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07-06-2006, 03:12 PM | #1 |
GIGA...DRILL...BREAKER!!!
Drives: Lagann. ;P Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: My own little world.
Posts: 717
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What I REALLY want.....
Go ahead and laugh! I understand!
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? ~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!
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07-06-2006, 03:19 PM | #2 |
That Anime Guy
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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.
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07-06-2006, 03:24 PM | #3 | |
GIGA...DRILL...BREAKER!!!
Drives: Lagann. ;P Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: My own little world.
Posts: 717
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Quote:
~YR
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07-06-2006, 03:41 PM | #4 |
Drives: 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 57
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From what I heard, they were going to cost close to $20K. Waaaay to expensive for what you get.
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07-06-2006, 03:55 PM | #5 |
Super Moderator
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Messed around with one back in 2002 when I was in South Africa. Dare I say, "cute" little car.
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07-06-2006, 09:32 PM | #6 |
Drives: '07 Yaris Liftback, Manual Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 34
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..about safety I do not think that the Switchblade would not pass US crash tests
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07-07-2006, 01:28 AM | #7 |
Yarii Hunter
Drives: 2007 Yaris Liftback and S13's Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 437
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Yeah, my friend has a Smart..turbocharged motorcycle engine (4 stroke i believe)..sweet!
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Thanks for all the help over the years, YarisWorld!!! |
07-07-2006, 02:20 AM | #8 |
maintenance of momentum
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Brabus tunes them as well... a whole 71bhp!!! lol.
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07-07-2006, 10:08 PM | #9 |
Drives: 2007 Yaris S Join Date: May 2006
Location: Milwaukee WI
Posts: 582
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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? ;)
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07-07-2006, 11:04 PM | #10 |
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? |
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07-08-2006, 06:52 PM | #11 | |
Drives: 2007 Yaris S Join Date: May 2006
Location: Milwaukee WI
Posts: 582
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Quote:
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07-09-2006, 03:52 AM | #12 |
Drives: '07 Yaris Liftback, Manual Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 34
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here is the video for those who have not seen it yet,
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...696419&q=smart |
07-09-2006, 12:03 PM | #13 |
maintenance of momentum
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I don't think it has reverse.
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07-09-2006, 05:18 PM | #14 |
Resident Redneck
Drives: 07 Polar White Yaris Sedan 5M Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Cumming, GA
Posts: 265
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07-09-2006, 05:29 PM | #15 |
Drives: 06 3-dr auto RS Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: BC
Posts: 1,051
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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.
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07-10-2006, 08:15 AM | #16 | |
GIGA...DRILL...BREAKER!!!
Drives: Lagann. ;P Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: My own little world.
Posts: 717
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Quote:
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
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07-10-2006, 11:27 AM | #17 |
Resident Redneck
Drives: 07 Polar White Yaris Sedan 5M Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Cumming, GA
Posts: 265
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07-10-2006, 01:29 PM | #18 |
GIGA...DRILL...BREAKER!!!
Drives: Lagann. ;P Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: My own little world.
Posts: 717
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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! ~YR
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