It's official ladies and gentlemen - just four days after the first photos of the next smart fortwo began their trek across the internet, DaimlerChrysler today has officially taken the wraps off their new model, finally revealing to the world what to expect from the stylish, incredibly fuel-efficient micro-car.

What's the best way to describe the new smart fortwo?  "The new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but better" says DaimlerChrysler, and looking at the specs, I'd have to agree.

To begin with, there's the styling.  Slightly larger; slightly more masculine; slightly more refined; all while maintaining the characteristics that made the original smart such a success.  Gone are the odd three-tiered tail lights, replaced by a simpler two-lights set.  An increase in length of 19.5 centimeters adds cargo capacity as well as driver and passenger comfort.  An updated interior which includes a new instrument panel offers a revised-yet-still characteristically smart driving environment.

Then, there's the power.  When it launches in April of 2007, the new smart fortwo will feature three re-engineered, uprated petrol engines:  a 45kW, 61bhp variant; a 52kW, 71 bhp variant; and a 62kW, 84bhp variant; as well as a 33kW, 45 bhp diesel variant.  All engines are linked to a re-engineered automated manual five-speed transmission from Getrag, with the petrol models noting a maximum speed of 90mph - an increase of 6mph over the previous models. 

And finally, while it's true the added power of the next fortwo is nice, the smart's true strength lies in the incredible fuel consumption it's capable of achieving.  With each petrol model boasting fuel consumption better than five liters per 100km (47mpg) and the diesel cdi model achieving fuel consumption of less than 3.5 liters per 100km (67mpg), the new models easily live up to their fuel efficient billing. 

Believe it or not, that's just the beginning. Starting at the end of 2007, customers interested in the 52kW smart variant will also have the option of adding a starter generator, the result of which is even greater fuel savings.   By automatically switching the vehicle's engine off when stopped (such as at a traffic light) and automatically re-starting the engine the moment the accelerator is pushed, the starter generator is capable of achieving an additional fuel savings of up to 13 percent in city traffic.

Beautiful.

So to sum it up: it looks better; it's faster; it's more fuel efficient; and did we mention, it will cost the same as the previous models?

What more can you ask for?

But enough talk; you want to see it, so see it ye shall. Keep scrolling to view photos of both the standard and cabriolet smart models, followed by the official press release detailing the entire smart lineup.

Enjoy.

















































OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


At a glance: The new smart fortwo - even more smart fortwo

Stuttgart, Nov 09, 2006
To get straight to the point: the new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but even better. This means that the new smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more ecological than its predecessor.

The changed running gear and the slightly larger body make the smart fortwo even more comfortable. The active and passive safety have been further improved. The new drive engineering provides for even more agility and driving fun and also makes the new smart fortwo even more ecological.

The design has been skillfully further developed and gives the new smart fortwo a fresh, more masculine appearance. And yet it retains its unmistakable character: you can always tell a smart fortwo at first sight - by its striking tridion safety cell that is also one of the main safety features, and by the innovative plastic bodypanels that are extremely practical into the bargain.

Engines: powerful, clean, economical

The smart fortwo will be launched in April 2007 with reengineered uprated petrol engines. The three cylinder engine has capacity of one litre and delivers 45 kW, 52 kW or 62 kW (61 bhp, 71 bhp or 84 bhp). The engine power of the smart fortwo cdi has increased by ten percent and now stands at 33 kW (45 bhp).

All engines are linked to an automated manual five-speed transmission from Getrag that has also been reengineered. The petrol versions now have a maximum speed of 145 km/h - 10 km/h more than the predecessor model.

Still smart – inside and out

The dimensions have increased as against the first generation. The 19.5 centimetre increase in length benefits pedestrians, rear impact protection and especially ride comfort.

The luggage compartment can hold 220 litres – 70 litres more than before – and when loaded to the roof there is space for up to 340 litres (a further 80 litres). The new smart fortwo also features the familiar twin-section tailgate. The lower section can be used as a little platform and facilitates loading and unloading.

Like the exterior, it goes without saying that the interior of the smart fortwo remains truly smart. Typical smart characteristics include the external-mounted air vents and additional dials, the large, fabric-covered areas on doors and instrument panel, the safety seats with integral seat belts and last but not least the ignition lock behind the shift lever.

The observer immediately notices that the instrument panel is no longer curved in an S-shape towards the passenger side but is now straight. This is partly to comply with US crash regulations. Nevertheless – and perhaps because of this – the new smart fortwo offers a unique feeling of spaciousness.

