Cars - Smart Fortwo

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	Cars - Smart Fortwo

The Fortwo is the original Smart model that was launched in 1998 as City Coupe. The name Fortwo was introduced when Smart began to produce new models.

Overview

The car is intended primarily for urban use, is one of the lightest cars in the European market with a weight of 730 kg due to its reinforced steel shell with plastic body panels and by normal standards is considered particularly fuel efficient, averaging 4.7 L/100 km (50 mpg) for the gasoline model and 3.4 L/100 km (69 mpg) for the Diesel. The Smart Fortwo's length of only 2.500 m means that the vehicle may be parked back-in in parallel parking zones. The Fortwo is available with a convertible version (originally City Cabrio, now Fortwo Cabrio), introduced in 2000, and was restyled in 2002. Curiously, the Smart Fortwo has its engine positioned at the rear of the vehicle.

The engine range is composed of only turbocharged three cylinder motors. Originally, the base petrol engine had 600 cc, but displacement was increased to 700 cc along with the restyling. It's available in 37 kW (50 PS) or 45 kW (61 PS) variants. The turbodiesel engine has 800 cc displacement with 30 kW (41 PS). All Smart Fortwo versions have a choice of two different six-speed sequential gearboxes. The car does not have a clutch pedal and uses an electronically controlled clutch instead of a torque converter like an automatic, but the gearbox has to be operated manually to change gears (a computer controlled automatic shifter is also offered).

The car is popular in Europe and Japan. There is a Japan-only variant called the Smart K which is the only non-Japanese car that fulfills the regulations for Keicars. On 26 June 2002, Smart Fortwo was exhibited at the new Museum of Modern Art in Queens, New York for the first time. It is the only model still in production today. Although one of the cars is an exhibit at the (MoMA), the car is not available in the USA. The turbodiesel variant was introduced in Canada as a 2005 model in September 2004 and as of June 2005 Vancouver customers had a six month wait for delivery. These have proven popular in major Canadian cities as light commercial vehicles carrying extensive graphics promoting the owner's business.

Electric vehicle manufacturer plans to import Smart Fortwos from a German dealer and modify them for sale in the United States in 2005.

In September, 2005, Smart President Ulrich Walker announced that a decision on entry of the Smart into the US market would be made before the end of 2005.

Crossblade

In 2002, Smart introduced a limited edition variant of the City Cabrio, called the Crossblade. It was a roadster version without a roof or conventional doors, weighing 740 kg, and powered by a Brabus-tuned engine, developing 52 kW (71 PS) from its 600 cc engine. After Robbie Williams purchased Crossblade number 001, Smart began a marketing association with the British singer, using Williams to promote the brand.

Crosstown

The Crosstown is a prototype based on the Fortwo and presented at IAA Frankfurt in 2005. It is a convertible with a foldable windshield.

Smart in North America

Canada

Image:TorontoSmartLeftRearQuarter.jpg|Convertible
rear quarter Image:TorontoSmartFront.jpg|Front view Image:TorontoSmartRearClose.jpg|Rear view
close Image:TorontoSmartInst.jpg|Tachometer
and clock The Smart Fortwo was introduced in Canada in the 2004 calendar year and sold through Mercedes-Benz dealers. Only the turbo-diesel powerplant is offered as power for the coupe and convertible models because of emmission regulations for the gasoline engines set forth by Transport Canada. Demand has been heavy with up to six month waiting lists in major urban areas in the spring of 2005. The vehicle has been 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. As of March 2006, Smart Canada says that the government is still testing the Forfours for import to Canada.

United States

Smart announced on March 16, 2006 that its Fortwo automobile is ready to be sold in the United States. Previously, Smart cars have not been officially sold in the U.S. by its manufacturer owing to a fear of possible market positioning confusion, Mercedes-Benz wishing to maintain an aura of high priced luxury that enables it to keep profit margins high. Autoweek has suggested September 2006 or 2007 as a possible introduction date for Smart in the USA.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Smart Fortwo ]

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