| Smart Fortwo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Daimler-Benz (1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2022) Mercedes-Benz Group (2022–2024) |
| Also called | Smart City-Coupé (1998–2002) Smart car (colloquially) |
| Production | 1998–2007 (MkI) 2006–2014 (MkII) 2014–2024 (MkIII) |
| Assembly | France:Hambach (Smartville) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | City car Microcar[1] |
| Body style | 3-doorhatchback 2-doorconvertible |
| Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive Rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (electric version) |
| Related | Smart Roadster Smart Forfour |
TheSmart Fortwo (stylized as "smart fortwo") is a two-seatercity car manufactured and marketed by theSmart division of theMercedes-Benz Group for model years 1998–2024, across three generations — each using arear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and aone-box design.
The first generation was internally designated as theW450, launched at the 1998Paris Motor Show. The second generationW451-build series was launched at the 2006Bologna Motor Show.[2] The third generation Fortwo (2014–2024) was internally designated as theC453 build series,[3][4] and debuted globally on July 16, 2014,[5] at theTempodrom in Berlin[6] along with a closely related four-door version, theSmart Forfour, co-developed and sharing the same platform and engines with the third-generationRenault Twingo.
Marketed in 46[7] countries worldwide, Fortwo production had surpassed 1.7 million units by early 2015.[8][9][3]The brand nameSmart supposedly derives from its early history as a cooperative venture betweenSwatch andMercedes:SwatchMercedesART.[10] The Fortwo nameplate derives from its two-person seating capacity.[1] Until 2002, the Fortwo had been marketed as the smart City-Coupé.
Development of what ultimately became the Smart Fortwo started before 1993, originally as theSwatch car, developed byNicolas Hayek in co-operation withVolkswagen. With a design focused on a modernmicrocar with anelectric orhybrid drive, VW vacillated, disputes with Hayek ensued, and Hayek turned to Mercedes.
The company MCC (MicroCompactCar AG) was founded in 1994 by Hayek in Biel as a joint subsidiary ofDaimler-Benz and SMH SA (Société Suisse de Microélectronique et d'Horlogerie).When MCC abandoned the original concept and the planned electric or hybrid drive, both Hayek and senior development team members left the project. "Today's gasoline-powered Smart is a product from Daimler-Benz and has not much in common with the plans of the former Swatch team."[11]
The Fortwo is noted for its 2.5-metre (8.2 ft) – 2.69-metre (8.8 ft) overall length, highH-point seating, offset passenger and driver seats (in the first and second generation, the passenger seat is 15 centimetres further rearward than the driver's),[12]automated manual transmission (1st and 2nd generation),De Dion tube rear suspension, low CO2 emissions (119 grams per kilometre, North America, 1.0 Liter),[13] two-part rear hatch, interchangeable plastic body panels and prominent steel hemispherical safety-cell, which is marketed as theTridion cell and can be ordered in a contrasting color to the vehicle's body panels.
Fortwo models are manufactured atSmartville—a dedicated Daimler assembly plant inHambach, France—in Coupé (i.e., hatchback) and Cabrio (i.e., convertible) body styles, each in amono-box configuration.
