Autoblog

Caption Contest: Giving the gift of green against our better judgement

Chris Shunk — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Hatchback, Toys/Games, Electric

The move to electric-powered vehicles is still in its fledgling stages, but there are plenty of signs that the next few years will finally start ushering in battery-powered transportation for the masses. But there's one class of vehicle that has almost always been powered by batteries: R/C cars. Slap in a couple of 9-volt batteries and a slew of AA cells, and kids of all ages get to pretend they're Ken Block in the backyard until mom says it's time to clean up for supper.

Now that full-sized rides are finally "catching up" to their scaled-down counterparts, it appears that at least one toymaker, New Bright, has decided to take the next step: an R/C car that needs no batteries. It's called the Ecomobile, and it looks like a solar-powered freehand interpretation of a Smart ForTwo mated with a Toyota Prius. As you can see by its packaging, the Ecomobile takes great pride in the fact that it's ecopowered, economical and ecofriendly. It's even packaged in recyclable materials. It's $29.95. Al Gore can't stop smiling.

But how does it run? Well, you have to leave it out in the sun for one hour for every five minutes of play time. It's reportedly slow, too, and much like the EVs we've experienced in the real world, reviewers have said that the solar-powered toy doesn't quite run as long as its OEM-promised times state. Sound like fun? We don't think so either. So, in the spirit of the holidays, we've decided to come up with some of our favorite captions and/or headlines for this eco-tastic (or is that eco-tragic?) new toy. Here are some of our not-so-hilarious efforts:

You traded in your sports car for a Prius? Now you can limit your children's fun too!
The Ecomobile: Because your kids aren't teased enough already
The perfect toy for the kid who likes to wait to have fun
Now mom can't bitch about leaving toys in the backyard
Sweet! A toy that kids north of the Mason-Dixon line can't play with until May

As you can plainly see, we need your help. Head for the comments section and give us your best headlines for this not-so-fun-looking toy. You won't win anything for trying, but your efforts could help a misguided parent choose a different (and cooler) toy for their kid.

Caption Contest: Giving the gift of green against our better judgement originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Mitsubishi considering gasoline-engine MiEV

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Electric

Mitsubishi i MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi already plans on selling its little MiEV electric car in the U.S. within the next 18 months, and it appears that we may get a gasoline powered version of the roomy micro car as well. Automotive News is reporting that Mitsubishi is mulling the idea of putting petrol power in charge of propulsion of some i models, giving dealers a higher volume line that can compete with the Smart Fortwo. The automaker already sells a gasoline powered i in Europe, but Mitsubishi Motors North America VP John Koenig reportedly told AN that the Euro model's turbocharged 660cc motor would likely be swapped out for the same Mitsubishi-sourced 1.0-liter three-cylinder model that powers the Smart.

If Koenig wants to bring the gas-powered i to the States, he estimates that he'll have to prove that dealers can sell 1,000 models per month in order to get the parent company to pull the trigger. That sounds doable to us considering Smart sold 20,000 Fortwo's in the first 10 months of production - in spite of the fact that the unique-looking micro mini is premium-priced and only has two seats. The i can comfortably seat four and it can probably be sold for close to the Fortwo's $11,990 starting price. The typical i sells in more small car tolerant Europe for $16,000.

Gallery: New York 2009: iMiEV

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req.]

REPORT: Mitsubishi considering gasoline-engine MiEV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Smart, or Stupid? Teenager cooks up Michael Jackson microcar tribute

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Celebrities

Eric Callisto read the reactions from Michael Jackson fans and decided that the city-sponsored Los Angeles memorial service wasn't enough. So, like any web entrepreneur the Logansport, Indiana native created a site to serve that outpouring.

At Ultimate MJ Tribute, fans of the King of Pop can remember him by having their names written on a Smart Fortwo. They will also get their names on the website itself, and supposedly get a personalized flower delivered to Jackson's memorial - in that very same Smart - every year. And all for the low, low price of $10.

