| Manufacturer | Smart (Daimler AG) |
|---|---|
| Also called | SmartCar (1998–2002) City Coupe |
| Production | 1998–present |
| Assembly | Böblingen, Germany Hambach, France |
| Class | City car[1] Kei car |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 2-door convertible |
| Layout | RR layout |
| Related | Smart Roadster |
The Smart Fortwo is a rear-engined two-seater city car manufactured by Smart GmbH, introduced at the 1998 Paris Motor Show as the Smart City Coupé, and currently in its second generation. The name refers to its seat capacity.[1]
In 2008, Smart debuted an all-electric concept, the Fortwo ed.
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The Smart features an automated manual transmission without a clutch pedal, six-speed for the first generation, five-speed for the second. Input from floor-mounted shifter or optional steering wheel-mounted paddles controls a servo-operated clutch and sequential automated gearbox. The vehicle may be driven in automatic mode, though the shift points are not as smooth as in a traditional automatic transmission. In paddle shifter mode, the operator controls the shift points but cannot feather or adjust the speed of the clutch. Thus some skill, and a slight lifting of the accelerator pedal, is required to achieve a smooth shift.
From 2009, second generation Fortwos were delivered with improved software that made automatic gear changes both smoother and faster than earlier models. The software, in the form of a free ECU upgrade was also made available for 2008 second generation cars, along with a new battery in certain cases.[2][3]
The Smart car allows back-in parking in otherwise parallel parking zones; its length of 250 cm (98.4 in) equals the width of a truck or a regular parking slot, allowing two or three Smarts to park in a standard space reserved for a single car. However, this type of parking has been banned in Munich, Germany, amongst other places. Such parking in parallel-designated spaces is illegal in most U.S.A jurisdictions.[4]
The Smart features interchangeable body panels—whereby one car can easily assume a different look. To accommodate a licensing agent's notation of a vehicle's color, the fortwo is sometimes registered as silver or black based on the Tridion frame color, which remains constant regardless of the body panels.
| Also called | City Coupe (1998–2002) fortwo (facelifted model) |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998–2007 |
| Engine | 0.6L petrol (turbo) I3 0.7L petrol (turbo) I3 0.8L diesel (turbo) I3 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual transmission |
| Wheelbase | 71.3 in (1,810 mm) |
| Length | 98.4 in (2,500 mm) |
| Width | 59.6 in (1,510 mm) |
| Height | 61 in (1,500 mm) |
| Curb weight | 730 kg (1,600 lb) |
The first generation first appeared in 1998, and it was replaced in 2002 by a facelift version.
The engine ranges featured turbocharged three cylinder motors. Originally, the base petrol engine had 599 cc, but displacement increased to 698 cc with an early restyling. It was available in 37 kW (50 hp) or 45 kW (61 hp) variants. The turbodiesel engine has 799 cc displacement with 30 kW (40 hp). Engines are mounted in the rear of the vehicle.
The "fortwo" is available as a Coupe or Cabriolet. Originally called the "city coupe" & "city cabrio" respectively, now called the "fortwo" & "fortwo cabrio" which was introduced in 2000, and was restyled in 2002. Model variants include the base model Pure, sporty mid-spec model Pulse coupe, and luxury top-spec model Passion Cabriolet.
| Production | Since 2007 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 0.8 L diesel (turbo) I3 1.0 L petrol I3 1.0 L petrol (turbo) I3 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automated manual transmission |
| Wheelbase | 2008–2010: 73.5 in (1,870 mm) 2011-: 1,867 mm (73.5 in) |
| Length | 2008–2010: 106.1 in (2,690 mm) 2011-: 2,695 mm (106.1 in) |
| Width | 2008–2010: 61.4 in (1,560 mm) 2011-: 1,559 mm (61.4 in) |
| Height | 60.7 in (1,540 mm) 2011-: 1,542 mm (60.7 in) |
Introduced November 10, 2006, the second generation features slightly greater length and improved crash performance while maintaining similar styling.
The new 999 cc I3 version 3B21 (2007 onwards) is produced by Mitsubishi Motors and it comprises normally aspirated (NA) and turbo versions. The turbo petrol version has a power of 84 PS (83 hp). The NA 999 cc engine has 11.4:1 compression ratio and premium fuel (95+ octane RON) is recommended. It is rated at 71 hp (53 kW). The US NA 999 cc engine has a 10:1 compression ratio and premium fuel (91 octane AKI) is recommended and is rated at 70 hp (71 PS; 52 kW). German tuner company Brabus, in a joint venture with Smart, has developed a version with 72 kW (97 hp; 98 PS) and 140 N·m torque, originally available only in Europe, but now available elsewhere.
