Smart Fortwo Information
The smart fortwo is a subcompact two-seater car produced by smart, a subsidiary of the Germany-based Daimler AG. Powered by a 3-cylinder engine and weighing a mere 1,600 pounds, it can achieve up to 69 miles per gallon. It's offered as a coupe and cabrio convertible. Its interchangeable body panels allow owners to change the look of their car.
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Origins
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Hybrid and Electric Models to Come
The German company smart, formerly smart GBH was established by watchmaker Swatch. The smart fortwo stands for Swatch Mercedes ART. The vehicle was conceived as an economical vehicle marketed to young drivers. The automaker has not been profitable since its inception, and negotiations with General Motors to produce the car failed. But manufacturing the smart fortwo is now a joint venture between Swatch and Daimler AG.
Features
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The 2008 Passion Cabrio With Targa-Style Rollbar
Introduced for the 1998 model year, the fortwo was offered with three engine options: the inline 3-cylinder turbocharged 0.6- and 0.7-liter gasoline powered versions and a 0.8-liter turbo diesel. The car sits on a 71.3-inch wheel base and measures only 98.4 inches long. The wheelbase was increased to 73.5 inches in 2008. The base cabrio sells for $11,990. Higher trimmed models sell for $16,990.
Parking
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smart Barbus
The theory of the fortwo is that its short length and 59.6-inch width will allow three fortwos to park side by side in a single parallel parking space. But European cities like Munich, Germany, have made such parking illegal. It's also illegal in most North American cities. The fortwo also grew to 106.1 inches long in 2008, making the claim less practical.
Transmission
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Steel Frame Enclosed in Plastic Panels
The first generation fortwo is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission that has no clutch pedal. Instead, the car features a floor-mounted shifter that allows the transmission to operate as an automatic. Paddle controls mounted on the steering wheel to shift the transmission also is an option. Second generation models have the 5-speed version.
Body
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The 2002 smart Crossblade
The vehicle features interchangeable plastic body panels, while the cabin is protected by a rigid steel frame. Different panels can change the color and styling. It's offered as a cabrio with a targa-style roof that can be removed. The limited edition Crossblade cabrio was produced in 2002 without a windshield or doors.
Performance
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smart 1-Liter 3-Cylinder Engine
The first generation rear-engine 0.6-liter turbo generates 50 horsepower, while the diesel version offers 40 hp. The 1-liter version introduced in 2008 features a high 11.4:1 compression ratio that provides 71 hp and runs on premium gasoline. The Brabus engine, tuned by the German high-performance engine specialist Brabus, generates 98 hp. The European Union rates the gasoline 1-liter smart achieving 50 mpg and 69 mpg for the diesel version. The U.S. Environmental Protection agency rates gas mileage at 41 mpg due to strict U.S. emissions standards.
Alternative Power
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smart electric car
The fortwo hybrid debuted in 2007. It features the gasoline-powered engine with an electric motor assist to reduce fuel consumption. The hybrid can achieve up to 55 mph in North America. An all-electric "ED" model, capable of a top speed of 70 mph was in development in 2009.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit smart
