Autoblog

Spy Shots: Smart ForTwo+2 in the works?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Smart, Electric

Smart, the German-born automaker that revived the stagnant microcar market in the first place, has seen itself fall behind in the city car wars with Toyota's oh-so-clever iQ taking the top spot with its extra space for passengers and packages via its brilliant layout. What's more, new machines are on the way from BMW (the long-rumored Isetta revival) and the Audi (the A1, which will be debuted at the next Geneva Motor Show).

As such, we're not surprised to see Smart engineers out and about testing what appears to be the next generation of the diminutive Fortwo. Judging from the fender flares, we might make and educated guess that the new model will be slightly wider than the current car, which makes sense as the same platform is rumored to gain an extended-wheelbase variant called the Fortwo+2.

Unlike the previous Forfour, the Fortwo+2 would share the expected rear-engine, rear-wheel drive architecture with the base car and would come equipped with what would surely be a mini set of rear doors. According to Auto Express, we should see the next Fortwo in dealerships late next year with the +2 showing up in 2012. Electric and hybrid versions are reportedly in the works - and here's hoping they finally fix that horribly awkward transmission.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Smart ForTwo+2 in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget Zipcar - Smart reportedly readying car2go car-sharing program in Texas

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hatchback, Smart

Steers and Smarts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Daimler announced in March it would bring the tiny Smart car to the big state of Texas through its car-sharing service car2go. At the time, the German automaker declared that entering the Austin market with 200 ForTwos was "the next logical step." Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche now thinks that the car share program is also a good way to boost sales numbers, which have dropped recently.

Smart's U.S. sales were down 70.4 percent last month compared to October 2008, and only 661 ForTwos were sold in the U.S. last month. In Austin, as in the first car2go location of Ulm, Germany, the shared cars will initially only be available to city employees. Expansion to other residents - and then to other cities - is expected once the demand is there. Make that if demand is there.

Gallery: smart fortwo in Texas and Germany

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Forget Zipcar - Smart reportedly readying car2go car-sharing program in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Smart car drifting not only possible, but fun to watch

Chris Shunk — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Smart

Drifting Smart fortwo - Click above to watch the video after the jump

There are some images that don't fit into Newton's laws of physics. In nature, flying pigs and twinkle-toed Grizzly Bears come to mind. On the track, we can't think of many things more odd-looking than a drifting Smart ForTwo. After all, it's about as tall as it is long, and it's awfully narrow, too. It's like drifting a postal truck... only smaller... and less agile... and more prone to flipping on its side.

That didn't stop one pioneering tuner from turning the ForTwo into the ultimate lunchbox drifter. The white Smart looks to be modded to the hilt with an overhauled powertrain ('Busa, anyone?), exhaust and larger wheels and tires. Those wheels are also pushed out by several inches as evidenced by the bulging wheel arches. Hit the jump to watch the video shot in Japan. The drifting of this one-of-a-kind Smart car won't make anyone think about Ken Block or Rhys Millen, but this little two seater can sure get around the track, spitting flames in the process.

[Source: Wrecked Magazine]

Continue reading VIDEO: Smart car drifting not only possible, but fun to watch

VIDEO: Smart car drifting not only possible, but fun to watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Smart + Tesla + Brabus = High Voltage

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Smart, Electric

Brabus High Voltage - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the Tailor Made concepts that Brabus trotted out for the Frankfurt Motor Show, the German tuning firm also showed off a new version of its electric Smart Fortwo called the Unlimited High Voltage. This new model is an updated version of the company's electric Smart ED concept and it features a lithium ion battery pack supplied by Tesla Motors, Daimler's electric vehicle partner.

The High Voltage's rear-mounted electric motor was also developed by Tesla and offers up 82 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, which Brabus says is sufficient to push the little electric runabout to 60 mph in under 10 seconds. Additional interesting touches include aerodynamic wheels with clear plexiglass covers and wider side skirts to improve airflow. Inside, white leather seats with yellow stitching join a console-mounted monitor that displays the remaining state of charge.