Smartville underwent a 200 million euro upgrade beginning in mid-2013 for the third generation.[citation needed]
With the second generation, Smart introduced a version withautomatic start-stop, marketed as the MHD, orMicro-Hybrid Drive—offered only in certain markets. A sport model, marketed as theBrabus model, has been available in both generations, and Daimler introduced theSmart electric drive, anall-electric version, in 2007.[14][15] The Fortwo forms the basis for Daimler'sCar2go fleet, the largest car-sharing enterprise worldwide.[8]
In 2002, the New YorkMuseum of Modern Art (MoMa) introduced a first generation ForTwo into its permanent collection (the only vehicle to be included into the collection while still in series production),[16] and in 2014 the Fortwo was voted theBest Microcar for the fifth year in a row by readers of the Chinese edition ofAuto, Motor und Sport.[17] At the time of its commercial launch, the Smart Fortwo diesel-engined variant, the Cdi, had the lowest carbon dioxide emissions for an internal combustion engine, at 88 g/km rated NEDC cycle.[18]
Auto, Motor und Sport cites a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.35 and Alles Auto cites a Cd of 0.345 for the second generation W451 series[19][20]
The first and second-generation Fortwo models employ anautomated manual transmission, designed and manufactured byGetrag, where the clutch is computer-controlled via electrohydraulics, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal. The first generation used a six-speed version, and the second generation uses a five-speed version, model 5AMT130. Input from floor-mounted shifter or optional steering-wheel-mounted paddles controls a servo-operated clutch and an automated manual gearbox. The vehicle may be driven in automatic mode (early models had the option of fully automatic mode or standard "soft-tip" which was manual mode indicated by no button on the gearshift) or in semi-automatic (half-automatic) mode via paddle-shifters, where the operator controls the shift points but cannot feather or adjust the speed of the clutch.
From 2009, revised transmission software enabled smoother and faster gear changes. The software, available via an ECU upgrade, was also made available for 2008 second generation cars, with a new battery as required.[21][22]
Third-generation models receive a five-speed manual transmission or dual-clutch automatic transmission.
With an overall length (first generation: 2.5 m (98.4 in)) approximately equal to the width of regular parking space, a Smart Fortwo can park perpendicularly in spaces typically designed forparallel parking, allowing two Smarts to park in one space—a manner of parking not permissible in many jurisdictions worldwide (e.g. Austria, New Zealand and California[23]).
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | C 450 (Coupé) A 450 (Cabrio) R 450 (Crossblade)[24] |
| Also called | smart City-Coupé (1998–2002) smart cabrio (2000–2002)[25] smart fortwo (facelift) smart K (kei)[26] smart coupé[26] |
| Production | 1998–2007 |
| Designer | Gerhard Steinle (Chief Designer)[27] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-doorhatchback |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 6-speedautomated manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,810 mm (71.3 in) |
| Length | 2,540 mm (100.0 in) |
| Width | 1,510 mm (59.4 in) K: 1,470 mm (57.9 in) |
| Height | 1,500 mm (59.1 in) |
| Kerb weight | 730 kg (1,609 lb) |
The first-generation, build series MC01 debuted in 1998 and received afacelift in 2002.
The engines areturbocharged withthree cylinders. Originally the basic petrol engine was 599 cc, and came in three versions—33, 38 and 45 kW (45, 51 and 61 hp) (45 kW). The engine displacement was increased to 698 cc with the facelift in 2002, in 37 and 45 kW (50 and 61 hp) variants. The turbo-diesel engine had 799 cc displacement giving 30 kW (41 hp).
The Fortwo is available as a coupe orcabriolet, originally called the "City-Coupé" & "cabrio", now the "fortwo" & "fortwo Cabrio", introduced in 2000 and restyled in 2002. Trim levels include the Pure, Pulse, and Passion. Pure models are fitted with the standard audio system but nothing else; Pulse models are fitted with alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, and paddle-shifters on the steering wheel (2004+); and finally, the Passion models are fitted with air-conditioning and ability to select between fully automatic and sequential gearbox.
Between 2006 and 2007 Brabus produced and sold 50 Smart Fortwo Edition Red cars for the UK market. All of these vehicles were originally produced with a black Tridion safety cell and black plastic panels, the car was then later repainted at Brabus in (EB6 colour code) Intense Red. The car was built with the usual Brabus additions to the exterior, these being Brabus front grill (with fog lights), Brabus front splitter, Brabus side skirts, black plastic Brabus rear exhaust panel and 16 inch Brabus Monoblock alloy wheels. These vehicles were always rumoured to be Brabus Nightrun Fortwo's that were later reworked.