European Union (EU) testing rates the 999 cc Smart at 4.7 L/100 km (60 mpg-imp; 50 mpg-US) for the gasoline model and 3.4 L/100 km (83 mpg-imp; 69 mpg-US) for the diesel. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the vehicle at 36 mpg-US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg-imp) combined.[10]
The Smart Fortwo's length is 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m) (second generation).
An exposed, rigid steel frame, marketed as the "Tridion" frame, surrounds and protects the passenger compartment while defining the car's shape and design—and allowing for interchangeable plastic body panels to complete the exterior. With a weight of 730 kg (1,609 lb), it is one of the lightest cars in the European market.
The Smart is equipped with seat-mounted combination side airbags as well as electronic stability control. To maximize the front crumple zone, the smart fortwo's engine is rear-mounted.
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, the 2008 Smart Fortwo, the smallest car marketed in the US market, earned the top overall rating of "Good" in both the front and side crash tests. The Fortwo received the "Good" score in 8 of 11 measured injury categories.[11] Its seat/head restraints earned the second highest rating of "Acceptable" for protection against whiplash in rear impacts. The IIHS did an offset crash test with a Smart Fortwo and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is 40% of one car's driver's side head on with 40% of another car's driver's side, and the Smart received a "Poor" rating due to the occupants' heads slamming into the steering wheel. Also, there was too much intrusion into the footwell of the Smart Fortwo. The dummy movement was not well controlled. The Smart Fortwo spun 450 degrees in the air upon impact.[12]
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test results for the 2008 Smart Fortwo:[13]
At the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Smart launched the a "micro hybrid drive" version of the ForTwo. Smart claimed this provides a fuel efficiency improvement of eight percent from 50 miles per US gallon (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg-imp) to almost 55 miles per US gallon (4.3 L/100 km; 66 mpg-imp), while Carbon dioxide emissions drop from 112 to 103 g/km.[5] The mhd version of the fortwo is not currently available in the USA or Canada.
An all-electric version of the fortwo, the "smart fortwo electric drive", has been in development since 2006.[15][16] Zytek developed the motor and produced the first-generation "smart EV" cars powered by sodium-nickel chloride batteries.[17] Market trials began during 2007[18][19] in London. Externally it appears identical to the standard 'Smart Fortwo coupé'.[20]
It was also presented at the 2008 Paris Car Show. Production delivery was expected in 2010. It will feature 30 kW (40 hp) output, a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h) and will be capable of 0-30 mph (48 km/h) in 6.5 seconds. The European fortwo ED can travel up to 72 miles (116 km) between charges. It typically takes around 8 hours for a full charge.[21][22][23][24]
In 2008, Tesla Motors signed an agreement to supply the first 1,000 battery packs for these cars.[25] In August 2009 Daimler announced production of second-generation vehicles using Tesla's lithium-ion battery packs would begin in late 2009 for trials in Europe and the USA, with general availability in 2012.[26]
It is a sport package that include a sport exhaust with dual center tips, sport suspension, 15- front and 17-inch rear wheels, power steering and all the BRABUS visual cues. The originally planned turbocharged engine was not included.[27] It is available in cabriolet or coupe variations, the latter equipped with a glass panoramic roof, and a choice of two colors, metallic silver or deep black.
smart Canada released ten 10th anniversary edition smart fortwo cars in February 2009. Each car started life as a Canadian BRABUS model before being converted into 10th anniversary editions by BRABUS in Germany. All of the cars are arctic grey metallic with chalet brown and alcantara leather interiors with black BRABUS Monoblock 7 wheels. Each car has a number plate on the dash to signify its production number out of ten. One was given away in the tenth anniversary contest and the remaining nine cars were available for purchase via smart Canada's buyers draw.
smart Canada also produced 1:87 scale versions, of which 10,000 were made.
| Production | 2012– |
|---|---|
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The third generation Fortwo is set to start production in 2012. During 2010 a joint venture was announced between Renault-Nissan & Daimler-Benz and Renault are apparently planning on a two-seater coupé which will be based on the 2012 Smart Fortwo.
The smart was initially available only in left-hand-drive form, since the design of the floorpan did not allow for right-hand-drive conversions. This restricted it's availability in markets such as Australia. Smart solved the issue by designing a 'mirror image' floorpan for right-hand-drive models.
The Smart fortwo is available in Australia since 2003 in only the middle 'Pulse' range, and with the petrol engine. As of April 16, 2007 the base price for the fortwo coupé is A$19,900, and for the fortwo cabriolet is $22,900. The Smart fortwo is sold through selected Mercedes-Benz dealers.
