- The Smart Forspeed concept, an electric two-seater without a roof or side windows, is previewed ahead of its debut at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show.
- Smart says don't worry about the elements — the cabin is waterproof.
- The concept, which harks back to the quirky Smart Crossblade concept, is said to signal a new design direction for the brand.
- The shape is the key takeaway here, as a sort of Smart-on-steroids look appears to be in the cards.
GENEVA — The Smart Forspeed concept, a bulky-looking electric two-seater without a roof or side windows, will make its debut at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show. The concept, which harks back to the quirky Smart Crossblade concept, hints at the design direction of the next-generation Smart Fortwo.
The shape — as opposed to the goofy waterproof details — is the key takeaway here, as future Smart Fortwo vehicles may look like dune buggies on steroids.
The Forspeed concept is powered by a lithium-ion battery and has an 84-mile range. Smart says the Forspeed accelerates from zero to 37 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a top speed of 75 mph. An unusual feature is a button in the center console that activates a "boost function" which provides an extra spurt of power for a "short time" and helps with acceleration.
One detail expected to make it into production: honeycomb-pattern holes in the front and rear bumpers that serve as air inlets and outlets. In addition to passing on a roof or side windows, Smart designers have also eliminated the exterior door handles on the concept. "An interior grip is all that is needed to open the door," Smart said in a statement.
The white exterior paint job is carried into the concept's cabin. Upscale touches include leather seats and steering wheel.
While the Smart Forspeed doesn't have a roof, it does come with a tonneau cover.
"A downpour will not lead to any serious problems," said Smart. "Water drainage channels in the vehicle floor ensure that water is channeled outside. The seat surfaces also have water drainage channels and all interior equipment has a waterproof coating for fun behind the wheel regardless of the weather."
Inside Line says: A beefier Smart Fortwo may be in the works. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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jscion says:
04:29 PM, 02/23/2011
OK, what new design direction does this signal for Smart exactly??? The concept and the look are VERY close to what they are today. Small cars a great, but there is such a thing as TOO SMALL!!
madmallard says:
08:30 AM, 02/23/2011
is it just me, or doesn't it look like an electric razor?
delraylocal says:
08:14 AM, 02/23/2011
I could see this working in busy downtowns near the beach.
Thats it though.
I personally like it, but just as an alternative to the street golf carts that are driven in my neighborhood.
juan_mx says:
05:59 AM, 02/23/2011
Another one that Mattel should offer for their dolls next Christmas.
smallfield says:
04:27 AM, 02/23/2011
Come on - It's kinda cute.
Obviously not a "guys car" but looks like a bug convertible alternative for that buying segment (women 20-30s)
scottyscooter says:
04:23 AM, 02/23/2011
hilarious!
dgs4 says:
12:10 AM, 02/23/2011
Quite possibly the ugliest, most ridiculous concept car I have ever seen.
I know Smart sold a lot of cars to the early adapters (or as I like to think of them, suckers) but I hardly them things on the road, and when I do think to myself, "what a pointless car, my Honda Fit probably gets close to the real world mileage of a Smart, it looks better, it's safer, it's more comfortable, it's a lot more convenient, and it's still small enough to be a great city car." Plus of course the Fit runs on regular unleaded. While I would love to see people in this country move out of their huge gas sucking SUV's and pickup trucks (won't happen till gas is over $5 a gallon), a Smart is just too small and uncessary.
gtrguy2012 says:
11:46 PM, 02/22/2011
"bursts of power" how much like .0098 hp? Scrawny cars for losers.
angry_mushroom says:
10:52 PM, 02/22/2011
If smart is gonna sell small crappy cars why not sell amusing looking crappy cars? I'm for it. I can't see the crushing hopelessness of people who bought the hardtop.
ttbuyer says:
09:37 PM, 02/22/2011
Ghastly. The Scion iQ is going to kill the "Smart" brand. Good riddance.