The interior was bespoke to this limited run of vehicles. The interior is half leather and half alcantara with red stitching. The seats use the smaller, non sport foams. This is unusual as all other Brabus 450 Fortwo's use the wider sports style seat foams. The door card inserts are alcantara with leather door pockets with the dash board finished in alcantara with an aluminium Brabus plaque displayed in the centre. None of these vehicles had heated seats or electric wing mirrors. All Brabus Edition Red Fortwo's are equipped with a 3-spoke steering wheel, bespoke floor mats, air conditioning, CD player, Brabus clock and rev counter, Brabus speedo displaying 120 mph and all of the removable interior plastics (including door handles and steering wheel trim) repainted in Intense Red to match the exterior.
Designed on the base of the Fortwo Brabus, this limited edition example is powered by a 55 kW 3-cylinder turbo charged engine although all of the upgraded hardware is from the 60 kW motor with a different tune. Brabus upgrades over a standard 698cc Smart Fortwo include a 60 kW camshaft, 60 kW yellow Bosch injectors, 60 kW turbo charger, 60 kW turbo to intercooler pipe (TIK), Brabus branded central twin outlet exhaust with chrome tips, aluminium Brabus intake manifold name plaque and the gearbox from a Smart Roadster (different gear ratios compared with a standard Smart Fortwo).
Overall, due to poor sales, Daimler lost an estimated €4,470 per first-generation Fortwo produced.[35]
In 2002, a version of the Smart Fortwo without a roof, doors or a proper windshield was created, called theSmart Crossblade. Only 2,000 were built.
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | C 451 (fortwo) A 451 (fortwo cabrio) |
| Production | November 2006–2014 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-doorhatchback |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 0.8 L diesel (turbo)I3 (OM660) 1.0 L petrolI3 (3B21) 1.0 L petrol (turbo)I3 (3B21T) |
| Transmission | 5-speedautomated manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,867 mm (73.5 in) |
| Length | 2,695 mm (106.1 in) |
| Width | 1,559 mm (61.4 in) |
| Height | 1,542 mm (60.7 in) |
| Kerb weight | 750–795 kg (1,653–1,753 lb) (coupe) 780–820 kg (1,720–1,808 lb) (cabrio) |
The second generation, build series 451 (internally: C451, Coupé – A451, Cabrio), was introduced on November 1, 2006—its length increased by 200 mm to 2,690 mm (106.1 in) and offering improved crash performance. The second generation retained the interchangeable plastic body panels as well as the prominent exposed, rigid steel safety cell, which is 50% high-strength steel, hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated—and marketed asTridion.
The range received a minor interior facelift for the 2011 model year with standard knee airbags, new instrument cluster, more extensive cloth trimming for the top of the instrument panel, circular rather than rectangular outboard dash vents, optional multimedia system with a 6.5" display, and optional surround-sound audio system. For the 2013 model year, all Fortwos received a minor exterior facelift with revised lower facias, front and rear, and a relocated brand emblem located inside rather than above the front grille.[36]
The second generation Fortwo remained the lightest production car on sale in Europe.[37]
The 999 ccI3Mitsubishi 3B2 engine (2007 onwards) is offered innaturally aspirated and turbo versions. German tuner company Brabus, in a joint venture with Smart, has developed a high powered version of the 1.0-litre turbo, producing 102 PS (75 kW; 101 bhp), originally available only in Europe, but now available elsewhere. A small 0.8-litre three-cylinder turbo diesel common rail engine made by Mercedes was available in most European markets.
EU fuel consumption testing for the combined cycle rates the 1.0-litre mhd at 65.7 mpg‑imp (4.30 L/100 km; 54.7 mpg‑US), the turbo at 57.6 mpg‑imp (4.90 L/100 km; 48.0 mpg‑US) and 85.6 mpg‑imp (3.30 L/100 km; 71.3 mpg‑US) for the diesel.[38] TheU.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the 1.0-litre at 36 mpg‑US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg‑imp) combined (the EPA does not offer a rating for the diesel engine).[39]
At the 2007Frankfurt Motor Show, Smart debuted the "micro hybrid drive" (MHD) version of the Fortwo, which was subsequently launched in the UK in 2008. The technology features an automatedstart-stop system, and a belt-driven starter-generator, which replaces both the starter andalternator. The system generates electricity to charge the battery when the driver is braking, and automatically cuts the engine when the speed drops below 5 mph (8 km/h).[40] Smart claims afuel efficiency improvement of eight percent from 50 miles per US gallon (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg‑imp) to almost 55 miles per US gallon (4.3 L/100 km; 66 mpg‑imp) on the slow NEDC drive cycle—with a reduction inCarbon dioxide emissions from 112 to 103 g/km.[28] This was further improved to 97 g/km in 2010. The mhd version of the Fortwo is not available in the United States or Canada.
