Smart – Automobiles Review

smart #1

Following the world premiere of the smart #1 which introduced the revolutionary model to the public for the first time, smart is excited to now hit the road with the #1. Designed as a mobility companion that adapts to the user’s needs, it fits perfectly into any environment, be it a pulsating city like Lisbon or a twisting road through the coastal mountains. The smart #1 is the first of its kind of new smart cars, transforming how users will experience mobility as soon as they get into the car.

Having launched its first EV test programme 15 years ago, and having been the first established manufacturer to go completely electric (in 2020), smart combines its distinct know-how in electric mobility with the pioneering premium design of Mercedes-Benz and the advanced engineering power of Geely’s SEA platform, to deliver next-generation mobility today.

Ready for the Urban Environment

The #1 continues the smart legacy of offering exceptional space utilisation and a pioneering approach to urban mobility. At 4.27m long, it offers an outstanding amount of space and flexibility within a compact overall footprint. Perfectly suited to the urban environment it also makes long distance travel hassle-free, with a range of up to 273 miles, easy journey charging solutions and a DC charging capacity of 150kW. Combined with a high degree of connectivity, the smart #1 offers the perfect mobility solution for the modern urban customer.

As versatile as their users, the smart #1 lines

In line with the customisable, driver-centric user experience, the smart #1 will have a variety of models to choose from to perfectly fit the needs and lifestyle of its owner. Besides the well-equipped Launch Edition which was showcased at the world premiere earlier this year, the smart #1 will soon be available in several different variants: the Pro+, Premium and BRABUS.

Dirk Adelmann, CEO smart Europe:

“The smart #1 finally starts its journey to become an integral part of the sustainable future mobility. With the upcoming start of pre-ordering, our direct-to-customer approach is also going live. Now our customers can select the #1 version that best fits their needs and define their way of owning or using it. We are really looking forward to the positive impact we can make in the industry in general and our customers’ daily lives specifically.”

Pre-order is right around the corner

Pre-ordering of left-hand drive cars for key European markets will commence in October with the first cars being delivered to customers in early 2023. For the UK, pre-orders of the Launch Edition will be possible from January and are strictly limited to a volume of 100 cars. Pre-orders for the Pro+, Premium and BRABUS models will open in quarter 2 2023, with the first customer deliveries expected in quarter 3. UK pricing will be confirmed prior to opening of pre-orders.

Yifeng Tan, Head of Connected Cars and Products, smart Europe:

“We are very proud of what we achieved with the smart #1. Even the entry level car offers an extensive package of features that would normally be associated with luxury cars. With our different models, we have curated our feature list into very attractive packages that offer an exceptional standard specification and the ability for owners to tailor the car to their personal taste and lifestyle.”

In addition to the features that are already available on the Pro+ line, such as an extensive range of driving assistance systems, a 360-degree surround camera, intelligent voice assistance, LED lights and a powered tailgate, the Premium line offers a sound system by Beats, a Head-Up Display (HUD), CyberSparks+ LED Matrix headlights and Automatic Parking Assist. The #1 BRABUS will step up from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and offer even more unique BRABUS influences around the car.

The next chapter of smart x BRABUS

The #1 opens a completely new chapter for smart and BRABUS, elevating their partnership to the next level. The smart #1 BRABUS marks the milestone of fully integrating the unique BRABUS touch into the smart product range at the production level, making it available to even more people.

Quite apart from its dynamic looks, the performance of the smart #1 BRABUS naturally receives an upgrade as well. The standard 200 kW of power is bumped up to 315 kW, while torque increases from 343 Nm to 543 Nm with four-wheel drive to ensure traction and aid acceleration. Paired with the specifically calibrated BRABUS driving mode, this results in an even more thrilling driving experience, unleashing the full potential of the car for incredible 0-62mph performance of just 3.9 seconds.

Kai Sieber, Head of Design smart:

“The smart #1 BRABUS will seamlessly tie into the long-standing successful partnership between the two brands. The design will be clearly distinguished from other #1 lines by a body kit with performance-inspired, expressive spoilers at the front and rear and specific side sills. Dedicated rims, the typical BRABUS red accents on the exterior and the specific interior line round off the car.”

