Smart fortwo getting start/stop tech
The rich get richer, and the frugal get ... frugaler. The Smart fortwo coming to these shores will reportedly boast a feature like the automatic start/stop technology on BMW's 1-series. A fixture on pure hybrids like the Honda Insight for years, the Smart system will shut down the combustion engine when the car is stopped in traffic and start it again when the driver presses the accelerator. The development is said to have been derived from the diesel hybrid Smart engineered for the first generation car.
The start/stop Smart will have a 1.0-liter engine with 71 hp and a 5-speed sequential gearbox. According to one article, it's called the "micro hybrid," and was created by Smart engineers working with Mercedes-Benz Development (BMW's unit is provided by Bosch). A belt-driven starter generator acts as the starter motor and alternator. The starter generator also reduces the time necessary for the engine to get enough revs to engage the clutch by .25 seconds. By quickening clutch engagement time less fuel is needed to drive away from a standing start. Combined with shutting down during normal idling periods, the result is an impressive 13% less gasoline usage.
[Source: Autoweek.nl via Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Turbofrog 7:10PM (6/04/2007)
4.7L/100 km (50 mpg) is good, but I'm surprised it needs premium...
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Kathy 2:40PM (7/16/2007)
On the official smart car usa website, it says the car gets 40 mpg, not really that impressive
Jon 5:43PM (7/16/2007)
I wonder why the press release dated June 11th boasts 71mpg.... while the above article boasts 71hp... and you say the official web site lists the car at 40mpg. I guess some people are so excited about anything that "saves the planet" that they're willing to put in print anything to sell sell sell the mini. Wouldn't you agree that it's difficult making an informed purchase when the information is not always correct and is always agenda driven?
smart 11:44PM (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
rwcmick 7:11PM (6/04/2007)
european smart's will have start/stop available, but i don't thinkt that (at launch) smarts destined for the usa will have this feature. everytime the technology has been discussed it's been in reference to europe. none of the usa product briefs have discussed it.
if it doesn't show up at launch, i hope that it does appear here eventually.
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Meg 10:50AM (7/16/2007)
It's been here since at least 1999. I have it on my 2000 Insight.
Gorden Sprabary 12:33PM (7/16/2007)
I know where to get a Smart Car in the USA as we speak if you are interested write me back. The Smart cars fortwo in the USA are the imports for Europe and converted to meet all USA standards
psarhjinian 7:40PM (6/04/2007)
This should be mandatory on every car.
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... 8:15PM (6/04/2007)
if i want a small, uncomfortable, 2 seater with good gas mileage, i'll take an insight.
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Gsinvan 12:10AM (6/05/2007)
As it is yet to launch, how do you know its uncomfortable??
Alexdotcom 7:49AM (7/16/2007)
yeah and you probably go to McDonalds asking for a Super size fries and super size diet soda with extra chicken on your salad. dont worry fatty you can fit by yourself in one of this!
Meg 10:52AM (7/16/2007)
I've not had any problems with the Insight's comfort.
Devynn 1:31PM (7/16/2007)
most car specs are put on line before the launch and all you have to do is take a measuring tape to see how big the thing is. my brother would be squished in this car, just by getting in! why? b/c he's 6'3 and MOST of that is legs! if i had a car like this and he needed to be with me for some strange reason, it would not be a happy trip. there are a lot of cars out there that are like that. if you're over a certain height or build, then you are NOT going to feel comfortable in that particular car.
Jim 8:22PM (6/04/2007)
It also makes sense to ask if this will save enough fuel to pay for the added complexity. Assuming $3 a gallon, 50 mpg, and an extra $200 over the price of the starter and alternator for this high torque starter/alternator when it wears out, it would take 25,000 miles of driving to pay for the system in fuel savings.
I'm not saying it isn't worth it, I think it probably is. But technology has a repair price, not just a purchase price and a savings. Something worth thinking about...
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Alexdotcom 7:56AM (7/16/2007)
yeah becuase i am sure as well as you are they just ripped out an alternator and a started and rubberbanded together so the car works, i as well as your thinking the engineers didnt think about this cost and repairs you are a smart thinker
Benjamin 11:01AM (7/16/2007)
I think that you may have missed the point here. The Start/Stop Technology i not some fancy gadget aimed at American's to get our adreniline pumping. These features that get introduced will cost something and will save you money at the pump. But the important thing to remember is that these added features save the environment. I hat when people talk about hybrids and how it doesn't make sense to buy one because you don't save enough money to offset the cost of the car. If you are concerned about the price, then you are not buying a hybrid, or for that matter a smart car, for the right reasons.
Anne 1:45PM (7/16/2007)
Saving oney is important, of course, but it's not everything; if it was, you'd keep your 1989 Honda--still works, I'm sure. Wouldn't you like to buy a car that uses less fossil fuels and looks really, really cute?
... 6:14AM (6/05/2007)
i was reffering to the previous generation
MikeW 9:18PM (6/04/2007)
Sounds like GM's system.
If they would upsize the system, then the electric motor could spin the engine, and propel the vehicle (clutch and gear engaged) until the engine revs get high enough (say 5kph) and then the fuel injectors go back to work.
Good enough to 'creep' in stop & stop traffic.
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Jorge 9:22PM (6/04/2007)
The insight was horrible. If you drive one and got hit by a suv you will crush but in a smart if you get hit by a suv you be protect by the safety cage. In germany a m-class t-bone a smart and both party survived with minor injury(bumps and scratch).
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