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Smart Fortwo

Manufacturer	Smart (Daimler AG)
Also called	SmartCar (1998–2002) Smart City Coupé
Production	1998–present
Assembly	Hambach, France
Class	City car[1] Kei car
Body style	3-door hatchback 2-door convertible
Layout	RR layout
Related	Smart Roadster Shuanghuan Noble

The Smart Fortwo is a rear-engined two-seater city car manufactured by Smart GmbH, introduced at the 1998 Paris Motor Show as the Smart City Coupé, and currently in its second generation. The name refers to its seat capacity.^[1] An all-electric version was introduced in 2007, the Smart electric drive, and a second generation, with a total of 2,000 electric cars was produced between 2009 and 2012.^[2][3]

Features [edit]

Transmission and shifting performance [edit]

The Smart features an automated manual transmission without a clutch pedal, six-speed for the first generation, five-speed for the second. Input from floor-mounted shifter or optional steering wheel-mounted paddles controls a servo-operated clutch and sequential automated gearbox. The vehicle may be driven in automatic mode, though the shift points are not as smooth as in a traditional automatic transmission. In paddle shifter mode, the operator controls the shift points but cannot feather or adjust the speed of the clutch.

From 2009, second generation Fortwos were delivered with improved software that made automatic gear changes both smoother and faster than earlier models. The software, in the form of a free ECU upgrade was also made available for 2008 second generation cars, along with a new battery in certain cases.^[4][5]

An example of smart Fortwo compact parking

Parking [edit]

The Smart car allows back-in parking in otherwise parallel parking zones; its length of 250 cm (98.4 in) equals the width of a truck or a regular parking slot, allowing two Smarts to park in a standard space reserved for a single car. However, this type of parking has been banned in Munich, Germany, amongst other places. Such parking in parallel-designated spaces is illegal in most U.S.A jurisdictions.^[6]

Identity and registration [edit]

The Smart features interchangeable body panels—whereby one car can easily assume a different look. To accommodate a licensing agent's notation of a vehicle's color, the Fortwo is sometimes registered as silver or black based on the Tridion frame color, which remains constant regardless of the body panels.

First generation (1998–2007) [edit]

First generation (W450)

Also called	Smart City Coupé (1998–2002) Smart Fortwo (facelift)
Production	1998–2007
Body style	3-door hatchback
Engine	0.6 L petrol (turbo) I3 0.7 L petrol (turbo) I3 0.8 L diesel (turbo) I3
Transmission	6-speed semi-automatic
Wheelbase	1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Length	2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Width	1,510 mm (59.6 in)
Height	1,500 mm (61 in)
Curb weight	1,600 lb (730 kg)

The first generation, model W450, first appeared in 1998. It was replaced in 2002 by a facelift version.

Engine [edit]

The engine range features turbocharged three cylinder motors. Originally, the basic petrol engine had 599 cc, and came in three versions - 45 hp (33 kW), 51 hp (41 kW) and 61 hp (45 kW). The engine displacement was increased to 698 cc with the facelift in 2002, and was available in 37 kW (50 hp) or 45 kW (61 hp) variants. The turbo-diesel engine had 799 cc displacement with 30 kW (40 hp).

Models [edit]

The "Fortwo" is available as a Coupe or Cabriolet. Originally called the "city coupe" & "city cabrio" respectively, now called the "Fortwo" & "Fortwo cabrio" which was introduced in 2000, and was restyled in 2002. Model variants include the base model Pure, sporty mid-spec model Pulse coupe, and luxury top-spec model Passion Cabriolet.