The HV's single most intriguing bit of tech, though, would have to be the sound generator. This little unit will reportedly allow the diminutive electric machine to sound like a honkin' V8-powered racecar... should the owner feel so inclined. Check out the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Brabus Smart High Voltage

Frankfurt 2009: Smart + Tesla + Brabus = High Voltage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Daimler and Renault collaborating on four-door Smart

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Smart, Renault, Rumormill

Reports of a collaboration between Daimler and Renault on a new four-door model to join the Fortwo in Smart dealerships just won't die, leading us to believe there may be a ring of truth behind the rumors. The last time Daimler set out to partner on a more mainstream Smart, the resulting ForFour - which was based on borrowed underpinnings from Mitsubishi - never met sales expectations and was canceled after a few short years on the market.

Collaborating with Renault on the development of a four-door Smart should help shield Daimler from the high cost of developing a model-specific platform that's unlikely to sell in particularly high volumes. Further, the rumored new model would offer Smart buyers a new option to compete with the new Toyota iQ, which seats up to four occupants despite its diminutive dimensions.

[Source: Detroit News]

REPORT: Daimler and Renault collaborating on four-door Smart originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Safety, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Mini, Smart, Toyota

IIHS microcar roof tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just tested the latest batch of the smallest cars on the market to determine the strength of their roofs in the event of a rollover accident. Coming out on top with a "good" rating was the Smart Fortwo, which isn't all that surprising - due in large part to the runabout's diminutive size, Daimler put lots of effort into the design of its so-called Tridion safety cell.

Somehow, we're equally as unsurprised that the Chevy Aveo scored the lowest of the six automobiles tested. Chevy's least expensive car earned a "marginal" rating from the Institute. Sitting in between those two bookends were the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Yaris, all of which scored "acceptable" ratings.

It's interesting to note that the Smart Fortwo fared quite a bit better in this kind of test than in the Institute's series of frontal offset crash tests versus a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: IIHS microcar roof tests

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Triple Play: Mercedes reportedly files patent papers for three-seat Smart

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Design/Style

Trying to give buyers more chances to get into a Smart, the company produced a four-seat hatch called the ForFour in 2004. It sold so poorly that the car was axed after just two years. In spite of that, Autocar says that parent Mercedes-Benz has filed patent papers for an embiggened Smart.

This time, it's the Smart ForThree, with a 1+2 seating arrangement a la the McLaren F1. Unlike the F1, though, the Smart's center-positioned driver's seat would be completely forward of the rear seats. That way, it could rotate or be mounted on lateral sliders to make it easier for the driver to get in.

Engines aren't mentioned, but Mercedes does have a line of modular three-cylinder engines as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that are being prepped for small car use. Sources report that the car could be in showrooms by 2014.

[Source: Autocar]

Triple Play: Mercedes reportedly files patent papers for three-seat Smart originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart Tipping: Amsterdam villains reportedly pushing Fortwos into canals for fun

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Government/Legal, Smart

Note to Smart Fortwo owners in the Netherlands: Don't park your itty-bitty city cars near easily-accessible bodies of water. If you thought the car's errant transmission and its rough-and-tumble shifts were your biggest concern, you've likely never heard of the latest craze sweeping Amsterdam: "Smart Smijten." That's 'Smart Tipping' in American, and the reality of the situation is just about as distasteful as it sounds to owners of affected Fortwos.

Since drivers of the diminutive little urban runabouts often choose to back into parking spots side-by-side in order to save on congestion, it's reportedly quite easy for drunken revelers to lift the front of the Fortwo and tip it tail-first right into a canal. As you'd expect, any car that spends the night sleeping with the fishes at the bottom of a canal is very likely a total loss. Police in Amsterdam are working to crack the case, though the main concern at this point is stopping copycat criminals.

[Source: De Telegraaf via Gadling]

Smart Tipping: Amsterdam villains reportedly pushing Fortwos into canals for fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart's $99/month 'Cash for Clunkers' deal has a big, dirty secret

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Smart

Cash for Clunkers won't be official for a few weeks, but some automakers are already looking to cash in on the once in a lifetime opportunity to take up to $4,500 off the price of a new car or truck. Smart is offering its quirky little Fortwo runabout for just $99 per month with the trade-in of a 'Clunkers' eligible vehicle.

Even though we were not terribly impressed with the car in our recent review, $99 per month with no money down sounds decidedly tasty, and a payment term of only 36 months sound even better, but closer inspection shows that the promotion is way too good to be true. Here is the stupifying fine print on the promotion:

$99 monthly payment based on customer trade-in of an eligible vehicle qualifying for the CARS $4,500 voucher level and a 36-month balloon loan with $0 cash due at signing and a final balloon payment of $6,667 at the end of the loan term and a $ 13,335 MSRP which includes the destination charge and excludes tax, title and dealer fees.