| Engine | Capacity | Power | Torque | Emissions CO2 | Top Speed | 0-100 km/h (62 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 cdi (diesel) | 799 cm3 | 54 PS (40 kW; 53 bhp) | 130 N⋅m (96 lb⋅ft) | 86 g/km | 84 mph (135 km/h) | 16.8 s |
| 1.0 mhd (petrol) | 999 cm3 | 71 PS (52 kW; 70 bhp) | 92 N⋅m (68 lb⋅ft) | 97 g/km (130 g/km in NA) | 90 mph (145 km/h) | 10.7 s |
| 1.0 turbo (petrol) | 999 cm3 | 84 PS (62 kW; 83 bhp) | 120 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) | 115 g/km | 90 mph (145 km/h) | 9.9 s |
| 1.0 Brabus (petrol) | 999 cm3 | 102 PS (75 kW; 101 bhp) | 147 N⋅m (108 lb⋅ft) | 119 g/km | 96 mph (154 km/h) | 8.9 s |
At introduction, the second generation featured frontairbags as well as seat-mounted combination head/thoraxside airbags along with the Tridion cell, seat belt tensioners,anti-lock brakes,brake force distribution andelectronic stability control. In the United States from model year 2012 onward, the Fortwo featured a total of eight dual-stage airbags in the Coupe—front, knee, side (thorax/pelvis) and window curtain—and a total of six dual-stage airbags in the Cabrio model—front, knee, side (thorax/head) dual-stage airbags. As a part of the vehicle's Tridion cell and crash management system, the frontcrumple zone is maximized by the rear-mounted engine location.
InInsurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, the 2008 Smart Fortwo earned the top overall rating of "Good" in both the front and side crash tests. The Fortwo received the "Good" score in 8 of 11 measured injury categories.[41] Its seat/head restraints earned the second-highest rating of "Acceptable" for protection against whiplash in rear impacts. The IIHS did an offsetcrash test with a Smart Fortwo andMercedes-Benz C-Class, which is 40% of one car's driver's side head-on with 40% of another car's driver's side, and the Smart received a "Poor" rating due to the occupants' heads slamming into the steering wheel. Also, there was too much intrusion into the footwell of the Smart Fortwo. The dummy movement was not well controlled. The Smart Fortwo spun 450 degrees in the air upon impact.[42]
U.S.National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test results for the 2008 Smart Fortwo:[43]
*The driver door unlatched and opened during the side impact crash which increases the likelihood of occupant ejection.