• Limited 1: The first limited edition of which 7500 were made. All left hand drive. Released at the time of the original launch in 1998. Black Tridion cell and White body panels. Alloy wheels, Limited 1 insignia, Blue interior with Beige Leather finishings. Supplied with certificate showing which number out of the 7500 made. A plaque with this number was mounted just below the windshield on the inside.
• Cdi: has the world's smallest production car diesel engine, which uses common-rail direct injection. With a consumption of 3.3 litres (NEDC) per 100 kilometres (71.2 MPG) and CO₂ emissions of just 88 grams per kilometre, it has the lowest current production car CO₂ emissions worldwide, since Audi's and Volkswagen's retired "3 litre" cars, the A2 1.2 TDI and the Lupo 1.2 TDI respectively.^[7]
• Crossblade: a 2002 limited-edition variant of the city cabrio, a roadster without a windshield, roof or conventional doors, limiting its use. Its weight was still 740 kilograms (1,600 lb). The Brabus-tuned engine developed 52 kW (71 PS) from its 599 cc engine. After Robbie Williams purchased Crossblade number 008, smart began a marketing association with the British singer, using Williams to promote the brand and the new ForFour.
• Crosstown: a convertible with a foldable windshield based on the Fortwo, was presented at IAA Frankfurt in 2005. No plans have yet been announced to bring this model to market.
• Michalak C7: a sports car using mostly Fortwo parts.
• Nightrun: includes instrument panels, steering wheel, paddles, shifter, Monoblock VI alloy wheels, leather seats and engine upgrade from Brabus. Edition Nightrun is only available with the Fortwo coupé.
• Truestyle: painted in metallic paint colour, ruby red, available in pure trim.
• i-move: a special edition run of 70 Fortwo cabrios, based on the passion cabrio specs with Brabus Monobloc VI wheels, Leather interior trim, and Lite White Panels. The Addition of an iPod cradle which held a special edition 20Gb 3G iPod, and an aluminium name plate on the dash confirmed its special edition status.
• Forfun2 Concept: an off-road version of the Fortwo introduced at the 2005 Athens Motor Show by Greek 4x4 Rally Champion Stefan Attart. The forfun 2 Concept combines the body of a Fortwo with the chassis and drivetrain of a Unimog. It sports monster truck-like 26-inch wheels wrapped in 140 cm diameter tires and winding keys where the Fortwo's rear wheels are supposed to be.^[8][9]
• Brabus: In 2003 Smart and Brabus introduced the jointly developed Brabus version of the Smart Fortwo. Based on the 698cc engine it had 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) of power and 110 Nm of torque. It was available in both coupe and convertible versions. It also featured wider wheels, revised front spoiler and grill, and a revised rear exhaust.
• Smart K: The smart K was launched in October 2001, exclusively for the Japanese market. It was designed exclusively to fit the Japanese kei car regulations by adopting specially developed rear fenders and narrowing the track width and tyre dimensions. As a result, with the width reduced to 1,470 mm, the smart K complies with the Japanese kei car regulations. Also, the engine displacement remains unchanged from 598 cc, as specified in the standard. Safety features include ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and BAS (Brake Assist System) as standard. The Smart K also facilitates the driver's starting procedure with the Hill Start Assist that makes a starts on inclined planes easier.^[10] The Smart K was discontinued as of November, 2004.^{[11][citation needed]}
• Smart Fortwo Edition Limited One: Featured special edition "pyrite grey metallic" body work with contrasting silver Tridion Safety cell. It featured "Cognac Brown" Used look Nappa leather on the seats, steering wheel, and shift lever. The velour floor mats also were trimmed in the aforementioned leather. This was a new model to commemorate the launch of the model 451 Smart.

Gallery [edit]

• 

  Convertible
  generation 450
  rear quarter
• 

  Convertible
  generation 450
  front view
• 

  Convertible
  generation 450
  rear view close
• 

  Tachometer
  generation 450
  and clock
• 

  Smart Crossblade.
• 

  2006 Smart Fortwo BRABUS.
• 

  First generation facelift front.
• 

  First generation facelift rear.
• 

  Japanese market Smart K.

Second generation (2007–present) [edit]

Second generation (W451)

Production	2007–present
Body style	3-door hatchback
Engine	0.8 L diesel (turbo) I3 1.0 L petrol I3 1.0 L petrol (turbo) I3
Transmission	5-speed semi-automatic
Wheelbase	1,870 mm (73.5 in) (2008–10) 1,867 mm (73.5 in) (2011–)
Length	2,690 mm (106.1 in) (2008–10) 2,695 mm (106.1 in) (2011–)
Width	1,560 mm (61.4 in) (2008–10) 1,559 mm (61.4 in) (2011–)
Height	1,540 mm (60.7 in) (2008–10) 1,542 mm (60.7 in) (2011–)

Introduced 10 November 2006, the second generation, model W451, featured slightly greater length and improved crash performance while maintaining similar styling.

Engine and fuel economy [edit]

The new 999 cc I3 version 3B21 (2007 onwards) is produced by Mitsubishi Motors and it comprises normally aspirated (NA) and turbo versions. The turbo petrol version has a power of 84 PS (83 hp). The NA 999 cc engine has 11.4:1 compression ratio and premium fuel (95+ octane RON) is recommended. It is rated at 71 hp (53 kW). The US NA 999 cc engine has a 10:1 compression ratio and premium fuel (91 octane AKI) is recommended and is rated at 70 hp (71 PS; 52 kW). German tuner company Brabus, in a joint venture with Smart, has developed a version with 72 kW (97 hp; 98 PS) and 140 N·m torque, originally available only in Europe, but now available elsewhere.