A $6,667 lump sum is one hell of a payment - more than most of us could reasonably fork over at once - and certainly more money than most people who are seriously considering a $99 lease could afford. The total payment, which doesn't include taxes, title, or destination, comes in at $14,731 on a vehicle with a $13,335 MSRP.

[Source: Smart USA via All Cars All The Time]

Smart's $99/month 'Cash for Clunkers' deal has a big, dirty secret originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet undone by tricky transmission

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Hatchback, Smart, Reviews

2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Smart ForTwo isn't for shy people. Even though Smart USA has sold about 30,000 of these tiny two-seaters in the U.S., the little rollerskate attracts a lot of attention. On the road or in America's parking lots, the ForTwo is a conversation piece, and people don't hesitate to come up and talk to you. Some will tell you about the Smart they saw in Europe. Others will ask if it has the guts to make it onto the highway. Most will assume it gets great gas mileage (it doesn't). But one thing's for certain, during our week with the ForTwo, there was a 100-percent conversation rate wherever we went. Anthropophobes, be warned.

Follow the jump to see what it's like to spend wheel time with a Smart ForTwo Cabriolet.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo

Continue reading Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet undone by tricky transmission

Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet undone by tricky transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fortwo 4 Less: Smart offers first incentives in U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Smart, Earnings/Financials

2008 Smart Fortwo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Penske Automotive Group, distributors of the Smart Fortwo here in the United States, recorded an impressive 24,622 total sales of the diminutive city car in 2008 and dealers widely reported that they could have sold even more had they been available. With that in mind, the nascent company set what seemed at the time like a realistic sales target for 25,000 units in 2009. That may have been a bit optimistic.

So far this year, Smart USA has sold just 7,451 Fortwos, which is down nearly 16% over the first five months of 2008. May sales, though, were down an alarming 56.6% to 1,169 units. To stem the rushing tide of order cancellations and slow sales, Penske has decided to offer its first-ever incentives on the Fortwo. From now until the end of July, buyers may qualify for 4.2% financing through Daimler Financial Services for the purchase of a new 2009 Smart Fortwo.

If this incentive has a positive impact on sales, expect it to be extended a bit longer. Further, Penske is considering making it possible for dealerships to order new cars without accepting the refundable $99 reservation from a customer that's currently required, which could have the desirable effect of placing more new vehicles on dealer lots for buyers to choose from.

Gallery: smart fortwo

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Fortwo 4 Less: Smart offers first incentives in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart offering 2008 ForTwo owners a transmission upgrade?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Green, Recalls, Hatchback, Smart

Smart ForTwo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If you poll owners (and reviewers) of the Smart ForTwo you'll find one consistent gripe: the transmission. The automated manual gearbox herks, jerks and is about as dynamically pleasing as petting your dog with a broom.

Apparently, Smart is listening, and in addition to tweaking the software on the 2009 ForTwo, the automaker is offering 24,622 owners of 2008 models the same transmission fix. Letters are being delivered to let owners know about the free software upgrade, and while the fix supposedly makes a difference, the few people we've talked to who've driven the 2009 model assure us that while the shifting is better, it's still very far from perfect.

Gallery: smart fortwo

[Source: USAToday via KickingTires]

Smart offering 2008 ForTwo owners a transmission upgrade? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wise Choice: The not-so-Smart ForMore SUV that never was

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Smart

2005 Smart ForMore concept - Click above for an image gallery

Nearly every automaker on the planet has suffered from bouts of over-reaching and Smart is hardly an exception. Daimler's micro-car division succumbed to the desire to fill every conceivable niche a few years back, unsuccessfully adding roadsters and four-door models to its iconic two-door city car. But before the Smart Roadster and ForFour were sent off to camp, another model was in the works. Yes, Smart was planning a sport-utility vehicle. And someone's snagged some photos of the wisely canceled show car sitting in the back of a Mercedes warehouse in Germany.