Anall-electric version of the Fortwo, theSmart Fortwo electric drive, began development in 2006.[45][46] Field testing began in London with 100 units in 2007, and the second generation, with a total of 2,000 units, was introduced in 2009 and available in 18 markets around the world for leasing or through theCar2Gocarsharing service inSan Diego andAmsterdam.[14][15][47][48] Production of the second-generation Smart Fortwo electric drive began in November 2009 inHambach, France. The Smart EDs have alithium-ion battery provided byTesla Motors with capacity of 14 kilowatt-hours (50 MJ) initially, 17.6 kilowatt-hours (63 MJ) later. Therange of a fully charged battery is up to 135 kilometres (84 miles) under theNew European Driving Cycle (NEDC) cycle.[49][50] TheU.S. Environmental Protection Agency's officialall-electric range is 63 miles (101 km) and rated the Smart ED with a combinedfuel economy of 87miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (mpg-e) (2.7 L gasoline equivalent/100 km; 104 mpg-imp gasoline equivalent).[51]
The third-generation Smart electric drive was scheduled to be launched in the U.S. and Europe by the second quarter of 2013 andDaimler AG plans tomass-produce the electric car with availability in 30 markets worldwide.[15][52] The third-generation Smart electric drive was unveiled at the September 2011Frankfurt Motor Show.[53] Key differences with the second-generation model include a more powerful electric motor, which improves acceleration and top speed, a newlithium-ion battery pack that will allow to increase the range to 140 kilometres (87 mi), and an option for quick-charge will be available.[15][53]
Brabus (styled BRABUS) is a sport package that include a sport exhaust with dual center tips, sport suspension, 16- front and 17-inch rear wheels, power steering and various Brabus visual cues. An originally planned turbocharged engine was not included.[54] The Brabus package is available in cabriolet or coupe body styles, the latter equipped with a panoramic roof (made of glass for the first generation and polycarbonate for the second), and available in metallic silver or deep black.
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| Smart Fortwo | |
|---|---|
_%25E2%2580%2593_Frontansicht%2c_16._Juni_2015%2c_D%25C3%25BCsseldorf.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | C 453 (fortwo) A 453 (fortwo cabrio) |
| Also called | smart EQ fortwo (2017–2024) |
| Production | 2014–2019 2017–2024 (EQ Fortwo) |
| Designer | Emiel Burki and Michael Gebhardt under Kai Sieber |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-doorhatchback 2-doorcabriolet |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speedmanual 6-speedDCT Single-speed direct drive |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,873 mm (73.7 in) |
| Length | 2,695 mm (106.1 in) |
| Width | 1,663 mm (65.5 in) |
| Height | 1,555 mm (61.2 in) |
| Kerb weight | 880 kg (1,940 lb) |
_%25E2%2580%2593_Heckansicht%2c_16._Juni_2015%2c_D%25C3%25BCsseldorf.jpg)
Designed under the direction of Kai Sieber with designer Michael Gebhardt, the third generation launched on July 16, 2014,[5] having been jointly developed withRenault. The third generation was available as the 3-door 2-seater (internally designated as theC453)[3] and 5-door 4-seater (internally designated theW453), marketed as the Fortwo and Forfour, respectively.Motor Trend reported prior to its introduction that the third generation ForFour was to share approximately 70% of its parts with the third generationRenault Twingo, itself only offered as a four-door, four-seater.
The third generation Fortwo was powered by either of two 3-cylinder engines: a 1.0-litre engine producing 76 bhp and 70 lb ft of torque, or a turbocharged 0.9-litre (898 cc) 89 bhp engine with 100 lb ft of torque. A lower-powered 59 bhp engine will follow later. All versions came with either a manual five-speed gearbox or "twinamic" dual-clutch automatic transmission instead of the previous 'Softouch' system.[55] During development, Daimler had consulted with Ford to learn about theirEcoboost 1.0-litre turbo-charged inline 3-cylinder engine, in turn sharing information about its own Euro6 stratified lean-burn gasoline engines.[56]
Prior to its debut, Smart CEOAnnette Winkler reported the C453 would share its 2.69 metre length with the current W451[57] as well as its trademark hemispherical steel safety cell, marketed as theTridion cell.[58] The ForTwo continues to be assembled atSmartville, and the ForFour is manufactured alongside the Renault Twingo 3 inNovo Mesto,Slovenia.[59]
Smartville, where the W450 and W451 have been manufactured, underwent a 200 million euro upgrade beginning in mid-2013, in preparation for the C453 Fortwo.
