SMART will debut in the U.S. with three-model lineup
Dave Schembri, tapped by Roger Penske to lead smart in the United States, sat in on Autoline Detroit recently and shared some info about the models we can expect to see when smart debuts here. There will be three models initially, a base, a top-of-the-line coupe, and a cabriolet, all versions of the smart ForTwo. Schembri also hinted that the next-generation smart lineup is slated to debut in Stuttgart with more information in mid-November.
The next smart was originally supposed to debut at the Paris Motor Show, but DaimlerChrysler pulled the plug at the last minute. To make amends, DCX released some cool renderings and a mysterious claim that anything the current smart can do, the next one will be able to do better. Neff over here at Autoblog has his money on bigger dimensions and more engine options, but we'll have to wait until November to know for sure.
[Source: Autoline Detroit via All Cars All the Time]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
tom 9:29AM (10/16/2006)
Interestingly enough (or maybe not), I saw a Smart on I89 in New Hampshire the other day. I've seen them many times in Europe, but boy do they look small when surrounded by big SUVs
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smart 11:40PM (1/09/2008)
Thanks for creating this great article on the smart, I would like to personally invite you to the new smart site just launched.
The new smart website is focused on the 451 smart fortwo ( 2008 smart car ) and its web address is: http://www.451s.com
451s.com was created to help bring together worldwide smart owners and smart enthusiasts. While this site is focused on the 451 smart fortwo sold in America and Canada it is open to all smart's and the worldwide smart community.
http://www.451s.com
Eminem Sux 4:44PM (10/16/2006)
These are urban cars, not rural ones. I look forward to seeing these micro-machines when they hit the States. But at least the guy driving the Smart can park the car easily and make 50 mpg...unlike the dude with an Explorer.
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Shibby 5:21PM (10/16/2006)
HAHHA I can't wait till the new smart comes out.
Since i started uni bombing down the motorway pushing the car to it's max is really fun. (Thats about 85-90mph) from a 600cc version.
I think it would be awesome if they could make something like a light 1.0 or a 900cc. that would be awesome. If the current ones are fun to drive then the improved engines would be nippy as hell
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Barney 8:32AM (10/18/2006)
In British Columbia, Canada, these cars are a common site. I believe what "the next on will do better" is what it was designed for. Better fuel economy. Making it bigger and adding bigger engines, defies it's concept. Only in the USA is bigger better. The rest of the world accepts the "Smart" car as what it is.
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Bailey 5:46PM (10/23/2006)
Why is it taking so long for them to bring the Smart to the U.S.? I have seen them operating in Europe for years.
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