Safety at the highest level

The high level of passive safety has been further improved. Internal crash tests have shown that the smart fortwo will be at the level of four EuroNCAP stars.

And that’s not all: as the new smart fortwo will be sold in the USA from 2008 it also complies with the strict American crash regulations.

Likewise, new regulations concerning pedestrian protection have been implemented in the front section. Furthermore, new head/thorax side airbags offering extensive protection in the event of a side crash are available as an option.

Exceedingly low consumption

The outstanding economy of the smart fortwo is underlined by further optimisations. Despite the greater engine power, the petrol versions consume less than five litres of fuel over 100 km.

The smart fortwo with a starter generator that will be available from the end of 2007 and will be based on the 52 kW petrol version, promises further savings of up to 13 percent in city traffic.

This has particular advantages when driving in urban areas and frequent stop-and-go traffic: the three-cylinder engine automatically switches off when the car stops at traffic lights, for example. It starts again as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

The new smart fortwo cdi consumes even less fuel. The diesel engine in the predecessor model already had the lowest consumption of its class and the new smart fortwo also achieves "three litre" status (corresponds to consumption of less than 3.5 litres/100 km under standard conditions) with emissions of just 90 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Alternative drives are also possible and the new smart fortwo has been designed to allow for quick implementation of natural gas or electric drive concepts – as soon as there is a demand for these new drive systems and they become economically viable.

smart fortwo cabrio with an electric soft top

The smart fortwo cabrio's electric soft top is a further example of the enhanced comfort. It is now fully automatic and can be infinitely adjusted to any position. This means that the rear part, too, can be opened to the final position and closed again at the touch of a button.

Unique: the smart fortwo doesn't have to be stationary for this – the soft top can be opened and closed at any driving speed. Furthermore, the roof bars can be removed and stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate. The soft top offers further added comfort and safety with the heated rear window made of glass.

Equipment variants pure, pulse and passion, BRABUS variant

The equipment lines continue to go by the names of pure, pulse and passion. Whereas the basic pure version has a plastic roof, the pulse and passion feature a transparent, high-strength panoramic roof made of polycarbonate. Fans of the BRABUS variant also have something to look forward to: the introduction of an uprated BRABUS variant is planned for autumn 2007.

Extensive range of standard equipment and options

The most important standard features include the tridion safety cell, front airbags, seat belts with belt tensioners and belt-force limiters and safety seats with integral seat belts. Further features that are unique in the standard spec of vehicles in this class include esp, abs and an integrated brake assist.

Further excerpts from the long list of standard equipment: H7 headlights featuring projection technology, central locking with radio remote control, folding driver and passenger seat backrests that can be adjusted with a notch lever, an exterior temperature indicator, comfort windscreen wipers with speed-sensitive interval wiping and indicators with lanechanger function.

The smart fortwo can be individualised and tailored to customer requirements with a wide range of extras. These include head/thorax side airbags, air conditioning (standard for passion), electric power steering, heated seats, alloy wheels (standard for pulse and passion), leather seats, Isofix child seat fastener, a high quality audio system with a CD changer for 6 CDs and a sound system featuring a subwoofer and an MP3 interface.

Furthermore, a portable navigation system that can be integrated in the car is available. Voice instructions are given via the loudspeakers of the stereo system. Further options that are often only found in high-end cars include a light and rain sensor and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

Hambach: exemplary modular production and protection of the environment

The smart fortwo is produced in the French town of Hambach. System partners on site deliver pre-assembled modules straight to the production line. The production process has been optimised and the production time reduced from 9.5 hours to 8 hours. The whole final assembly, which only took 4.5 hours for the predecessor model, now takes just 3.5 hours.

Great importance is given to protection of the environment in Hambach. Only water-soluble, solvent-free base coats are used for the smart fortwo's plastic bodypanels.

The tridion safety cell is powder coated and no solvents are needed here, either. The solid colour bodypanels in the colours black, white and yellow are fully recyclable.

Same price level as the previous model

The basic price for the new smart fortwo will stay at the level of the predecessor model. The diesel variant, too, will remain an inexpensive "three litre" car that will continue the great success of its predecessor. Likewise, the new smart fortwo cabrio will continue to be by far the cheapest production cabriolet available worldwide.

Copyright © 2006, DaimlerChrysler AG