Smart – Page 3 – Automobiles Review

Official Debut For Smart Fourjoy In Frankfurt

The new smart fourjoy is a proof that more than two seats are also fully in keeping with the smart brand experience. The new vehicle has all the typical attributes for the brand and comes to deliver to the occupants pure carefree enjoyment of drive. The compact four-seater is the first of new smart generation and it will have its world premiere at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Smart fourjoy has no doors, no rear window and an open roof. The futuristic exterior design is continued in the interior which includes rear seat bench in the style of lounge furniture. Of course, the car retains the compact dimensions typical for the brand. It is 3494 mm long, 1978 mm wide and 1494 high.

Furthermore, this smart utilizes an electric drive with a 55 kW magneto-electric motor which delivers zero-local-emission. In addition, the design elements featured here stay true to the brand’s philosophy and include extremely short overhangs, wheels positioned on the four most outer points, tail lights integrated in the sturdy tridion cell and spherical instrument cluster.

Next, the exterior is exquisite and includes polished aluminium and white pearlescent paintwork. The three-dimensional upright front further strengthens the expressive appearance of the smart fourjoy.

Another highlight here is the pronounced tridion cell. It is made of polished full-aluminium and its brilliant bright lustre finish highlights the premium character of the brand. The raised smart lettering milled from aluminium on the side skirts continues this design scheme.

In addition, the pearlescent white on the bumpers, front bonnet and tailgate provides a contrast to the aluminium of the tridion cell. The door mirrors “float” on an aluminium stele. On the other hand, the rear lights are built in the tridion cell.

The headlamps do not have a glass cover and this delivers a three-dimensional impression of the U-shaped daytime running lights. Moreover, LEDs are featured in the front and tail lights. Transparent petroleum-coloured moulded parts are to be seen in the wind deflector at the top of the front windscreen, on the A-pillars on the sides and on the rear roof spoiler.

The fact that the vehicle doesn’t have any doors, rear window or roof panel, connects the exterior and the interior. Inside, the most prominent features are the two futuristic-looking front seats and the rear seat bench.

The rear of the seats is made of dark chrome. The same petroleum colour as the plexiglass accents on the exterior is used at the piping-like line winds around the sides of the seats. In addition, perforated and smooth surfaces alternate on the vehicle floor.

A continuous central structure supports the seats and the instrument panel, which includes a convex surface with touch-sensitive operating functions. The instrument panel is support of transparent, illuminated plexiglass into which apertures have been milled.

The spherical instrument cluster and the single-spoke steering wheel are reminiscent of the original smart. On the dashboard there are also mounted two smartphones and on the centre tunnel at the rear for cutting-edge connectivity and tailor-made entertainment for all passengers.

More importantly, the electric drive is positioned at the rear and is based on the current smart fortwo electric drive. It is a 55 kW magneto-electric motor which utilizes lithium-ion battery which a capacity of 17.6 kWh. When the battery is entirely empty it takes a maximum of seven hours to fully charge the battery at a household socket or charging station.

Source: Smart

September 5, 2013

2013 Smart edition21 – Price £9,575

The new Smart edition21 has been introduced in the UK. The small car is available in both version – coupe and cabriolet.

This special edition is based on the Pulse trim level with 71HP (53 kW). Some of the extras include a black tridion safety cell and mirror caps, a set of double-spoke 15” alloys and some “edition21” logos. There are also LED daytime running lights.

The interior boasts black fabric/leather-like upholstery, cup holder and a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel featuring shift paddles.

The coupe is priced from £9,575, while the cabrio is a little more expensive – £11,075.

Representative example: smart fortwo edition21 coupe 71bhp mhd.

