The "Smart" Car hits the states in 08
 

I saw these all over italy when I was over there. They are small but roomy on the inside. Have a look at this article.

http://a138.g.akamai.net/n/138/3538/...314/242023.jpg

By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com
February 23, 2007

Vehicle Overview
After years of struggling to commit, Smart says it's finally bringing its tiny ForTwo to the U.S. market. And we mean tiny: The Smart ForTwo is just 106 inches long, more than 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper. Park it perpendicular to a Ford Expedition, and its rear end extends just 14.3 inches beyond the Expedition's side mirrors.

Under the auspices of DaimlerChrysler and car dealership mogul Roger Penske, Smart plans to sell the ForTwo in hardtop and convertible form in the U.S. starting in early 2008.

Exterior
This is the second-generation ForTwo. Looking past its size — easy to do because it's so tiny — the Smart features high door sills, bulging fenders and a gaping grille up front.

Plans call for the ForTwo to be sold as both a hatchback and a Cabrio (convertible.) The hatchback opens clamshell-style, which Smart says helps in loading the car. The convertible features a soft top, but it's really more like a fold-down roof section than a full-on ragtop. The doors and a rear roll bar remain upright when the top is down, so there's less of an open-air sensation than you get in other convertibles.

The Smart that is expected to come to our shores is marginally larger than previous models sold in Europe. It gains more than 7.5 inches in length, largely so it can meet tougher European pedestrian-protection standards, provide more rear-impact protection and offer a better ride.

Still, its 106-inch length is paired with a wheelbase of only about 73 inches. Put another way, stand a Smart on its tail, and it's less than 9 feet tall; Shaquille O'Neal could totally dunk on it.

Interior
Smart markets the car as offering an unexpectedly large cabin for its shrink-wrapped size. There is adequate legroom for those approaching 6 feet tall. Headroom is plentiful because the ForTwo is as tall as most compact cars.

With an interior layout aiming to provide plenty of room for its two occupants, the biggest indication you're in a minicar comes from the elements surrounding the seats. The dashboard is crammed with the usual items, leaving it starved for space.

The stereo controls are about as big as those in a compact car, which seems monstrous in the ForTwo. Climate controls are sandwiched between the two central air vents, and the tachometer and analog clock perch near the windshield.

Behind the seats are two storage nets and a tote for the owner's manual, and all three are wedged beneath the rear window.

Under the Hood
Full details have yet to be released, but this much we know: The ForTwo is powered by a 81-horsepower, 1.0-liter three-cylinder and is estimated to get around 40 mpg in combined city and highway driving, but it can only go 90 mph. There are other engine options in the European market, but it's unclear if any of those are destined for the U.S.

Safety
There are a bevy of standard safety features, including four airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system. The Smart has not yet been crash tested by any U.S. safety agency.

Won't they have to bulk up the bumpers for crash safety standards? I know several other cars have had to do this.

they'll crash-test it, it will fail miserably, and won't be allowed in the US. I dunno how well it will sell...

-Steakboy

if it sells for $9000 and gets 45mpg, i'll pick one up :Eyecrazy:

oh and they better keep the user-replaceable plastic side panels, those things rock lol

There is a guy at my office who has one of those, so I am guessing it does pass safety standards. i dont think I would buy one though

IM sure they are pretty durable, they do sell all over europe like hotcakes. If they are under 9 - 10k like zoom said, I will grab one too. I am sure they get hella mileage and I am sure they are awesome for those short trips all over town. Now I would not road trip in that thing but it would make a great daily beater.

It'll be nice as a winter beater/daily commuter. Bonus points because it won't even take up a garage spot - you can probably hang it from a hook in the ceiling like a bicycle.

Version 2 is called Smart ForTwo and the previous generation was designed to be as as good as an E-class MB at the time in gov't crashes. I don't doubt this one is as good or better.

It is on the way to the US and will be priced from $11K to $15K (est.), depending on the model.

what's the top speed? anyone working on a supercharger?

We would be getting the short end of the stick if we got that model.
I want one of these Smart Roadsters:

http://www.mazdamaniac.com/images/misc/smart_1.jpg
http://www.mazdamaniac.com/images/misc/smart_2.jpg


I snapped those in Amsterdam a few years ago.
I figure, with a small turbo and some suspension work, that thing would be an absolute Elise killer.

90MPH or so.

They've been in Canada for some time, I see them everywhere. Cute little grocery-getters, but I wouldn't take one onto the highway. And not really worth the 20k Cdn...

And yes, that roadster is hot. I saw it for the first in Amsterdam too, four years ago. Tiny little beautiful yellow roadster, couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was at the time. Doubt it'll ever make it across the pond though.

I believe i saw an episode of Top Gear where they crashed a Smart Car into a concrete wall at 70mph, and it came out fine. Damage wouldn't be enough to kill you, but maybe break some bones. The car was cleanly intact. Because of its "eggshell" shape it is supposed to be EXTREMELY strong. It could be something else i was thinking of though... :squint:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q91UIYquAW8

The door still opens afterwards... but still... damn.

I've seen one on my way to work before. If people buy prius' im sure they'll buy this as well.

Well the version coming to the US is the 2nd generation, which is much improved but less funky than the original.

It is 40 inches shorter than a Mini--talk about finding parking spaces in crowded urban areas.

Kind of pointless IMO.

If you could get something this size for well under $10k it might be good as a city car, but for $11k-15k price range I'd rather just get a "normal" car like the Fit or Yaris that I could fit more than a toothbrush in and actually drive on the highway.

^exactly, pricing will be a HUGE factor if they want to succeed w/ this car

It is a NICHE vehicle. This car isn't expected to appeal to the entire market.

This vehicle is perfect for city dwellers and singles or couples who want a second car for an urban environment. The car has a max speed of 90MPH and tracks well on the highway. That will get you around the largest metro areas in the US: SF, NYC, LA, Chicago, DC, etc. with no problems. The plus side is great mileage and maneuverability.

everyone seems to miss my sarcasm. where's the sarcastic smilie?

Who cares if you cant go 91MPH when you can squeeze in that parking space between driveways in SF, LA or NYC, while everyone else drives around futilely.

^exactly\

HOLY FUCK THE ROADSTER IS HOT! I know I am late but damn. I want one!

where do u think redline is? lol