Although it looks like a ForFour with some extra bits tacked on (note the unsuitable low-profile tires), sources suggest that this Smart crossover was actually based on the Mercedes GLK. Called the ForMore, the concept car was scheduled to make its debut at the 2005 Frankfurt show before Daimler pulled the plug on the entire program at the last minute. We can't help wonder if a similar initiative from BMW's Mini division will end up with the same fate.

Gallery: Mothballed 2005 Smart ForMore concept

[Source: Cardisiac via Jalopnik]

Wise Choice: The not-so-Smart ForMore SUV that never was originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SmartForFiveOh: Small Florida town employs Smart police cruiser

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Government/Legal, Smart, Police/Emergency

Belle Isle Police Chief John Tegg with his new Smart ForTwo Police Cruiser

When your Police Chief is six-feet tall and weighs 280 pounds, you might consider it cruel and unusual punishment to issue him a Smart fortwo as his police cruiser. But that is exactly what the folks in Belle Isle, Florida have done. Heck, if it's good enough for Batman, it's good enough for Belle Isle, right? According to the Orlando Sentinel, Chief John Tegg insists that he's perfectly comfortable once he gets situated inside - at least physically. "One fella told me he's not sure he'd pull over for this little thing," Tegg said. "I said you'd better if you know what's good for you."

The fledgling police department in this small Orange County town claims that this is the first Smart pressed into constabulary duty in America. While we can't verify that claim, the Belle Isle force plans on using the vehicle for patrols. However, with no backseat, Tegg admits there is room for little more than a ticket book, so the good chief will have to call for backup if someone needs to be hauled off to jail. Showing that they at least have a healthy sense of humor about the situation, the squad has issued the car a unit number of "point-five" - as in half a car. We're calling it Smart ForFiveOh, or Smart ForPoPo. Anything else come to mind? We're sure you can come up with something better. Thanks for the tip and pics, David!

Gallery: Smart Police Cruiser

[Source: Orlando Sentinel / Photos: phabulousphotos]

SmartForFiveOh: Small Florida town employs Smart police cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart USA responds to IIHS crash test results

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Mercedes-Benz, Smart

IIHS crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

Needless to say, the folks over at Smart USA were not pleased to see the results of the latest batch of crash testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The IIHS did a series of frontal offset crash tests between small and mid-size cars, one of which included a smart ForTwo versus a Mercedes C300. While the results may have been what most people expected, they don't correlate with the ForTwo's results in standardized tests where the IIHS rates the smart as good in front and side impacts. The feds at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration give the smart 4 stars on frontal impact and 5 on side impact.

The problem, as Smart USA sees it, is that the IIHS devised a test that no automaker has designed to and that they claim only represents about one percent of real world accidents. Smart has even set up a site for customer testimonials about the crash safety performance of their ForTwo. Typically in the past, Smarts have actually done quite well in similar vehicle-on-vehicle tests, such as the ones conducted by Mercedes and Auto Motor und Sport after the jump.

The fundamental issue is that car structures are very complex and their response in a crash is highly dependent on the precise nature of the vehicle-to-vehicle interface. Because of standardized tests, cars are optimized to perform well in those, just as the powertrain is optimized to maximize results on the EPA mileage tests. It's not clear at this point how the IIHS methodology varies from what has been done in the past and why the results are so much worse. One thing that's clear: this story is far from over.

Gallery: IIHS mid-size vs sub-compact crash tests

[Source: SmartUSA]

Continue reading Smart USA responds to IIHS crash test results

Smart USA responds to IIHS crash test results originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler's Car2Go program coming to Austin, Texas this fall

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hatchback, Daimler, Smart, Lifestyle

Last October we advised you not to hold your breath for Daimler's Car2Go program to come to America. You can breathe again. If you live in Austin, Texas you'll be able to rent a mild hybrid Smart ForTwo by the minute this fall. Austin was chosen because of its university population and its concern for the environment.

Car2Go makes its fleet available on-demand, with a clear price structure, and you can keep the car as long as you wish. Those in the program access the vehicles by swiping a tag on their driver's licenses over a card reader on the car. As with the pilot program in Ulm, Germany the service will start in Austin with an initial fleet, expected to consist of around 200 Smarts that will be available to city employees first and then expand to public use at the conclusion of a trial period.