European Union (EU) testing rates the 999 cc Smart at 4.7 L/100 km (60 mpg_-imp; 50 mpg_-US) for the gasoline model and 3.4 L/100 km (83 mpg_-imp; 69 mpg_-US) for the diesel.^{[citation needed]} The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the vehicle at 36 mpg_-US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg_-imp) combined.^[12]

Concept [edit]

The Smart Fortwo's length is 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m) (second generation).

An exposed, rigid steel frame, marketed as the "Tridion" frame, surrounds and protects the passenger compartment while defining the car's shape and design—and allowing for interchangeable plastic body panels to complete the exterior. With a weight of 730 kg (1,609 lb), it is one of the lightest cars in the European market.^{[citation needed]}

Safety [edit]

The Smart is equipped with seat-mounted combination side airbags as well as electronic stability control. To maximize the front crumple zone, the smart Fortwo's engine is rear-mounted.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, the 2008 Smart Fortwo, the smallest car marketed in the US market, 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.^[13] Its seat/head restraints earned the second highest rating of "Acceptable" for protection against whiplash in rear impacts. The IIHS did an offset crash test with a Smart Fortwo and Mercedes-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.^[14]

• 

  The Fortwo in its stand-alone IIHS crash test

• 

  The Fortwo crashed into a Mercedes-Benz C-Class

U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test results for the 2008 Smart Fortwo:^[15]

• Frontal Driver:
• Frontal Passenger:
• Side Driver: *The driver door unlatched and opened during the side impact crash which increases the likelihood of occupant ejection.
• Rollover:

Euro NCAP crash results:^[16]

• Adult Occupant:
• Pedestrian:

Hybrid [edit]

At the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Smart launched the a "micro hybrid drive" version of the Fortwo. Smart claimed this provides a fuel 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), while Carbon dioxide emissions drop from 112 to 103 g/km.^[7] The mhd version of the Fortwo is not currently available in the USA or Canada.

Smart electric drive [edit]

Third generation Smart electric drive

An all-electric version of the Fortwo, the Smart Fortwo electric drive, began development in 2006.^[17][18] 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 the Car2Go carsharing service in San Diego and Amsterdam.^{[2][3][19][20]} Production of the second-generation Smart Fortwo electric drive began in November 2009 in Hambach, France. The Smart EDs have a lithium-ion battery provided by Tesla Motors with capacity of 14 kilowatt-hours (50 MJ). The range of a fully charged battery is up to 135 kilometres (84 miles) under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) cycle.^[21][22] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's official all-electric range is 63 miles (101 km) and rated the Smart ED with a combined fuel economy of 87 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (mpg-e) (2.7 L gasoline equivalent/100 km; 104 mpg-imp gasoline equivalent).^[23]

The third-generation Smart electric drive is scheduled to be launched in the U.S. and Europe by the second quarter of 2013 and Daimler AG plans to mass produce the electric car with availability in 30 markets worldwide.^[3][24] The third-generation Smart electric drive was unveiled at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.^[25] Key differences with the second-generation model include a more powerful electric motor, which improves acceleration and top speed, a new lithium-ion battery pack that will allow to increase the range to 140 kilometres (87 mi), and an option for quick-charge will be available.^[3][25]

BRABUS [edit]

2008 Fortwo BRABUS

BRABUS is a sport package that include a sport exhaust with dual center tips, sport suspension, 15- front and 17-inch rear wheels, power steering and all the BRABUS visual cues. An originally planned turbocharged engine was not included.^[26] The BRABUS package is available in cabriolet or coupe variations, the latter equipped with a glass panoramic roof, and a choice of two colors, metallic silver or deep black.

Canadian 10th anniversary edition [edit]

Smart Canada released ten 10th anniversary edition smart Fortwo cars in February 2009. Each car started life as a Canadian BRABUS model before being converted into 10th anniversary editions by BRABUS in Germany. All of the cars are arctic grey metallic with chalet brown and alcantara leather interiors with black BRABUS Monoblock 7 wheels. Each car has a number plate on the dash to signify its production number out of ten. One was given away in the tenth anniversary contest and the remaining nine cars were available for purchase via smart Canada's buyers draw.

smart Canada also commissioned Busch Automodelle GmbH to produce 1:87 scale versions (with a black tridion), of which 10,000 were made.

Facelift [edit]

2012 Smart Fortwo

The third generation Fortwo is set to start production in 2013 or early 2014.

Gallery [edit]

• 

  2008 Passion Coupe
  generation 451
  Black on Black
• 

  2008 Passion Coupe
  generation 451
  Black on Black
• 

  2008 Passion Coupe
  generation 451
  Black on Black
• 

  2008 Passion Coupe
  generation 451
  Dashboard
• 

  2008 Fortwo BRABUS
• 

  2010 Passion

• 

  2009 Brabus

Electric and hybrid propulsion [edit]

International markets [edit]

The smart was initially available only in left-hand-drive form, since the design of the floorpan did not allow for right-hand-drive conversions. This restricted its availability in markets such as Australia. Smart solved the issue by designing a 'mirror image' floorpan for right-hand-drive models.

