What I REALLY want.....

[Yaris Revenge]

Go ahead and laugh! I understand! :biggrin:

http://class.ee.iastate.edu/rmander/BobAnderson/Photos/2001-09%20Med%20Cruise/Images%20Rome/Rome-10%20Smart%20Car.JPG

I really would like one of these... I like "dinky". However, Smart USA out of California refuses to respond to any questions I have.... like "how much does it cost". Their website is the most vague I've ever seen. They don't even give HP or fuel economy ratings. Smart got all kinds of awards and stuff in Europe, but I think they're having trouble making them street-legal here in the States. the cost to make the necessary mods is more than the vehicle is worth... or at least that's the feeling I got from the Net. I thought BMW or Mercedes was planning on bringing them over at one time...?

Wonder how the crash tests are vs. a Suburban? :eek:

~YR

EDIT: BTW, the colored body panels are plastic, like those used by Saturn, and the color is built in. If you want a different color car, you can buy a new set of panels, and swap them out, like a cell phone faceplate!

[Ran Kizama]

The shade of the car isn't bad but the way that the car is colored and overall executed seems too retro. I dunno, it just looks too "busy" for me. Perhaps if they tamed down the scheme of it I'd be more interested.

[Yaris Revenge]

The shade of the car isn't bad but the way that the car is colored and overall executed seems too retro. I dunno, it just looks too "busy" for me. Perhaps if they tamed down the scheme of it I'd be more interested.

The silver part is actually the frame/cage of the car... I think they call it a tridion frame... tridiom frame, something like that. Supposedly it's extremely rigid, and can take an offset head-on with a full sized Beemer at 45mph with zero cabin intrusion. Saw the clip somewhere on the net.

~YR

[weeze-dog]

From what I heard, they were going to cost close to $20K. Waaaay to expensive for what you get.

[Chris07LB]

Messed around with one back in 2002 when I was in South Africa. Dare I say, "cute" little car. :thumbup:

[St.Francis]

..about safety I do not think that the Switchblade would not pass US crash tests
http://www.carnote.co.uk/pictures/smart/12-450.jpg

http://www.carnote.co.uk/pictures/smart/02-450.jpg

[TRD_Yaris]

Yeah, my friend has a Smart..turbocharged motorcycle engine (4 stroke i believe)..sweet!

[heylookitsjames]

Brabus tunes them as well... a whole 71bhp!!! lol.

http://www.bsmotoring.com/2002/02aug18_9.jpg

[johnnyfive]

saw a smart driving on the streets here about 2 or so weeks ago..still had the euro licenceplates..not sure where it was from..but they were driving it on the street, maybe they flew it over in the carry-on luggage compartments? ;)

[mikeukrainetz]

They are in canada like rabbits, everytime you turn around theres four more. Supposedly they sell 15 a day in my city (Kelowna, all of 100thousand people)
Everyone I know whos driven one or has one thinks they suck for anything other than going from home to work.

A year old model here is selling for 25 to 27 thousand - every car in canada almost goes for 17% more than the equivalent in the US so enjoy what you got....

BTW they have a sedan coming over for late 2007 I think. Maybe that will end up in the US?

Has everyone seen the video post of the smart with the suzuki 1000cc engine doing smoke shows?

[johnnyfive]

Has everyone seen the video post of the smart with the suzuki 1000cc engine doing smoke shows?

saw it, that was pretty crazy..

[St.Francis]

here is the video for those who have not seen it yet,

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6943929304503696419&q=smart

[heylookitsjames]

I don't think it has reverse.

[Moose]

Impressive:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/60538/smart_car_crash/

[swng]

I have seen this on TV (Top Gear). The car fared very well structurally, but IMHO, it would have been difficult for a driver/passenger to survive such a crash.

[Yaris Revenge]

From what I heard, they were going to cost close to $20K. Waaaay to expensive for what you get.

Yeah, that's what I'd heard as well, and why I was trying to get in touch with them for an actual quote. To me, a car like that couldn't possibly cost more than $12k US and expect to sell any units. Even $12k would be steep, but would probably sell some due to its quirkiness. I'd pay it. :biggrin:

BTW, that burnout vid was GREAT! That's probably the most fun car on the planet. Too bad the engine was in the passenger seat.... can you imagine how hot that would get?!

~YR

[Moose]

And another....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02eghIfyHP0&eurl=

Not as promising.

[Yaris Revenge]

Hey, I just found this recent press release from June 28th...

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


smart vehicles go USA: UnitedAuto Group selected as future exclusive
distributor


Detroit, MI / Böblingen, Germany, Jun 28, 2006
Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management DaimlerChrysler
AG and head of Mercedes Car Group today announced that
the unique and urban-friendly smart brand will enter the U.S. market.
Beginning in 2008, the successor to the smart fortwo will be
available in U.S. markets in three models. The U.S.A., as the world's
largest automotive market, will be the 37th market for smart.

The Parties have agreed on the framework for the exclusive
distribution of smart vehicles by international automotive retailer
UnitedAuto Group, Inc. . UnitedAuto will be responsible for
awarding potential dealers and developing and maintaining a smart
vehicle dealership network throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

DaimlerChrysler AG Chairman of the Board of Management and head of
Mercedes Car Group Dieter Zetsche said, “Following the success of the
smart fortwo in our first North American market, Canada, and the
increasing demand for affordable and fuel efficient small cars in the
U.S.A., we are now bringing this new kind of mobility to U.S. cities.
The time has never been better for this – and I am convinced that the
smart fortwo as an innovative, ecological and agile city car will
soon become just as familiar a sight on the streets of New York,
Miami or Seattle, as it is today in Rome, Berlin or Paris."

Like its predecessor, the smart fortwo successor will have all the
important features that make customers feel safer and more
comfortable. As part of the Mercedes Car Group, the smart vehicle
will be equipped with unique technology, including the “hard shell”
tridion safety cell, ESP and various airbag systems.

UnitedAuto expects to qualify potential dealers using an open process
that will focus on their commitment to the brand and strategic
locations in key markets with facilities that meet the needs of the
brand and the customer. Demonstration of outstanding customer
satisfaction metrics will also be a key element to qualify for the
franchise. The initial rollout of retail outlets is expected to start
in mid-2007, with the official launch of the smart brand planned to
occur later that year. The smart vehicle is expected to be sold in
the U.S. starting in early 2008.

UnitedAuto Chairman Roger Penske remarked, “We are thrilled with the
opportunity to represent the smart brand in the United States and
Puerto Rico. Through our international diversification, we’ve seen
the benefits the smart brand provides in Europe. We believe the U.S.
market will embrace the smart vehicle with its exceptional fuel
economy, environmentally friendly features, and advantageous price
point. We look forward to a successful launch of this vehicle over
the next several years.”

Hooray! Yet another car I get to choose from in 2008 (That's when I'll really be shopping)! Hope they manage to keep the price reasonable.

BTW, the current ones retrofitted by Zap Automotive start at $29,000!!!!!! CRAZY!:eek:

~YR

[stuffy]

smart has stopped producing the 4 seater and roadster, they were only available in europe i think, they weren't available in canada anyway.

i think they are a great little car for around town, you aren't going to win many races, but neither will we with our yarises.

they are too expensive for a car that has limited practicality though.

[HanSel]

that car looks cool..
id get one, but probably something more practical though..i do need some cargo room.

[rstb88]

if you actually study up on what this vehicle offers its well worth more than 20k. go to the international smart website and read about it. don't dis the mb style

[TRD_Yaris]

Smart Roadster Brabus coupé....what a sweet little ride!!! yet another sweet vehicle that we won't get here in the U.S...