Constantin Buschmann, CEO BRABUS:

“For us at BRABUS, partnering with smart feels completely natural, as we both keep on challenging the status quo to improve our brands and products further. For the #1 we keep on pushing the envelope of our partnership to integrate the essence of BRABUS into a very capable car and future-oriented mobility concept, that is accessible for a wide variety of people. We are very happy with the result and see the #1 as a more than worthy starting point for a new era of our great relationship with smart going forward.”

smart connections that happen to be a car

Connecting people, places and experiences is the essence of mobility. The #1 is built to achieve exactly that through an immersive and pure driving experience, which helps the driver focus on what’s really important while offering support, assistance and all the creature comforts they want and need.

Users benefit from an outstanding human-tech balance in the car, ensured by a partnership with ECARX, an expert in software and hardware integration. The powerhouse partnership is driving the transformation of vehicles into fully integrated information, communication and transportation devices. The smart #1 is the first joint project to redefine the user experience in a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable way.

The new ease of car ownership

The introduction of the new #1, also sees smart’s business and sales model adopt a fully integrated online direct-to-customer approach in addition to the well-organised agent dealership network. For this new digital era smart utilises the integrated financial services offering of ALD, with the payment transactions partner for European customers set to be announced shortly. The new system will keep complexity low and enable a simple ordering process for customers, allowing them to reserve, buy, or lease a #1 with just a few clicks, no paper contracts needed.

WLTP Data

	Combined Electricity Consumption		Electric Range
	kWh/100km	kWh/100mile	km	Mile
Pro+	17.0	27.4	420	260
Premium	16.7	26.9	440	273
BRABUS	17.9	28.8	400	248

September 29, 2022

Check out this neat Smart fortwo with some neat BRABUS enhancements

2021 Smart fortwo Racing Green The new smart EQ fortwo coupe Racing Green Edition is already available for purchase with exclusive exterior features and neat BRABUS enhancements.

In terms of exterior design, the vehicle includes neat LED headlights, 16-inch BRABUS Monoblock XI black alloys with a silver undercut, a panoramic glass roof, and exclusive racing Green Metallic body finish.

Inside, the BRABUS Tailor-Made hand-stitched seats really stand out, such as the Cognac Nappa leather with diamond stitching on the seatbacks and bases. The Racing Green top stitch is also cool. Furthermore, the cabin features an aluminum BRABUS sports pedals and handbrake lever, a BRABUS gear stick, and aluminum BRABUS door sills. There’s also a carbon fiber trim for the central console surrounding the 8-inch touchscreen smart Connect media system. Android Auto and Aple CarPlay are also part of the standard equipment.

In terms of the drivetrain system, smart EQ features an 82mph electric motor that powers the rear wheels via a single-speed gearbox. The lineup can cover a range of about 70 miles and has a top speed of 81mph. Furthermore, the 96-cell lithium-ion battery is coupled by a 22kW on-board charger, which means that the charging takes less than 40 minutes to go up to 80%, using a dedicated rapid charger.

July 22, 2021

Smart team makes a bold move with a Collector’s Edition vehicle. Details here!

$2020 smart Collector\'s Final Edition$ In 2020 smart is expected to become the first automotive manufacturer to switch its entire portfolio from combustion engines to electric drives. However, before doing so, the brand is presenting and exclusive and limited edition of the final #21 combustion-engine vehicles – personally designed by Konstantin Grcic. With this Collector’s Edition the brand is marking of a new era and 21 years of hands-on pioneering spirit.

The Final Collector’s Edition

$2020 smart Collector\'s Final Edition$

Limited to strictly 21 units, the vehicle comes with notable color scheme that pays homage to the first generation smart. Based on the original “hello yellow” tone, it is a sort of reminiscent of what it used to be back in the day. Throughout the history of the brand, there have been numerous changes and improvements that have altogether brought us the final generations of smart vehicles – compact, effective and fun to drive.

$2020 smart Collector\'s Final Edition$

Definitely a bold decision, the all-electric future vehicles will definitely feature all these goodies that define the brand with a contemporary twist – using the efficient and clean electric energy on all lineups and models. In fact, revealing the first 100 all-electric smarts back in 2007 was definitely a turning point for both brand and fans. And now, as it seems, there’s another turning point – making the 100 countless more. But this time with even more confidence and determination!

$2020 smart Collector\'s Final Edition$

Stick with us for further information!