Gallery: smart fortwo in Texas and Germany

[Source: Canadian Driver]

Daimler's Car2Go program coming to Austin, Texas this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bigger smarts - forfour, forthree, etc. - could be coming

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Smart, Rumormill

13 people in a smart fortwo - Click above for small image gallery

Almost a year ago, 13 people squeezed into a smart fortwo. Yes, they were gymnasts. It might someday be easier to fit more than two people in a fortwo if plans to make a longer version of the most diminutive production car sold in the U.S. come to fruition. Smart head Anders-Sundt Jensen has confirmed rumors with Automotive News that an extended wheelbase could allow for 2+1 or 2+2 seating. Looks like pressure from the Toyota iQ and the VW up! is having an effect.

What might these new smart models be called? Go ahead, take a guess. Names like forone, forthree and forfour "are being discussed," AN writes, but as regulars may recall, AutoExpress thinks a four-door model could be called fortwo +2. A new model would likely look more like the current smart than the Colt-like smart ForFour that was sold from 2004-2006. The next-gen smart model is supposed to be revealed by next year's Geneva Motor Show, so we'll hopefully know more by then.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Bigger smarts - forfour, forthree, etc. - could be coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: The Batsmart

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Budget, Auctions, Smart, Celebrities, Specialty

BatSmart from SEMA - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the most unusual vehicles to grace last year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas is now up for auction on eBay Motors. Called the BatSmart, this little vehicle was unlike most of the high-octane pieces of rolling artwork at the event in that it used just three pistons and 70 horsepower to move along its twin passengers. What it loses in power, though, it makes up in style, right?

Designed by George Barris himself, creator of the original Batmobile from the mid '60s, the Batsmart features a faux turbine and rocket launchers to go along with its full custom body kit, which includes the requisite rear batfins and rodent-like pointy nose. Click here to see the auction page and be sure to check out our gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Mick!

Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: Batsmart

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Barris BatSMART

[Source: eBay via All Cars All The Time]

eBay Find of the Day: The Batsmart originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Smart ForTwos orphaned as depositers drop out

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Budget, Green, Hatchback, Smart

Click above for a high-res gallery of the smart fortwo

Add the smart fortwo to the growing list of products impacted by the economic downturn here in the United States. Last year, the diminutive urban runabout was one of the U.S. market's few bright spots, with its small dealer network moving nearly 25,000 units and busting through sales expectations along the way.

For much of the summer months in 2008, the fortwo was actually selling for a premium on the open market, as dealerships only stocked vehicles that had actually been ordered and for which deposits had been collected. According to Sean Sarraff, brand manager of Smart Center Germantown in Maryland, "Since November, it seems people are backing out of purchasing a Smart." These unwanted vehicles end up as orphan cars and are made available to purchase through the automaker's Smart Express shopping system.

What happened? Apparently, a large number of the micro machines were ordered up by families as second cars or as toys for the wealthy. In these tough financial times, toys and playthings are expendable, and that's what seems to be happening with a certain number of smart orders. The good news, though, is that there are finally enough orphan units available that long lead times can generally be avoided for those ready to make a purchase.

Gallery: smart fortwo

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd']

REPORT: Smart ForTwos orphaned as depositers drop out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Smart ForTwo +2 gets less tiny

Chris Paukert — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Smart, Rendered Speculation

The Smart franchise hasn't exactly been a blockbuster financial success for Daimler. Although the diminutive city runabouts certainly have their adherents, the entire brand is widely believed to have never turned a profit. Having but a single model to sell, the Fortwo, probably isn't helping matters, but according to AutoExpress, a second model is on the way.

Tentatively dubbed "Fortwo +2," the rumored four-door will look to outperform the slow-selling ForFour, a model that only lasted for two years. The new model is expected to essentially be a stretched version of the rear-drive Fortwo, with a pair of rear-hinged demi-doors to allow access to the second row.

Despite its mechanical similarities to the current car, AutoExpress says that the ForTwo +2 probably won't reach showrooms before 2011 "at the earliest," although it's reasonable to expect both gas and diesel versions, along with a full-electric.

While AE offers no speculation as to what markets the vehicle will be available in, the U.S. would seem to be a shoe-in, as although the automaker's newly minted American arm is performing very well, the Fortwo's trademark tiny size is still seen as a purchase barrier by many buyers.

Can we have a new Smart Roadster now?

[AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Smart ForTwo +2 gets less tiny originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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