36 monthly payments of¹	£79
Customer deposit	£1999
On-the-road price	£9,575
Retailer deposit contribution	£722
Duration of agreement	36 months
Optional purchase payment²	£4,010
Amount of credit	£6,854
Total amount payable³	£9,575
Acceptance fee	£0
Purchase activation fee	£0
Fixed Interest Rate	0.00%
Representative APR	0%

Source: Smart

April 4, 2013

Smart Fortwo Cityflame Edition Adds More Colour to the Urban Life

Smart Fortwo Cityflame Edition is small, fresh and it delivers a splash of colour. Its bodypanels are in flame yellow, and this will undoubtedly bring more iridescent feeling to the gray colours of the urban environment.

The yellow paintwork has very sporty and expressive effect in combination with the black tridion safety cell, the exclusive black-painted 3-double-spoke alloy wheels with wide tyres (175/55 R 15 at the front and 195/50 R 15 at the rear) and the black door mirror caps.

The same contrast is continued throughout the interior where the seat cushions of the high-quality seats in black leather optic are framed by yellow imitation leather inserts and feature yellow stitching. In addition, the instrument panel also features yellow stitching.

Furthermore the interior includes a two-section knee pad in black/yellow leather look, a 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles and yellow stitching, and floor mats with the word “cityflame” on them.

This Smart model will be limited to 2400 vehicles and it is based on the passion equipment line. This means that it includes the following features: softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control and a transparent panoramic roof with sunblind.

Smart Fortwo Cityflame Edition is going to be offered in coupé and cabrio variants. Both models can be equipped with either a 52 kW mhd petrol engine or a 62 kW petrol engine. The new Smart will reach dealers in April this year.

Smart Fortwo Cityflame Edition Pricing:

Engine version/ output	Engine type	Engine capacity	Price in EUR (incl. 19% VAT)
smart fortwo cityflame coupé
1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd	3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine	999 cc	14,490
1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol	3-cyl. in-line turbo engine	999 cc	15,060
smart fortwo cityflame cabrio
1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd	3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine	999 cc	17,580
1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol	3-cyl. in-line turbo engine	999 cc	18,150

Source: Smart

January 11, 2013

Smart ForTwo at the 2013 Dakar Rally [video]

Team Feber created a specially modified Smart ForTwo meeting all regulations to take part in the upcoming 2013 Dakar Rally – the ultimate challenge. Unfortunately, the race team doesn’t have enough funds to field a full assortment of vehicles, including two Smarts and a Honda CRF-450.

The modified ForTwo has a completely modified body, an off-road suspension with more clearance and a four-wheel drive system.

“We have no choice, we love to dream … we like movies with happy endings” but even though we cannot compete in Dakar this year, “the movie was pretty, very pretty …”, commented the driver Jose Luis Alvarez Alarcon.

The 2013 Dakar Rally starts January 5 in Lima, Peru, and ends January 20 in Santiago, Chile, and it appears that this team, with its unique ride, will not be attending.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm1VocgKVv4

Source: Smart

December 29, 2012

Smart Forjeremy by Fashion Designer Jeremy Scott

Smart Forjeremy by Jeremy Scott is a project which is ready to literally lift-off into a new era of mobility – full of lightness and joie de vivre. The one-of-a-kind Smart has wings, which is the familiar trademark of the American star designer.

The wings make the car look like an igniting rocket, and this definitely makes Forjeremy the perfect showcar. In addition, it will be launched on the market next year as a limited special edition.

As a matter of fact, the wings are the symbol for carefree driving fun. Within eight months, Jeremy Scott developed the Smart Forjeremy together with designers of the “smart Design Division” at the Mercedes-Benz Cars Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad, California. The typical stylish design of the Smart Fortwo to inspire him and the result is that he created this unique piece of art.

Furthermore, the futuristic Smart Forjeremy is painted in bright white, against which the chrome-plated tridion cell glistens like a jewel. On both sides of the vehicle is positioned a wing made of transparent fibreglass and decorated with rocket-shaped elements that light up red, serving as rear and brake lights.

The dynamism of the vehicle is enhanced by wider rear tyres and wider rear wheel arches. The wheel rims are shaped like aeroplane propellers, and this leaves the impression that the electric smart might take off at any minute. Complementing the tridion cell, the eyebrows are bright chromium plated, as are the top half of the mirror caps and the frame around the radiator grille.

What about the interior? There can be see the elegant marriage of white and glistening chrome accents, which is continued in the interior of the vehicle. The luxurious feel is further amplified by the fine white nappa leather which wraps the instrument panel, seats and door trim.

In addition, the instrument panel includes minimalist seams, and the the seat insert areas and the centre panels in the doors boast extravagant diamond stitching. The gleaming chrome surfaces of the main door trim and typical smart elements such as the closing handles, the side boomerangs of the instrument panel and the characteristic rings on the dashboard instruments form an elegant contrast to the matt white.

Next, the bright chromium plated side air inlets are in a shape of a jet engine. This completes the wing theme on the exterior. The white steering wheel with two chrome spokes is open at the top, further enhancing the sporty and futuristic feeling when being inside the car.

At last but not least, the Smart Forjeremy is based on the current Smart Fortwo Electric Drive, which has 55 kW (75 hp) electric motor and can accelerate from 0 – 60 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and with a maximum speed of 125 km/h. The 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery enables the urban two-seater to travel approximately 145 kilometres in urban traffic without producing any local emissions.

Source: Smart

November 30, 2012

Smart ForTwo Electric Drive US – Price $25,000 to $28,000

Smart will hit the United States market with their latest model – ForTwo Electric Drive coupe and convertible. The cars will be the most affordable electric vehicles in country.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive will be available to buy next spring. The prices will start from around $25,000 and $28,000 for the both models – Coupe and Convertible. The cars will also be eligible for government rebates of up to $7,500, which is a great saving.

The ForTwo Electric Drive is powered by an electric motor with 75HP (55 kW) and 130Nm (96 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and a maximum range of 145km (90 miles) on a single charge. The technical data is decent and hopefully the car works as the manufacturer claims it will.

Source: Smart

October 4, 2012

2013 Smart Forstars makes world premiere at Paris Motor Show

The exclusive and indescribably beautiful 2013 Smart ForStars is going to make its first world appearance in Paris later this month. The electrically driven vehicle is a coupé with room for two people and plenty of storage space.

But why it carries this new name? It is because the newly developed glass roof above the passengers that gives a clear view of the starry sky. At the same time it hints at the integration of a video projector in the front bonnet.

The colour of the expressive coupé is painted in the “alubeam rouge” color. This creates an outstanding contrast to the matt metallic titanium colou of the tridion safety cell. Furthermore the 60 kW magneto-electric motor delivered by smart BRABUS electric drive makes the zero-emission smart forstars agile and lively. The new Smart model also retains the compact dimensions which are typical for the brand; it is exactly 3550/1710/1505 mm in length/width/height.

The wide range of technologies is also featured in the car. The media player of the projector integrated in the front bonnet is operated via Bluetooth® from an iPhone®. A high-quality sound system with additional loudspeakers in the ventilation openings behind the doors enables the drive-in cinema experience.

It is obvious that the new Smart model has striking new appearance and in fact its silhouette offers a look at brand’s future design philosophy. The rhombic design of the front and rear lamps is grabs the attention immediately.

A newly created detail is the “eyebrows” with new U-shaped look above the front headlamps. The charging socket for the high-voltage battery is found inside the right-hand tail light, whilst the left-hand one has space for a beverage can.

One of the most striking design features here is the glass roof above the passengers’ heads. It joins seamlessly with the glass cover over the cargo area which opens upwards.

Shiny black trims that continue below the side skirts draw the attention to the wheel cutouts. The new vehicle runs on Michelin sports tyres in 245/35 ZR 21 size.

And if one takes the look at the interior, one should have the feeling as if they are in a spaceshoip from the future. Sleek, taut surfaces in mother-of-pearl white combined with precisely designed technical functional elements in brushed aluminium are all around the cabin. The “alubeam rouge” creates the link with the exterior.

Very stylish and functional, Smart ForStars has seat shells, which are open in the middle and are covered with a soft fabric throw giving them a hammock-like seating feel. The graphic elements and different red tones of the covers show a progression and thus underline the dynamism and the very trendy aspect of the vehicle.

The seats are wrapped with high-quality white bag leather with exquisite white piping. Another sophisticated contrast here is the featured perforated leather in the door paneling.

Undeniably, the cockpit boasts aerodynamic styling. The control and display elements are oriented to the driver. An interesting element is that the two-spoke steering wheel is open at the top.

The rear-view mirror is replaced by a smartphone. It is placed in a holder at the top of the windscreen. The driver can see the road condition behind with the help of an integrated video camera. The smartphone also serves as a media source and controls the projector.

At last but not least, the new 2013 Start ForStars Electric drive brings more driving excitement to a new level and moreover has a zero local emissions. The electric drive of the car is based on the innovative drive concept of the smart fortwo BRABUS electric drive.

The output of the magneto-electric motor here has been increased to 82 kW (60 kW). With 135 Nm (100 lb-ft) of torque it boasts powerful, lag-free acceleration, agility and driving excitement. The vehicle has a top speed of around 80 mph and the lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 17.6 kWh.

Source: Smart

September 15, 2012

2012 Brabus Smart 10th Anniversary Special Edition

In the not so distant 2002, Smart and the tuning company Brabus founded a joint company, and since then they have developed numerous premium models. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the alliance, they have created a unique and exclusively equipped “10th anniversary” special edition model.

2012 Brabus Smart 10th anniversary Special Edition will be limited to 100 units and will offer numerous exclusive highlights. The Smart is based on the current Smart Fortwo BRABUS production model with 75 kW (102 hp) and maximum torque of 147 Nm (200 lb-ft). It has a top speed of 155 km/h, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.

To go further into details, the “10th anniversary” edition is painted in liquid silver. In details, the tridion safety cell, body panels including front grille and the door mirrors of the special edition model, the front spoiler and side skirts in the styling package, are painted in liquid silver.

Further exterior features include titanium-colored headlamps and red BRABUS logos at the front and rear. Additional exterior accents include titanium-colored headlamps and red BRABUS logos at the front and rear.

The interior is of course distinctively made as well. It is characterized by a black leather interior with high-quality hand stitching. The trim parts are painted in an exclusive red and the contrast components and seat console come in black.

2012 Brabus Smart 10th Anniversary Special Edition Interior

The standard equipment of the new Brabus includes the comfort and light package, heated seats, electric power steering, LED daytime driving lights, audio and navigation system and BRABUS Monoblock VII alloy wheels in matt grey.

Smart Brabus GmbH is a joint venture between Smart and Brabus and stands for premium automotive enhancement. In the past ten years more than 50 000 lucky customers benefited from the vehicles produced by the cooperation of the both companies. In fact, 2011 was the most successful year up to date when more than 10 000 Smart Fortwos were customized by Brabus.

Source: Smart

July 23, 2012

Smart Fortwo Iceshine Edition in Coupe and Cabrio

Smart Fortwo Iceshine Edition is the latest special model created by Smart, which blends fresh, cheeky look and in addition comes along with chic equipment details. This special model can be preordered in white or in the eye-catching azure blue from June. The first vehicles in this limited series will be in dealerships in October.

First, it is important to highlight that the Iceshine edition is going to be offered as a coupe and as a cabrio. It will come equipped with a 52 kW (71 hp) mhd petrol engine or a 62 kW (84 hp) petrol engine.

This two-seater customization has an unusual appearance. First, the tridion safety cell comes in white. The bodypanels are available in white, or an azure blue. The latter color was developed for this edition.

Other exclusives design cues include the white alloy wheels, with their new 3-double-spoke design and wide tyres in size 175/55 R 15 (front) and 195/50 R 15 (rear). These tie in nicely with the white tridion safety cell and door mirror caps. The LED daytime driving lights and special logo on the mirror triangle also add to the unique outlook of the Smart.

The interior of all Iceshine models includes leather-effect seats with a white fabric insert on the backrest and white stitching, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles and white stitching. The rings round the dashboard instruments and some contrast components are also painted in white.

Some of the other standard features are: softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, panoramic roof with sunblind, electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment, the smart sound system with five loudspeakers.

Part of the optional feature include: smart audio system navigation/multimedia, black leather-effect instrument panel, BRABUS 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift and smart cradle for the iPhone® 3/3GS and 4/4S are available for the edition iceshine.

This Iceshine edition of Smart will be limited to 1,800 vehicles. This model is based on the passion equipment line.

Smart Fortwo Iceshie Edition pricing:

Engine/power	Engine type	Engine capacity	Price (€):
smart fortwo edition iceshine coupé
1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd	3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine	999 cc	14,490.00
1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol	3-cyl. in-line turbo engine	999 cc	15,060.00

smart fortwo edition iceshine cabrio
1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd	3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine	999 cc	17,580.00
1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol	3-cyl. in-line turbo engine	999 cc	18,150.00

Source: Smart

June 14, 2012

Fuel efficiency and ways to achieve it

2012 Smart ForTwo Front Angle

With the prices of the petrol rising, I assume that is a good idea to explore some ways on how one can drive any car more fuel-efficiently. The question here is whether it possible for everybody to save money on gasoline, depending on the car they are driving.

Well, believe it or not, the answer is obviously yes. And now is the perfect moment to know how to do this, if you aren’t already aware about it.

The only thing you have to do is to be smart about what makes your car consume more fuel. And this is exactly what I am going to discuss below, offering some practical ways which will save you some money.

Nowadays we have a lot of examples of cars, which are extremely fuel efficient, such as Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Golf TDI, Smart for two, etc.

In addition, on the market there are a lot of Hybrid technologies and Electric vehicles, which can significantly be beneficial in terms of fuel efficiency. Here are some suggestions: Toyota Prius Hybrid, Mitsubishi MiEV, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Nissan LEAF, etc.

However, not everybody can afford buying an expensive new Plug-In Hybrid in order to make this crucial shift in fuel economy. So this is why I think it is advantageous for everyone to know what little adjustments to the present vehicle we have, will make it consume less gasoline.

First and foremost, you should always drive mindfully. Driving mindfully can make your ride more enjoyable and safer. In addition to this, it is important to know that what I call “compulsive driving” – speeding up very fast and braking suddenly – is actually very expensive, because this style of driving demands a lot of gasoline consumption.

Therefore what you can do is to be aware of how you actually drive, and start accelerating carefully as well as braking in the same manner. In fact, keeping up with the ease off the gas pedal and accelerating with moderate throttle makes the engines more efficient.

Secondly, an important fact is of course the speed of driving. Studies show that the most fuel-efficient speed is around 55 mph/ 90 km/h.

Thirdly, what really matters is how much your car weights. What I mean is that the lighter it is the more efficiently it works. It is “simple” physics, according to which, weight is among the major causes of kinetic energy loss. For instance if your car is 45 kg (ca. 100 pounds) lighter it will save you from fuel consumption by one or two percent.

What you can basically do is to get rid of things in the car which you don’t use frequently and won’t need in case of an emergency.

Next, it is important to highlight that efficiency can be found where there are improved aerodynamics. Reducing drag is crucial for how much your vehicle consumes.

Moreover, if you utilize gasoline with the lowest octane level (in short, this is the standard measure of the performance of a motor), then you can save a lot of money without making compromises with the performance of your vehicle.

Use gasoline with the lowest octane level to save more

Furthermore, I am going to suggest something very simple, which can result in a lot of savings. If you are planning your trips wisely and spend few minutes on contemplating where you should go, before getting in the car, then you can drive less and save from driving on the same way several times.

Did you asked yourself recently about the condition of your car? Because if you don’t, I have some news for you! The maintenance and fuel efficiency go together. One of the best ways to keep the fuel efficiency high is to keep your vehicle always “in shape”.

For instance, on of the most important factors which affect the car’s gasoline consumption is the oil. Indeed, it is a crucial element in minimizing the wear made by the friction of the moving parts in the engine. The key to most efficiently performance is the oil to be as clean as possible. So, it is important to remember when the time to change the oil is.

One of the best to drive fuel efficiently is to keep your vehicle always in good condition

In addition to this it is also substantial to use the right grade of motor oil. This little detail will not only improve your efficiency but also keep your car running effortlessly. For example, if you are utilizing synthetic oil instead of the regular one, this will save you around five percent on gasoline.
Other advantageous change that you can make is to inflate the tires of your car properly. As I’ve said already – it is all about keeping your car in shape. This means that if you are driving without properly inflated tires, your car surely uses more fuel to run. In particular, the air pressure in your tires should be at the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

The air pressure in your tires should be at the manufacturer's recommended levels

At last, but not least I will remind you an interesting fact. Did you know that if you park on shade or use a garage, then your fuel consumption will be lower? Yes, staying under the sun makes your fuel evaporate easier and thus making it far more expensive for you.

Making some adjustments to your vehicle and changing your driving habits will definitely reduce the amount of fuel you put in your gas tank. So make a conscious effort to apply some of the suggested changes, and you’ll definitely benefit in terms of fuel consumption and money savings.

April 14, 2012

The 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Hots and Nots

Last week marked the end of the 82nd Geneva Motor Show – one of the biggest automotive exhibitions in the world.

More than 700,000 visitors feasted their eyes upon the creations of some 260 manufacturers while 11,500 media representatives channeled all there was to channel directly to your screens. It was a vibrant two week marathon of motoring nirvana.

There were ups and downs (mostly ups really), there was music, there was dancing…oh, and cars also.

The scale of the whole event does not allow to sum up everything in a single go and yet, we at Automobilesreview.com decided to give our humble opinion about some of the good, the bad and the ugly.

The Lamborghini Aventador Speedster J

HOT: It’s the lunacy that gets you. Gravely controversial, this topless model caused quite a stir among enthusiasts and observers.

Why wouldn’t it? It’s an Avenatador without a windscreen – first class go-kart experience, an Ariel Atom on steroids.

Despite the fact that any human being would look ridiculous inside (more so after a good trashing), nobody would dare to make a joke about it – the person inside should be, by all accounts, a man of steel.

Tata Megapixel

NOT: It’s got all the right features by the look of things: modern and round and crisp. But, even the name suggests, that it is essentially a big square.

Part of the reason why this is not getting too much attention might be because of the brand. Tata have yet to produce a car that has some aesthetic value.

We get that the idea behind the affordability and the fact that it is ideal for the streets of India but that’s just about it.

It’s too soulless and by looking at those side-sliding doors, original as they might be, we can’t help but thinking of a convenience store.

Peugeot GTI Concept

HOT: You didn’t think we would miss a chance to include a hot hatch, did you? And hot it is this one. Peugeot 208 GTI – an audacious take on an almost thirty year old legend: Peugeot 205 GTI.

How do you stand up to the car that was claimed to be the embodiment of the hot hatch concept? How do you challenge Genesis?

At Peugeot think that an RCZ 200bhp 1.6 turbo engine, a wider-than-standard track and a multitude of handling smarts should do the trick.

We would really like to see that on the streets and chances are, we are not alone in this.

Carlsson Smart forTwo

NOT: Bringing a Smart to an autoshow is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.

Carlsson have made an effort to give this little critter some character but at best, they have given it an orange interior.

Power is up by a few figures – thanks to an ECU upgrade we get 110 bhp which is a lot, considering that the ForTwo weighs less than a lady’s handbag.

But unless you stick to driving it in a straight line, all is in vain we suspect as the ForTwo just doesn’t have the wheelbase for the job. It’s too short and understeery.

Touring Disco Volante

HOT: No. This is not hot. Hot is too much of a vulgar word to describe it.

It’s a celebration of aesthetics, a cobweb of passion and style and curves a blissful incarnation of beauty itself. It’s a history lesson as well – Conceived in the 50s, the 1900 C52 Alfa Romeo “Flying Saucer” had a profile made to last and today, the Carrozzeria Touring Disco Volante is the living proof of that.

It’s a genuine car this and not just a pretty body with no engine in it. The world would be a better place with this on the streets so peace’s sake, let’s hope the motoring future looks like this.

Hyundai i20

NOT: Bland, gray and consumer oriented, this ok family car, with an ok engine and ok quality inside and outside might be the right purchase to make…if one does not care about cars in general and is only interested in going from A to B safely.

You know, Hyundai have a perfectly sensible guarantee policies and… not interested?

No… Understandably you are not, because the i20 will never make your hair on your back stand up.

That is of course, you don’t find yourself driving it on the wrong side of the road with oncoming traffic…while being on fire.

The Geneva Girls

HOT:…definitely.

Let’s face it. What would the show be without some models…next to the models?

A big gear-head convention with people mooning about, calculating power-to-weight ratios and arguing over naught to sixty times.

We are not saying, that the 2012 Geneva Motor Show wasn’t like that, but at the very least, the girls were there to balance things out.

We also like how this particular model is thematically coordinated with the car represented – the Bertone Nuccio concept. All Seems legitimate.

Mia Electric

NOT: Don’t get us wrong. It’s an interesting idea this – a tubular sort of, 3 seated van.

And anything that can offer a McLaren F1 type of driving position makes us tingle with excitement. It’s called the Mia and it looks like a Smart stretch which by itself sounds ironic.

Sadly, this is where the similarities with the F1 end. Strictly for the urban environment, this French-made “Microbus” gets its power from a 13 bhp electric, but hardly electrifying, engine that has a range of around 80 miles.

True, it weighs no more than 810 kg with the batteries on board but that’s courtesy to its plastic body. Label it “hot” and it might melt.

Pininfarina Cambiano Concept

HOT: Much like the Disco Volante, this concept deserves an admirable batch of flattering adjectives.

It’s beautifully styled with clean and simple lines, it has some daring features like that roof over there – no doubt eye candy for all present at the unveiling.

But while the Disco Volante is basically an Alfa 8C Competizione underneath, the Cambiano is an ultra complex plug in hybrid that has electric motors on each wheel and a small diesel turbine that can charge the batteries or provide power by itself.

The overall maximum power output reaches 600 kW with torque being 640 Nm and constantly available. Take it out for a spin and by the time the juice runs out, you’d be 800 km away from home. So, clever and sleek – certainly a pageant winner.

Bentley EXP 9 F Concept

NOT: We are gravely sorry, but Bentley should stick to what they do best – making Continentals.

Just because the world has gone mad-crazy about SUV‘s does not mean that there’s a place for everybody on the market table.

Besides, its not really a looker is it? It looks like a Continental with the aerodynamics taken out – anguliar, upright and awkward.

Also, with those overcomplicated headlights and ridiculous wheels, certainly the EXP 9 F is not doing too much to win our hearts. It may appeal a footballer’s heart but that’s as far as it will go.

Gumpert Apollo Enraged

HOT: This Gumpert Apollo in particuliar is not the melt-my-heart kind of hot (the sheer size of that rear wing is hardly endearing).

It’s more like heartburn type of hot – What you are looking at is a V8 lunatic on the loose, angry and out to get you.

If underestimated, this Griffin will trample over your ego with 780 horses (from a V8!!). But you can guess that by yourself, can’t you? The clues are pretty much in how they called it – the Enraged.

What’s more, you most certainly won’t be looking too hot stuck on a speed bump, but when a ride goes that low, chances are you are going to grind over half the streets in your town. On the plus side, it’s quite probable to be an absolute hit on trackdays, leaving behind Porsches and BMW‘s trailing behind.

March 26, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Rinspeed Dock+Go Mobility System

What is “Dock+GO”? Basically it is the innovative mind of the Rinspeed designers coming into manifestation. In fact, it is backpacks on wheels for electric vehicles. This concept vehicle was is a main attraction at 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It is specifically this third on-demand axle that is the crucial point of the innovative modular mobility system the Rinspeed has developed. The motto of the concept is simple: “Take 3!” and it is all about taking three axels instead of two. However this modification is based on the thinking “but only if you need them”! Moreover these single-axle “packs” can be used in different ways depending on what the driver has to do during the day. In addition they also have an insightful resolution for the so commonly met operating range problem of electric vehicles. The highlight is that neither unneeded space nor superfluous weight is carried along if it is not necessary. What is so special about this concept is that any electrified city speedster could serve as the basis for “Dock+Go”: for example – a two seated smart. In Geneva Rinspeed showcased a rolling “sound pack” equipped with the latest high-end sound solutions in order to guarantee a first class acoustical experience.

In addition, the vehicle includes a unique “energy pack,” fitted with a range extender or additional batteries, powered by a fuel cell or a combustion engine. They provide the crucial extra kilometers to reach more distant destinations. In details, the docked third axle drives the rotating second axle and in doing so also recharges the on-board batteries of the city speedster. In addition, when the pack with auxiliary batteries is docked and the vehicle is not utilized, the pack will even provide electricity to the owner’s private residence or serve as a buffer for the public energy grid.

And how about the exterior of this amazing and mindful project? What catches the eye immediately is the silver paint with a finish that resembles sparkling ice crystals. In addition, the car rides on Goodyear low-rolling-resistance tires in size 205/40-17 mounted on 7.5-inch AEZ rims, whose decorative silver covers are attached to red fasteners with rubber bands. On the other hand the interior is as superb as the exterior. It is all in red and black premium upholstery, which in addition includes strong natural thermoregulation, good insulation and a high capacity for absorbing moisture. Furthermore, the transparent roof and its distinctive grass inlays – as well as a number of other interior materials contribute to the comfort f the vehicle. The view ahead is dominated by a 12.1-inch monitor. It belongs to the multimedia equipment and is part of the intelligent infotainment system developed from Harman. Of course, the platform features the latest integration technologies. The steering wheel is also wrapped in red and black upholstery. In addition, in the concept vehicle are included a recently newly developed high-strength, lightweight door frames. No compromises were made regarding the handling. There is also no need to recharge the car through plugs. Instead the vehicle simply rolls onto an induction field from SEW Eurodrive for non-contact charging.

The project “Dock+Go” is definitely a different concept vehicle. First, the size of the battery and therefore the costs are depend on several factors, drive with high power, or operating range, and the Battery charging strategies. Although it has a small Battery, it has enough power to cover all the daily trips. Secondly, three instead of two axles means six instead of four wheels. No other car includes this. The AEZ engineers’ technical goal was to make the rims as light as possible, in order to set high standards for the efficiency and performance of the vehicle. Third, it is fascinating adaptable vehicle with improved range size. It also offers technical solution for the functioning of interfaces accounts not only for coupling the e-vehicle’s mechanical and electrical equipment by means of energy, space and accessory ‘Packs’, but also connecting to existing infrastructure. Furthermore, a number of innovative business models have been developed for “Dock+Go”. Hence, this concept has the unique potential to significantly reduce existing e-vehicle drawbacks in terms of range and space. In fact, what is more important is that Rinspeed’s “Dock+Go” approach relies on an existing product line – like the Smart for instance – and establishes the best conditions for profitable production in the shortest possible time. This delivers the opportunity to literally “add” the project to any present EV.

Source: Rinspeed

March 14, 2012

Tag: Smart