The Smart fortwo was introduced in Canada in 2004 and sold through Mercedes-Benz dealers. Only the turbo-diesel powerplant was offered for the coupé and convertible models because of tough emission regulations for gasoline engines dictated by Transport Canada. Demand was initially heavy, with up to six-month waiting lists in major urban areas in the spring of 2005. The vehicle has proven especially popular for light errand running for small shops and businesses, with many carrying custom paint jobs or stick-on graphics boldly advertising the associated product or service.
In 2008, Canada only received the gasoline model because the diesel version does not meet 2007 emission standards. The fortwo carries a 1.0-litre engine that delivers up to 70 horsepower (52 kW) and a re-engineered automated-manual 5-speed transmission with a slightly larger body. It is not yet decided if any other engines will be offered by smart Canada in the future such as the micro hybrid or a future diesel model. At this point the 2009 model of the smart will continue to have the 70 hp (52 kW) gasoline powered engine. Due to the changes, the fortwo sales plummeted in Canada.
In April 2008, Smart first premiered in the China Auto Show 2008 in Beijing. On October 1, 2008, the Smart "vending machine" road show had the first stop in Shenyang (at Isetan), and also started the pre-order period. The cost for reserving a Smart was 388 RMB.[28] The price range of smart fortwo in China is 158,000 to 206,000 RMB.
There is a Japan-only variant of the first generation Smart Fortwo, called the Smart K. This is the only ever non-Japanese car to fulfill the regulations for Kei cars.
In early 2006, a specialty automotive import and engineering firm - G and K Auto conversions (GNKAuto.com) of Santa Ana California - after investing millions of dollars in testing and fees, received DOT, NHTSA, and EPA approval to sell a modified European specification Smart Fortwo in the US. The 23 modifications to the Smart Fortwo included DOT certified headlights, reinforced doors for additional side impact protection, an odometer that reads in miles rather than kilometers, and soft padding on the interior pillars and ceiling. Smart Fortwo dealers in the US were a mix of "green car" specialty companies (GreenCarCo.com), (EcoAutoInc.com) and exotic car dealers. Approximately 1,000 model year 2004, 2005, and 2006 Smart cars were imported without Smart's or Mercedes Benz's cooperation and converted by G&K.
On 26 June 2002, Smart fortwo was exhibited at the new Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) affiliate P.S. 1 in Queens, New York for the first time.
In September 2006, Daimler AG announced that Smart USA, a division of Penske Auto Group (at the time of the announcement it was United Auto Group, later changed to PAG,[29] ) would be the official distributor for Smart in the United States and Puerto Rico.
The redesigned smart fortwo (Model 451) has been available since January 2008 in the USA. Numerous changes were made from the previous model (450). Its Mercedes Benz power plant was replaced by a non-turbo Mitsubishi 3B21 engine and the overall dimensions of the car increased.
The 2009 model year US version of the smart fortwo is available in three trims: Pure (base trim), Passion, and Passion cabriolet. Pure has an MSRP of US$11,990, Passion has an MSRP of $13,990, and the Passion Cabriolet has an MSRP $16,990.[30] A reservation program was launched by Smart USA in March, 2007.[31][32] This program allowed interested parties to place a $99 refundable deposit on the new fortwo in preparation for the product's launch. Since the product's launch, sales have surpassed production and the reservation program continues as a "wait list" program.[33][34] The average wait used to be 12 to 18 months for delivery; although due to the economy, many buyers couldn't purchase the vehicles when they were ready for delivery and many are available on dealer lots.
The Smart Fortwo was rated as the most fuel efficient two-seater car in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2008 Fuel Economy Guide, with fuel efficiency ratings of 33 mpg-US (7.1 L/100 km; 40 mpg-imp) city and 41 mpg-US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg-imp) highway.[35] The 2008 Smart Fortwo coupe was given an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 36 mpg-US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg-imp) combined.[36]
On May 14, 2008, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released crash test results for the fortwo. The IIHS gave the fortwo top ratings in protecting passengers in front and side crashes.[37] However, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cited a Safety Concern on their tests of a 2008 fortwo, stating "during the side impact test, the driver door unlatched and opened. A door opening during a side impact crash increases the likelihood of occupant ejection." [38]
In 2007, Chinese manufacturer Shijiazhuang Shuanghuan Automobile Co released the Shuanghuan Noble (also known as the Martin Motors Bubble), designed similarly to the Fortwo and prompting Daimler AG to sue Shuanghuan for copyright infringement.[39] The German manufacturer persuaded the Italian court to prohibit the Noble from being exhibited at the Bologna Motor Show, but importer Martin Motors violated that injunction and put the car on display.[40]
In May 2009, a Greek judge ruled against Daimler, allowing the Noble to be sold in Greece. The judge cited that "if a vehicle varies in its technical specification, then any external similarities are irrelevant." This was in reference to the Noble being a front-engine, front-wheel-drive car while the ForTwo is rear-engined and rear-wheel-drive.[41]
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