_%25E2%2580%2593_Heckansicht%2c_19._September_2015%2c_Frankfurt.jpg)
In 2015, Smart announced a cabriolet version of the Smart Fortwo at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The smart fortwo cabrio launched globally in 2016. Cabrio models received additional safety cell reinforcements to compensate for the roof openings, including torsional bulkheads beneath the car, a crossbar behind the passenger seats (sometimes referred to as a basket handle), and additional reinforcement of the A-pillars. Smart claims the standard power soft top will open or close in 12 seconds, and can be operated at any speed. At market launch, 5 soft top colors were offered; black, red, grey, beige and brown. Grey, beige and brown tops were marketed as BRABUS tailor made soft tops.[60]
The smart fortwo cabrio featured removable roof bars that stow into an integrated storage space in the fortwo's rear tailgate. When removed, these roof bars allowed for an open-air driving experience. The fortwo's roof bars were not integrated into the safety structure of the car, and only housed the guide rails for the soft top to close.[61]
Smart announced in March 2018 that electric versions of the smart fortwo would be branded as the smart EQ fortwo. This change was to further align with the upcoming Mercedes EQ brand in which all Mercedes-Benz produced electric vehicles would receive EQ branding. The rebranding occurred for global March 2018 production, or Model Year 2018.5 in the United States & Canada. Both the coupe and cabrio electric drive models lost the electric drive badges front and rear and received smart EQ fortwo badges in their place, and received updated graphics in the optional smart Media-System.[62]
In autumn 2019, a facelift model was announced to be available with electric drive beginning in 2020. Tech specs remained the same.
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The smart was initially available only in left-hand-drive form, as the floorpan allowed only for a left-hand-drive version. Smart subsequently designed a floorpan for right-hand-drive models. The Fortwo is now marketed in 37 countries worldwide.
Australia: The Smart Fortwo was marketed through selectMercedes-Benz dealers in Australia from 2003 to 2015 in only the middle 'Pulse' range, and with the petrol engine. In 2007, the base price for the Fortwo coupé wasA$19,900, and the Fortwo cabriolet was $22,900. Mercedes-Benz stopped selling the Smart brand in Australia in 2015 due to declining sales.[63]
The smart Fortwo was officially marketed through selectMercedes-Benz dealers in Brazil only from 2009 to 2015 (exclusively in its second generation), only with petrol engines. It was offered with the "micro-hybrid drive" natural aspirated engine (mhd) in standard configuration with a special edition named "Brazilian Edition" which was offered only in yellow (in reference to the Brazilian Flag) with a Brazilian flag sticker on both sides, and turbocharged versions named "standard" (no name), Tritop, and Passion. The mhd were offered only in "coupé" configuration with no sunroof, and turbocharged versions were offered in both coupé (with sunroof) and cabrio variants.
A few units of the fortwo Brabus were also offered in Brazil in the year 2010.
In 2016, Mercedes-Benz decided to discontinue offer of the fortwo in Brazilian market, hence Brazilian customers never had the option of the 453.
There are also a few W450s in Brazil, although they weren't officially imported by Mercedes-Benz and have no official support.
China:In April 2008, Smart premiered at the 2008Beijing Auto Show. In October 2008, the Smart "vending machine" road show had the first stop inShenyang and began the Fortwo's pre-order period.
Japan: The Fortwo is one of few non-Japanese cars ever to fulfil the regulations forKei cars.[citation needed] There was a Japan-only variant of the first generation Smart Fortwo which met the kei regulations, with slightly narrower fenders and skinnier tires, called the Smart K.
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The smart fortwo was introduced in Canada in September 2004 and sold through Mercedes-Benz dealers. Only the turbo-diesel powerplant was offered for the 450 coupé and 450 convertible models because the fuel vapour recovery system for the gasoline-powered car would have had to be redesigned to meet Transport Canada standards. Diesels do not require such a system because the fuel is not volatile, so the cdi was certified instead. Demand was initially heavy, with up to six-month waiting lists in major urban areas in the spring of 2005. 10,242 cdi cars were imported in model years 2005 and 2006.[citation needed][64] Two or three of these were used in Transport Canada crash testing.