Of course, there are a lot of details left out: there is no information on the site about how this is all supposed to work, and site only has two real links on it, one of them to Paypal, one of them to a contact form. The other links are for Digg, Tweet, and sharing. It isn't even clear if Mr. Callisto owns or has a Smart. And based on the worldwide reaction to MJ's death, to pick one of the smallest cars in the world as a billboard tribute strikes us as a bit odd. But after all, an idea might be priceless, but a domain name is only a few dollars...

[Source: Ultimate MJ Tribute via Inside Line]

Smart, or Stupid? Teenager cooks up Michael Jackson microcar tribute originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #135

Dan Roth — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Podcasts, Government/Legal, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #135 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. Chris, Sam and Dan took time out to chat about GM's fast-moving reorganization, Smart's dubious $99/month deal, raising gas taxes as a better way to increase fuel economy, and Shunk's new car dilemma. To wrap up, we hit a question, and that's it - a nice, tidy 65-minute affair. Tell us how we're doing by filling out our survey, if you haven't already, and we'll see you next week. In the meantime, you can drop us a note at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #135

Autoblog Podcast #135 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on

Chris Paukert — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saturn, Earnings/Financials

Confirming a report we posted on earlier today, General Motors has reached a preliminary agreement to handover the Saturn marque to the Penske Automotive Group. In GM's official statement after the jump, the automaker says that the memorandum of understanding would entitle Penske to the brand's 350+ dealerships, the rights to the name and its associated iconography, as well as continued production of the Aura, Vue, and Outlook on a contract basis. As expected, the dormant Astra hatchback and the rakish Sky roadster will apparently not make the transition. No financial terms of the deal have been released.

As reported earlier today by The New York Times, that abbreviated Saturn lineup will likely be joined by vehicles procured from other overseas automakers, potentially Renault's Samsung Motors division in Korea. It is not immediately clear if Penske will use the opportunity to pair existing Saturn stores with the company's other automotive distribution channel, Smart.

According to GM, the agreement is expected to be consummated in the third quarter of this year, pending the necessary paperwork shuffling between the two companies and the federal government. Check out the official press release after the jump

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on

Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview: Smart gets Limited Edition Three treatment

John Neff — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Smart

Click above for high-res gallery of the smart fortwo "edition limited three"

Companies often exploit our fondness for Spring in their marketing efforts. There are detergents that smell like flower beds, flora-inspired fashions and candles that give off the soft scent of freshly cut grass. We're a people who like the restorative, born-again qualities of the season that emerges after a long, cold winter, and smart knows this. No stranger to unveiling special edition models of its fortwo model, the Daimler-owned brand will be showing off the new "edition limited three" model at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The "edition limited three" model tugs at our temporal heart strings with a new exterior color called Melon Green Metallic. The Spring-ish hue is carried over into the top soil-colored interior where it's used as an accent on the seats, door panels and dash. smart says the interior also features dark brown "leather-effect details" - spoken like a true economy car salesman.

Available as a coupe or cabrio, the "edition limited three" is based on the company's Passion trim level and also adds mhd, or Micro Hybrid Drive, which is another way of saying the powertrain has start/stop functionality to save fuel when the car is stopped or coasting at slow speeds. Since the fortwo seems to be gaining a lot of buzz in the U.S., we were hopeful this new special edition would also be sold in North America, but no mention of sales in the U.S. or Canada are made in the press release that can be read after the jump.

[Source: smart]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Smart gets Limited Edition Three treatment

Geneva Preview: Smart gets Limited Edition Three treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Top 10 Cars You Should Drive on a First Date

Chris Shunk — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Humor

Click above to view Top 10 Cars You Should Drive on a First Date

Back in November, we did a post titled Top 10 Cars You Should Never Drive on a First Date. Many readers told us that we needed a Top 10 list of the cars you should drive on a first date. The only problem is that we're less qualified to write this list than the last one, but we decided to give it a go anyway. Click above to check out our Top 10 Cars You Should Drive on a First Date, and once you've seen all our Don Juan specials, feel free to offer up your first date motoring suggestions in the comments.

Top 10 Cars You Should Drive on a First Date originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments