- Smart and chemical engineering giant BASF have teamed up on the Smart Forvision concept that is bound for the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
- The Smart Forvision showcases such futuristic advances as all-plastic wheels, exterior paint that can reduce heat within the cockpit by up to 4 degrees Celsius on a hot day and a transparent glass roof with photovoltaic cells.
- Daimler says that some of the features on the Forvision "have a realistic chance of entering series production."
FRANKFURT, Germany — The Smart Forvision concept bound for the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show showcases such futuristic advances as all-plastic wheels, exterior paint that can reduce heat within the cockpit by up to four degrees Celsius on a hot day and a transparent glass roof with photovoltaic cells.
It is the brainchild of Daimler and chemical engineering giant BASF.
The Smart Forvision is unlikely to see the light of day, but Daimler said in a statement released on Thursday that some of the features on the city car "have a realistic chance of entering series production."
A new Smart Fortwo model is expected to debut in the coming years and may feature some of the items on the Forvision.
The main themes of the concept are energy efficiency, lightweight design and temperature management.
The photovoltaic cells on the roof can generate enough energy to power the car's multimedia system and three climate-control fans, said Daimler in a statement. Organic light-emitting diodes are located under the solar cells and light the interior when the door is opened.
Daimler says the all-plastic wheels are "suitable for high-volume production." The wheels can save nearly a total of 28 pounds on the vehicle compared with conventional alloy rims. The Smart Forvision's doors are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin, a composite material that also contributes significantly to weight reduction.
Other details include faceted side doors and jetlike rear lights inspired by aircraft turbines. Inside the lights, small propellers convey the air from inside to the outside. The white special-effect exterior paint has glass flakes to reflect light from the sun and keep the cabin cool.
The cabin gets new, lightweight seats and a white steering wheel designed to look like an aircraft yoke.
Inside Line says: Look beneath the surface of the Smart Forvision for the real message — which is all about using chemical engineering to make strides in energy efficiency and lightweight design.
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qdp says:
03:46 PM, 09/05/2011
The interior design is like that of a bathroom
gmhl10 says:
10:57 PM, 09/04/2011
Is it just me... or does the interior screen make it look almost like an Xbox 360???
peartree1 says:
01:08 PM, 09/04/2011
Can I just get a flippin' manual transmission already? In this or the iQ?
k55 says:
10:48 AM, 09/04/2011
"chutchcraft says:
10:56 AM, 09/03/2011
Cool looking and probably a good replacement for the current fortwo . Still not going to be enough to increase sales in the USA. There are cars that get better fuel mpg, have a better transmission and cost less. The killing of the ForFour in the USA was a mistake IMO."
Emphasis is apparently on "IMO" double clutch and TTbuyer. I love this type of comment from someone worried more on pontificating than making sense. The car is not even out yet . Did you ever think that the new one will be improved over the existing version? I am not a fan of the Four2 but jeez Louise ,it doesnt take a Pizza Hut Delivery Analyst to know that they themselves know they have to improve the existing version .......and with 90% possibility they likely will.
chestnut45 says:
08:12 AM, 09/04/2011
I love my Smart car. I bought it for an around town car and it is great for that. I fill it up once a month. It has great visibility, carries tons of stuff, has lots of spead on our hills. I'd get another down the road.
chutchcraft says:
10:56 AM, 09/03/2011
Cool looking and probably a good replacement for the current fortwo . Still not going to be enough to increase sales in the USA. There are cars that get better fuel mpg, have a better transmission and cost less. The killing of the ForFour in the USA was a mistake IMO.
damaje says:
12:18 AM, 09/03/2011
Very cartoonish like the for2 but better looking all the same. If Daimler wants smart to ever make it money it needs to rethink the brand in its entirety, still off small city cars but at least expand the range to include something the size of a 500 and a mini, in addition to a totally new transmission and way better fuel economy not requiring premium. I can get a much more comfortable Versa with a huge backseat, that is just as ugly, and way more practical, the only sacrafice would be a few mpgs but at least it would take regular which is 20 cents less a gallon.
ttbuyer says:
07:14 PM, 09/02/2011
Smart is dead in the USA...the Scion iQ will kill it.
goaterguy says:
01:33 PM, 09/02/2011
That's all fine and dandy with the plastics and the temps but as a city car, can it do better than 33 mpg city, that's what the current Smart does.
greenpony says:
10:16 AM, 09/02/2011
In other news, M-B is hiring Nintendo, Apple, and Playskool to design interiors for its Smart division.