Australia [edit]

The Smart Fortwo is available in Australia since 2003 in only the middle 'Pulse' range, and with the petrol engine. As of April 16, 2007 the base price for the Fortwo coupé is A$19,900, and for the Fortwo cabriolet is $22,900. The Smart Fortwo is sold through selected Mercedes-Benz dealers.

Canada [edit]

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. The vehicle has proven especially popular for light errand running for small shops and businesses, with many carrying custom paint jobs or stick-on graphics boldly advertising the associated product or service. 10,240 cdi cars were imported in model years 2005 and 2006.

In 2008, Canada received only the gasoline model because the diesel version did not meet 2007 Canadian emission standards. The 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 reasonably 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.

China [edit]

The Smart "vending machine" in Shenyang, China

In April 2008, Smart first premiered in the China Auto Show 2008 in Beijing. On October 1, 2008, the Smart "vending machine" road show had the first stop in Shenyang (at Isetan), and also started the pre-order period.

Japan [edit]

There is a Japan-only variant of the first generation Smart Fortwo, called the Smart K. This is the only non-Japanese car ever to fulfill the regulations for Kei cars.

United States [edit]

Modified imports [edit]

Smart Fortwo in the United States

In early 2006, a specialty automotive import and engineering firm - G and K Auto conversions (GNKAuto.com) of Santa Ana California - after investing millions of dollars in testing and fees, received DOT, NHTSA, and EPA approval to sell a modified European specification Smart Fortwo in the US. The 23 modifications to the Smart Fortwo included DOT certified headlights, reinforced doors for additional side impact protection, an odometer that reads in miles rather than kilometers, and soft padding on the interior pillars and ceiling. Smart Fortwo dealers in the US were a mix of "green car" specialty companies (GreenCarCo.com), (EcoAutoInc.com) and exotic car dealers. Approximately 1,000 model year 2004, 2005, and 2006 Smart cars were imported without Smart's or Mercedes Benz's cooperation and converted by G&K.

Made for US market [edit]

On 26 June 2002, a Smart Fortwo was exhibited at the new Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) affiliate P.S. 1 in Queens, New York for the first time.

In September 2006, Daimler AG announced that Smart USA, a division of Penske Auto Group (at the time of the announcement it was United Auto Group, later changed to PAG,^[27] ) would be the official distributor for Smart in the United States and Puerto Rico.

The redesigned smart Fortwo (Model 451) has been available since January 2008 in the USA. Numerous changes were made from the previous model (450). Its Mercedes Benz power plant was replaced by a non-turbo Mitsubishi 3B21 engine and the overall dimensions of the car increased.

The 2009 model year US version of the smart Fortwo is available in three trims: Pure (base trim), Passion, and Passion cabriolet. Pure has an MSRP of US$11,990, Passion has an MSRP of $13,990, and the Passion Cabriolet has an MSRP $16,990.^[28] A reservation program was launched by Smart USA in March, 2007.^[29][30] This program allowed interested parties to place a $99 refundable deposit on the new Fortwo in preparation for the product's launch. Since the product's launch, sales have surpassed production and the reservation program continues as a "wait list" program.^[31][32] The average wait used to be 12 to 18 months for delivery; although due to the economy, many buyers couldn't purchase the vehicles when they were ready for delivery and many are available on dealer lots.^{[citation needed]}

The Smart Fortwo was rated as the most fuel efficient two-seater car in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2008 Fuel Economy Guide, with fuel 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.^[33] 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.^[34]

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.^[35] 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."^[36]

Chinese copy controversy [edit]

In 2007, Chinese manufacturer Shijiazhuang Shuanghuan Automobile Co released the Shuanghuan Noble (also known as the Martin Motors Bubble), designed similarly to the Fortwo and prompting Daimler AG to sue Shuanghuan for copyright infringement.^[37] The German manufacturer persuaded the Italian court to prohibit the Noble from being exhibited at the Bologna Motor Show, but importer Martin Motors violated that injunction and put the car on display.^[38]

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.^[39]

References [edit]

External links [edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Smart Fortwo

• Smart BY (official Belarus site)
• smart (official UK community site)
• Smart (official site)
• Smart USA (official USA site)
• Smart exhibition at the MoMA
• 2008 smart car 2nd Generation (451) crash tested by IIHS - video
• Mercedes S-Class vs. 1st Generation (450) smart car offset-crash Video
• Smart Fortwo 1.0 mhd (71 hp) - 2009 test drive and review - by Autoevolution.com