$2020 smart Collector\\\'s Final Edition$

Source: smart

May 20, 2019

Putting BRABUS to shame: a comprehensive guide by Vilner Bulgaria

2017 Brabus SMART fortwo by Vilner You do remember this teaser, don’t you? And perhaps you do remember how excited we were when it first came out. Finally, here we are reviewing the final product – 2012 Smart Fortwo Brabus Xclusive, heavily revised by our fellow team of Vilner: the magicians from Bulgaria who know how a comprehensive and high quality tuning is made.

In Vilner’s own words, this is the smallest vehicle that has left tuner’s workshop, but at the same time is one of the most comprehensive projects ever made, due to the complexity of revision and additions. As always, Vilner has spent most of its attention revising the already updated interior by Brabus. As it seems, our Bulgarian friends were not satisfied at all with what Brabus has offered and decided to make something in order to make the cabin shine.

2017 Brabus SMART fortwo by Vilner

The first thing that Vilner has done is to add numerous lightweight carbon-fiber components. These additions not only contribute to the overall sporty spirit, but also add a kick to the luxurious atmosphere. What catches the eye is the steering wheel: it is covered with fine leather, green accents and black Alcantara. It definitely looks super sporty, but elegant at the same time. Long story short, Vilner knows how it’s done.

Of course, every interior detail is serving a single purpose: to contribute to this overall incredibly fresh and advanced styling. Although it is masterfully shaped, the steering wheel plays just a part of the whole show. The central console, door panels, handles and, in fact, every single detail has received tons of attention and we could stare every single one for ages. This is how beautiful the final product is.

2017 Brabus SMART fortwo by Vilner

In fact, we tend to believe that Vilner not only disagrees with the engineering and styling solutions made originally by Brabus, but completely rejects the original tuning ideas. And let’s be honest here – sometimes Brabus team tends to make awkward mistakes. Luckily, the darkened colors, cheap plastic components and the overall unappealing design solutions are no more. Vilner is the new star of the show. A well-deserved position, if you ask us.

The seats continue this concept idea of a blend between black high-quality leather, Alcantara and sweet electric-green inserts. We also like the electric-green stitching. In fact, we see something incredible: even disappointed by Brabus, Vilner team still pays respect to the German tuner by adding a large “B” logo on the seats. We also can see that the gearshift lever still contains the Brabus logo. Neat, isn’t it?

2017 Brabus SMART fortwo by Vilner

We also have to admit that the interior looks super fresh and summer-ish: numerous black and grey components were changed with light electric-green and white ones. These include the speed meter, clock and many more. Even the backlights are changed in order to match the design concept. Of course, we do see this notable “Deisign by Vilner” insert.

Maybe the best thing of all is that Vilner team have decided to tweak the exterior styling in a way that fits the whole interior concept idea. With razor-sharp precision, the engineering team has covered the exterior panels with white covers, neat electric-green accents and this sweet 3D square graphics. The exclusive Brabus wheels are still present, but benefit from an electric-green ring. Also, neat contrast in colors is achieved by covering the front grille, emblem and diffuser with metallic black cover. And the insert that is my personal favorite: the super-elegant carbon-fiber detailing that is placed just above the rear wheels. Vilner team knows how to impress with style and precision. Definitely.

2017 Brabus SMART fortwo by Vilner

And for all of the touring maniacs out there: the Bulgarian tuning team has included an exclusive and purely unique bag: of course, it completely resembles vehicle’s color scheme. Made with carbon-fiber leather, Alcantara and a handle that is made of the same fabric that the seatbelts are made.

And there you have it: Smart Fortwo Brabus Cabrio by Vilner. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Daqyw4iH50

Source: Vilner Bulgaria

Images Source: Vilner Bulgaria

Video Source: YouTube

Video Channel Source: VilnerStudio

June 22, 2017

2016 smart BRABUS Xclusive: launching and advertisement campaigns

2016 smart BRABUS Xclusive BRABUS’ new smart vehicle got famous for two thing: unique agility and incredible dynamics. Available as smart BRABUS or smart BRABUS Xclusive, the vehicle will also be available in fortwo, cabriolet and forfour variants later this year. And as it seems, BRABUS team decided to go for a advertisement campaign.