Canada received three special versions of the 450 cdi: the grandstyle—only available in dark green with silver, and beige leather—of which 200 were imported in coupé and cabriolet forms, the BRABUS Nightrun—equipped with BRABUS accessories at the Hambach factory, which only came as a black on black (with blue-grey leather) coupé, and 50 of those were delivered, and finally the BRABUS Tailor Made Canada 1 models, of which only four were produced, three red on red and one white on white, all with highest equipment levels and all BRABUS accessories, high-quality dyed-through leather and Alcantara interiors. The white car is a cabriolet, as are two of the red ones. The sole Canada 1 coupé has a fixed glass roof.
In 2008, Canada received only the gasoline 451 model because the diesel version did not meet 2007 Canadian emission standards. The 451 fortwo carries a 1.0-litre engine that delivers up to 70 horsepower (52 kW) and a re-engineered automated-manual 5-speed transmission with a slightly larger body. This engine has been the sole powertrain for Canada since the 451 was introduced—even the BRABUS models only have 70 HP. The 451 has sold very well in Canada: over 12,600 were registered between the start of 2008 and the end of 2012. The lack of a diesel option has hindered 451 sales to some owners of the diesel 450s.
Canada received several special versions of the 451 as well: the limited 1, the limited 3, the highstyle, the greystyle, the edit10n BRABUS Tailor Made (ten coupés), one all orange "Ultimate" BRABUS Tailor Made, the sharpred, among others.
Smart Canada released ten tenth anniversary edition smart Fortwo cars in February 2009. Each car started life as a Canadian BRABUS model before being converted into tenth anniversary editions by BRABUS in Germany. All examples feature arctic grey metallic paint with brown and alcantara leather interiors and black BRABUS Monoblock 7 wheels. The cars carry a number plate on the dash to signify its production number out of ten.
Smart Canada also commissioned Busch Automodelle GmbH to produce 1:87 scale versions (with a black tridion), of which 10,000 were made.
In June 2002, a Smart Fortwo was exhibited in the U.S. at theMuseum of Modern Art (MoMA) affiliateP.S. 1 inQueens,New York.
In January 2005, DaimlerChrysler showed the Smart brand at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Smart Forfour, Smart Roadster, Smart Fortwo Coupé and Smart Fortwo Cabrio models were shown.[65]
In September 2006,Daimler AG announced that Smart USA, a division ofPenske Auto Group[66] would officially distribute Smart in the United States and Puerto Rico. Subsequently, the second generation Smart Fortwo (Model 451) became available in January 2008, but the ForFour and the Roadster were never available in this market.[67]
The 2009 model year US version of the Smart Fortwo was available in three trims: Pure (base trim), Passion, and Passion cabriolet. Pure has an MSRP ofUS$11,990, Passion has an MSRP of $13,990, and the Passion Cabriolet has an MSRP $16,990.[68] A reservation program was launched by Smart USA in March 2007.[69][70] This program allowed interested parties to place a $99 refundable deposit on the new Fortwo in preparation for the product's launch. After the product's launch, sales have surpassed production and the reservation program continued as a "wait list" program.[71][72] The average wait was 12 to 18 months for delivery; although due to economic conditions at the time, many buyers could not purchase the vehicles when they were ready for delivery and many were available on dealer lots.[citation needed]
The Fortwo was rated as the most fuel efficient two-seater car in theUnited States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)2008 Fuel Economy Guide, withfuel efficiency ratings of 33 mpg‑US (7.1 L/100 km; 40 mpg‑imp) city and 41 mpg‑US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg‑imp) highway.[73] The 2008 Smart Fortwo coupe was given an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 36 mpg‑US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg‑imp) combined.[74]
On May 14, 2008, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released crash test results for the Fortwo. The IIHS gave the Fortwo top ratings in protecting passengers in front and side crashes.[75] However, the U.S.National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cited a Safety Concern on their tests of a 2008 Fortwo, stating "during the side impact test, the driver door unlatched and opened. A door opening during a side impact crash increases the likelihood of occupant ejection."[76]
For model years 2012 and later, the U.S. Fortwo Coupe featured eight airbags (front, knee, side and window curtain), while the Cabrio model featured six airbags (front, knee and side-mounted combination head/thorax).
