent more maximum torque. Although this extra power makes the popular two-seater car noticeably livelier, it does not affect its exemplary fuel consumption. As before, it consumes just 3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC). Furthermore, with CO2 emissions of 88 g/km it continues to assert its leading position as the CO2 champion. In addition, from model year 2010 all versions of the smart fortwo including the BRABUS variants will comply with the strict emission limits of the EU5 standard.

The smart fortwo enjoys the worldwide reputation of a car that is perfect for the times we live in. Thanks to its unique concept it takes up minimum road and parking space, boasts low fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions and combines mobility, ecology and joie de vivre in a unique way. For the new model year smart is uncompromisingly continuing its philosophy and making the smart fortwo even more environmentally friendly and attractive.

The most important change: the smart fortwo cdi with a length of 2.69 metres is redefining economy and driving fun. Its reengineered diesel engine now has an output of 40 kW/54 hp - seven kW or 21 percent more than its predecessor. Moreover, the new three-cylinder engine delivers maximum torque of 130 Newton metres (an increase of 18 percent). This makes the car that is brimming with lifestyle appeal even more agile and fun to drive. Thanks to the power boost it now sprints from 0 - 100 km/h in just 16.8 seconds. However, the increased liveliness does not affect the outstanding fuel consumption and emission figures of the trendy two-seater car. The combined fuel consumption still stands at 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres and the extremely low CO2 emissions of just 88 g/km mean that the smart fortwo cdi is still the CO2 world champion among all production cars with combustion engines.

The 21 percent power increase is primarily realised through modified pistons in conjunction with adjusted injection and charge pressure parameters. Furthermore, thanks to the increased torque it was also possible to lengthen the gear ratios of the third and fourth gears by ten and eleven percent respectively, and to lower the shifting points in the automatic programme. This reduces the rpm level in speed ranges used particularly frequently - with benefits in terms of fuel consumption and noise level. The smart fortwo cdi is equipped with a closed diesel particulate filter and emissions are below the limit values laid down in the EU5 standard.

Thanks to optimised engine and transmission management the petrol models of the popular two-seater car also comply with the demanding EU5 exhaust gas standard. Not only does this help the environment - in many countries it entails clear tax advantages.

New contrast components in shiny pearl black, which further upgrade the interior of the smart fortwo, and a new folding armrest available as an option, provide for increased comfort.

Further optional equipment includes the smart hands-free system with a colour display and extensive multimedia functions. It features the sassy design typical of the brand, a Bluetooth® interface, voice control and optional iPod® connection and is perfectly integrated in the vehicle electronics and the audio system. It is simple and safe to operate via a wireless controller on the centre console.

All updated smart fortwo variants can be ordered now. The prices for the petrol models are unchanged. In future the 40 kW/54 hp smart fortwo cdi will cost €11 790 as a coupé in the pure equipment line (German price incl. VAT).



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