The team has already launched a video, named “Most Xclusve Test Drive”. It showcases how special and different the driving experience is. Or, at least it tries to be. The film shows three different groups of people who want to try out the BRABUS: a family, a couple and a group of friends. Of course, as you may have already expected, there is a plot twist. The ride gets more exclusive than anyone expected.

2016 smart BRABUS Xclusive

Also, in order to support the market launch of the vehicle, smart will be launching a mobile Live Escape Game in Hamburg, Vienna, Barcelona and Rome from September. What we know so far is that participants will be randomly selected people that will be divided by groups of four and two and the task is to get out of the maze with a BRABUS Xclusive vehicle.

To support the market launch of the new smart BRABUS on an international scale too, smart will be staging a mobile smart BRABUS Live Escape Game in Hamburg, Vienna, Barcelona and Rome from September onwards. The participants are randomly selected people in the respective cities who are interested to play. In groups of two to four people, they will be trapped inside the BRABUS Live Escape Game with the smart BRABUS Xclusive and given a set length of time to escape. Within this set time, the players must solve interactive puzzles with and about the smart BRABUS to liberate the car from the garage. The participans will get a small prize, but that is going to be a surprise.

2016 smart BRABUS Xclusive

Source: Daimler

July 11, 2016

Smart Introduces Edition White and Edition Black

Smart ForFour Edition Black smart is looking to extend its range’s variety by adding white and black editions to the fortwo and forfour models. Since the brand new model can be currently ordered with first deliveries and dealership sales in February, it was the perfect moment for smart to introduce these two premium edition.

To go into details, the cars are based on the well known and loved prime trim line. It brings about a sort of luxury, with features such as heated leather seats. What is more, the future owners of either of the editions will also get the Urban Style and the Premium packages at no cost.

The packs include some extra goodies that enhance the attractiveness of the models. For instance, the standard steering wheel is substituted with a three-spoke sports one that has been wrapped in perforated leather. Or take for example the brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs and the 16-inch Y-spoke-alloy wheels in black.

smart fortwo edition white

Continuing with the exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe, the wheel-arch extensions with smart lettering, the rear parking assistance and smart media system including European satellite navigation. Furthermore, the cars are also getting the comfort package, which means that the driver can adjust the steering wheel, the height of the seat, and the heated adjustable exterior mirrors. At last, we must mention that the privacy of the occupants remains intact due to the privacy glass in the rear.

Over this come the goodies added by white and black edition models, making them instantly recognizable as special-edition smarts. Precisely, the edition white models feature white tridion cells, combined with white body panels and a white grille. On the opposite, the edition black models come with black bodywork, black tridion cells and a black grille. The good news is that you can add some contrast by opting for a white tridion cell instead.

Just like the other cars in the smart range, these special editions are driven by either a 71 hp (52 kW) naturally-aspirated or 90 hp (66 kW) turbo three-cylinder petrol engine. The choice of transmission is the five-speed manual or six-speed twinamic automatic. The smart edition white and edition black are currently available to order with first deliveries expected in February. The pricing starts at £12,360.

Source: smart

January 26, 2016

smart fortwo cabrio Brings the Summer Back

smart fortwo cabrio front view The latest variant of the smart fortwo cabrio was revealed in December and now, a month later, the cute mini car is about to enter the market. The open-top two-seater is about to appear in dealerships in February in its form equipped with the 52 kW engine and the twinamic dual clutch transmission. But don’t worry, because a variant with manual transmission will follow soon. The company has prepared for the customers three lines to choose from: passion, prime and proxy. In addition they can also choose from a large range of safety and comfort equipment.

The Design

The benefit of owning a smart fortwo cabrio is that it is multifunctional. Although it is a cabrio, you need only a touch of a button to transform it to a closed two-seater. But if you want to remove the soft top (which happens within 12 seconds) you can additionally invite more fresh air in by removing the roof bars.

The soft top is in fact called “tritop” and is something of an innovation. It has an area of 1.8 square meters, and is four percent larger than its predecessor. The outer covering is made of a particularly lightfast polyacrylic fabric and the inside features a polyester/cotton mix. There is a rubber layer in the middle, making a total thickness of 20 mm. The rear window is heated and is made of glass.

smart fortwo cabrio interior and the folding tritop

In terms of design there is nothing really impressive or different from the typical “smart” design. This means that the car has a well-known profile with ultra-short overhangs, clear lines, shapes and surfaces and a tridion safety cell.