In early 2006, prior to formal importation to the United States, a specialty firm—G and K Auto conversions of Santa Ana, California—received DOT, NHTSA, and EPA approval to market a modified European specification Smart Fortwo in the US. Modifications for thegrey market vehicles included DOT certified headlights, front and rear side marker lights, reinforced doors for additional side impact protection, an odometer in miles rather than kilometres, and soft padding on the interior pillars and ceiling. Approximately 1,000 model year 2004, 2005, and 2006 cars were imported.
In September 2015, the third generation Smart Fortwo Coupe (C453) launched in the United States for the 2016 model year. US variants are offered in four trim levels: Pure, Passion, Prime and Proxy. Significant upgrades, including power steering, eight airbags, alarm, Bluetooth capability and crosswind assist technology were made standard. The 2016 Smart Fortwo also received a new engine, the 0.9 liter 3-cylinder turbocharged unit making 89 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque as standard. Both a 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are offered.[77]
In August 2016, the redesigned 2017 Smart Fortwo Cabrio (A453) joined the smart USA lineup, offered in three trim levels; Passion, Prime and Proxy. The Cabrio model makes use of the same gasoline engine and transmissions as the C453 Fortwo Coupe.[78] A BRABUS Sport Package was also added for 2017 for Fortwo Coupe and Cabrio models, adding unique front and rear body styling, wheels, interior appointments and a retuned sport suspension.[79]
The fourth generation Smart Fortwo Electric Drive made its debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.[80] The newest generation, built on the C453 chassis, features a new 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery and an air-cooled electric motor which produce 81 horsepower and 118 lb.-ft. of torque. A new 7.2 kW onboard charger was added, and Smart advertised a charging time of 2.5 hours at a 240 V electrical outlet. EPA estimated range was 58 miles, and the vehicle was rated at 124 MPGe City, making it the most efficient 2 seat vehicle on sale in the USA.[81] The 2017 Smart Fortwo electric drive is offered in both Coupe and Cabrio versions in all 50 states, and qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax incentive.[82]
In February 2017, Smart USA announced the brand would discontinue gasoline vehicle sales after the 2017 model year and focus purely on battery electric vehicles.[83] The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive arrived as a 2017 model in the summer of 2017, and the transition to electric-only occurred for the 2018 model year.[84]
The year 2018 marked 10 years of Smart Fortwo sales in the United States, and the brand offered a special tenth anniversary edition specific to the United States market to celebrate. The edition was available for Passion and Prime lines of the Fortwo Coupe, and consisted of:
In April 2019, sales were terminated in the U.S. and Canada. The vehicle never met sales goals.[86]
The smart fortwo was officially marketed through selectMercedes-Benz dealers in South-Africa only with petrol engines.
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In 2007, Chinese manufacturerShuanghuan Auto released theShuanghuan Noble (also known as theMartin Motors Bubble), designed similarly to the Fortwo and prompting Daimler AG to sue Shuanghuan for copyright infringement.[87] The German manufacturer persuaded the Italian court to prohibit the Noble from being exhibited at theBologna Motor Show, but importer Martin Motors violated that injunction and put the car on display.[88]
In May 2009, a Greek judge ruled against Daimler, allowing the Noble to be sold in Greece. The judge cited that "if a vehicle varies in its technical specification, then any external similarities are irrelevant." This was in reference to the Noble being a front-engine, front-wheel-drive car, while the Fortwo is a similar sized rear-engine and rear-wheel-drive car.[89]
Da der Smart aufgrund seiner großen Frontfläche von 2,06 m2 einen hohen cW-Wert von 0,35 hat, verbraucht er im Vergleich zum niedrigen Gewicht vergleichsweise viel.
Luftwiderstandsbeiwert cw 0,345, Stirnfläche A 2,06 m2, Luftwiderstandsindex A x cw 0,71.
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