The Safety

Many might regard a smart vehicle or any other mini car extremely unsafe. Especuially when we are talking about cabrios. No worries, because smart fortwo cabrio is made of high proportion of ultra-high strength hot-formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steels. It also includes scissor struts, two torsional bulkheads under the vehicle at the front and rear, and an inner tube in the A-pillars made of ultra-high-strength hot-formed steel.

Advanced assistance systems are also at help. These include the ESP with Crosswind Assist (which comes as an option however) and Hill Start Assist as a standard, forward collision warning and Lane Keeping Assist that are also optional.

The Model Variants

smart fortwo cabrio fromt above

There are three model variants of the smart fortwo cabrio: passion, prime and proxy, two engines and two transmissions. The new three-cylinder engines are rated at 71 horsepower (52 kW) and 90 hp (66 kW). Both will be equipped initially with automatic twinamic dual clutch transmission, and then on the market will appear the five-speed manual transmission.

Smart fortwo cabrio will have a starting price of 15,655 euros for the model with the 71 hp engine and the twinamic dual clutch transmission.

smart fortwo cabrio at a glance:

smart fortwo cabrio engine	71 hp / 52 kW	90 hp / 66 kW
Number of cylinders/arrangement	3/in-line	3/in-line
Displacement (cc)	999	898
Rated output (kW/hp)	52/71	66/90
at rpm	6000	6200
Rated torque (Nm)	91	135
at rpm	2850	2500
Combined fuel consumption (l/100 km)	4.3	4.2
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)	99	97
Efficiency class	B	B
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	15.5	11.7
Maximum speed (km/h)	151	155
Prices starting at (euros)	15.655	16.550

Source: smart

January 19, 2016

This is Why the New smart fortwo cabrio is so Adorable!

smart fortwo cabrio Side View Meet the new smart fortwo cabrio. It is as sweet as the previous generation, however it has an advantage: an electrically-operated fabric roof. This roof can be lowered or raised in just 12 seconds at any speed of the mini vehicle. But this is not all. This car also offers low running costs, stylish exterior and interior design and dynamic handling.

As a cabriolet, this car features triple-layered soft top. The glass rear screen fully opens so that the roof side bars can be removed and fit easily into the cabrio’s folding tailgate. There are two variants for the color of the soft top: the first one is black and the second is red.

In addition, there is a choice of two engines – 71 hp or 90 hp turbo, which can be connected to a twinamic five-speed manual gearbox or a twinamic six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Let’s talk about efficiency. The 71 hp engine returns up to 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting just 99 g/km of CO₂. And it can also achieve a top speed of up to 94 mph. Speaking of the turbo variant, it returns 67.3 mpg and emits 99 g/km. Its top speed is 96 mph.

Model Lines Which Have Names

smart fortwo cabrio Front View

The next good news is that three model lines are available and they have these names: passion, prime and proxy. Firstly, passion rides on 15” eight-spoke alloys and features automatic climate control, smart audio system with Bluetooth connectivity as well as a choice of either an orange/black or a grey/black interior.

Secondly, prime has 15” five-twin-spoke black alloy wheels with high sheen finish as well as black leather upholstery with grey topstitching and heated seats. Additional dashboard instrument pods with a cockpit clock and rev counter are also the advantages of this line.

At last, the proxy model shows-off with the largest wheels, measuring 16-inches and being eight-Y-spoke in black. This variant also features a blue and white interior with Artico and cloth upholstery and a Sports Package. The latter includes sports perforated leather multifunction steering wheel, sports suspension lowered by 10 mm, rubber-studded brushed steel sports pedals and a chrome exhaust finisher.

Optional Equipment

smart fortwo cabrio Interior

There are two premium packages to add: Premium and Premium Plus. The first one is available on passion, prime and proxy model lines and comprises of rear parking assistance a.k.a. acoustic parking sensors, smart media system with navigation, and the Comfort package, including height adjustable steering wheel and heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors.

The Premium Plus Package adds the aforementioned features of the Premium pack, but also includes ambient lighting, welcome home function, LED headlamps with enhanced LED DRLs, ; cube-like LED tail lights, rain and light sensors and a rear-view camera. It however can be purchased only on the prime and proxy model lines.

2016 smart fortwo cabrio has a starting price of £13,265 (UK) and 15,655 euro (Europe) and will be available in dealerships in the beginning of next year.

Fast Facts:

smart fortwo cabrio	52 kW	66 kW
Number of cylinders/arrangement	3/in-line	3/in-line
Displacement (cc)	999	898
Rated output (kW/hp)	52/71	66/90
at rpm	6000	6200
Rated torque (Nm)	91	135
at rpm	2850	2500
Combined fuel consumption (l/100 km)	4.3	4.2
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)	99	97
Efficiency class	B	B
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	15.5	11.7
Top speed (km/h)	151	155
Prices starting at (euros)	15,655	16,550

Source: smart

December 15, 2015

Smart ForRail or the Different Kind of Driving Experience

Smart ForRail is literally unique. There is no other second vehicle like in the world. And I am not talking about the exterior appearance or the goodies included in it. It offers different way of traveling in terms of … the driving itself. Because it does not ride on rubbers, but on solid discs, this car is actually a mini-train. Yes, the Smart ForRail is driven on the rails, as the name clearly suggests.

Believe it or not, this little vehicle is very effective in covering long distance journeys. In addition, it offers many comforts found in the newest Smart ForFour, on which is based.

Fully Certified Mini-Train

Yes, the ForRail has been even made legal with full certification as a mini-train. But how did this idea appear after all?

The project has been designed by Interfleet, whose experts specialize on train engineering. However, they usually work with 16-litre, 70-tonne diesel locomotives. So they really needed to make a new strategy on how to work with the one-tonne smart with significantly smaller displacement.

It took them more than six months of initial engineering work and CAD modelling to create the specifics of this project. As a result, they have substituted the standard alloys with 22-inch solid steel wheels. Given that these ‘wheels’ also weigh up to 80 kg, this ensures the perfect traction on the rails.

The steering was also removed, so that the vehicle can be driven on rails. There is actually aluminium supports welded between the axles, which lock the wheels in firm position.

Why ForRail is Beneficial?

The most important answer is probably, because of the traffic. The mini-train is capable of avoiding congested roads. The second reason is because it offers the comfort of a four-seater with all of the technology benefits usually found in new cars.

Precisely, the interior of the car-train is wide enough to house comfortably four adults. In addition, it features many convenient technologies, making the journey more unforgettable, but at the same time safe enough. In fact, there is a safety cell, which contributes for the strength of the vehicle.

At last, but not least, it is an extremely affordable and efficient way of traveling.

First Journey

Smart ForRail made its first journey this weekend on the private Bluebell Railway. It covered 10-miles, traveling directly from London to Sussex. There were of course many challenges and engineering obstacles, but eventually the experiment proved successful.

The testing happened during the constant supervision of the trained staff from the railway. And the car was driven not by an accidental person, but by a licensed train driver. After covering the aimed distance and reaching Sussex, the Smart ForRail was modified back to its ForFour alter ego.

Similar modifications are extremely difficult to make and also very dangerous. So we do not encourage you to try this at home.

Source: smart

June 29, 2015

Smart Fortwo and Forfour with Extended Twinamic Range

Smart fortwo side view Following its brothers,the Smart Fortwo wtih 90 hp (66 kW) and the 71hp (52kW) Forfour now also come with a special fully automatic tiwnamic dual clutch transmission. What this means is now both models come with incredible gamma of engines and transmission systems: a total of nine engine/gearbox combinations. Furthermore, the redesigned models will be on the market at the end of July this year.

And along with the technical tweaks, the Smarts received and detailed modification to the interior: the equipment now comes with exclusive black-gray color gamma.

Smart Fortwo new engine

As you may know, the benefits of twinamic transmission system are numerous. First of all, the shifts now are smoother and easier to perform and do not interrupt the tractive power. Unlike the micro car segment, the dual clutch gearbox system bring everything good from automatic and manual systems: the convenience of the automatic gearbox in city traffic and the sporty performance in highway sprints. Furthermore, there is an optional Sports package, that brings even better performance with the special shift paddles on the steering wheel.

And here are some more details about the tweaked Smart cuties:

fortwo 66 kW	forfour 52 kW
Number of cylinders/arrangement	3/R	3/R
Displacement (cc)	898	999
Rated output (kW/hp)	66/90	52/71
at rpm	6200	6000
Rated torque (Nm)	135	91
at rpm	2500	2850
Combined consumption from (l/100 km)	4.1	4.2
Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km)	96	96
Efficiency class	B	B
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	11.3	16.9
Maximum speed (km/h)	155	151
Price (in euros)	from 13,065	from 12,980

Source: Smart

June 17, 2015

Smart and JBL Engineers Squeezed 5727 Watts In ForTwo!

Smart and JBL brands showed the world, that you can create a concert hall in a Smart car. The cooperative work of both brands managed to squeeze the incredible 5720 watts in Smart ForTwo. Everyone knows how good the small cars are. But no one knows how good a small car with crushing audio force is. And this is not all: the engineer team created a mobile amplifier, especially designed for street musicians and live concerts.

A total of five amps are placed in the Smart, that provide incredible sound pressure of 150dB, that are further reinforced by not one, but two subwoofers. The incredible system comes with a total of 16 loudspeakers, that are especially designed to focus on a certain frequency to ensure highest quality audio experience.

All music signals are provided by a digital signal processor (DSP), especially created by the Italian specialist Mosconi. This processor has eight output channels and via Bluetooth streaming it can process different file formats like Wave or Flac, MP3s and numerous more. The signals are delivered from mobile devices and the result is crystal-clear-high-end sound.

And now the question, that everyone is asking: how did the team managed to squeeze squeeze 16 speakers, 2 subwoofers and 5 amplifiers inside ForTwo!? The design of the audio system is integrated in the smart design idiom. Take for example the ventilation opening and the dashboard: they serve as visual model for incorporating the speakers. Other example is the place for the two subwoofers: they are strategically placed in the luggage compartment. In general, all the audio system components are so well designed and so well placed within the ForTwo, that somehow people might start thinking, that this is completely natural way of the Smart to be.

Source: Smart

May 19, 2015

New York Auto Show at a Glance. What to Expect?

2016 Jaguar XF Debuting in New York Some of the most anticipated automobile brands have recently announced their participation in New York International Auto Show. Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Ford, Kia, Scion, Aston Martin and Smart disclose new models and features, that are definately a must see. We told you about most of them, but let us remind why you should be exited. There are many things, that woud be on the world’s press.

The striking and crushing Vulcan debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. Definately a honorable addition to the luxorious hi-end line, that already includes the Vanquish Carbon, Rapide S, DB9, V12 Vantage S and the V8 Vantage GT Roadster. “The Vulcan” erupts with stunning 800 plus hp (500kW) and a special driver program for owners, who want to get more experienced on a sports track. Definately a beast, that deserves it’s place on the show.

The well-known for quality and style Mercedes-Benz brand decided to debut its high-performance SUV machines. Yes, we are talking about the AMG GLE63 4MATIC and GLE63 S 4MATIC. The revised models include serious changes, that modify the front and tail ends to bring you even better overall performance and new standard for emission wastes.

Next, Kia team decided to premiere the 2016 Optima. It will come with numerous powerplant options, a bigger interior, some new premium features and complete pack of technology tweaks. The best selling and award-winning Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is also making its debut in New York. Don’t miss your chance to witness such a vehicle. And speaking of exclusivity, a V8, carbon fibre two seater is coming your way and it is named McLaren 570S Coupe. Actually this is the first model, that will be launched in the Sports Series trilogy.

Ford Focus RS is the chosen one. The debut is the first in North America and the car will bring us overall performance tweaks, advanced torque vectoring, different driving modes, including the first for the brand drift mode. This beast comes geared with 2.3-liter Eco boost engine, that produces 315hp (231kW). The most powerful RS brakes and Brembo front calipers are also included.

Jaguar FX will make a worl debut and will reveal a new interior and exterior changes, while Scion’s team will unveil the iM and iA for the first time. iM is hatchback with 5 doors, that combines flexibility with a sport design. The iA is sedan is designed for practical people with incredible style and increased driving dynamics. At last, smart fortwo is coming to NY with revised powerplant, a three-cylinder engine with 89hp (65kW), a power transmission with a five-speed manual or a twinamic auto clutch transmission.

The Show starts from 3rd of April where we will get more details. Stay tuned!