Smart Roadster Concept Heading to 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Remember the patent designs of a topless, two-seat Smart model that we first showed you back in December, 2010? Well, according to Carscoop sources, the drawings are of a concept speedster model that will make its world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 1.

We also learned the concept is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, and that while Smart's parent company Mercedes-Benz has no plans to create a production version of the speedster-like model, key styling cues such as the headlamp and grille designs will pass on to the next generation Smart cars like the new Fortwo and the upcoming 5-door variant.

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ALL-ELECTRIC SMART FORTWO SMAT USA CAR

The Smart Fortwo electric drive will be available in New York City starting December 15 through Hertz's car sharing program. San Fransisco and Washington DC will follow shortly after, with more cities to be added later next year.
smart is the producer of one of the most economical and environmentally-friendly vehicles sold anywhere in the world - the smart fortwo.
smart continues its commitment to the environment with the introduction of the smart fortwo electric drive. This vehicle further demonstrates the pioneering spirit of the smart brand. This zero emissions plug-in vehicle will offer full electric drive with no compromise in the configuration of the exterior of the smart fortwo.

As the first step of its electric drive program, smart has been running 100 demonstration vehicles in the United Kingdom since 2007. The series production of the smart fortwo electric drive has now started with 1,000 vehicles, which will be run in both Europe- starting by the end of 2009- and the United States- starting in the second half of 2010 in several cities. The series production in large numbers will start for model year 2012 vehicles, which can be bought in all smart centers.

The smart fortwo electric drive will be equipped with a 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery powering a 30 kW motor positioned over the rear drive wheels. The battery can be charged with either 100V or 220V systems and will require between 3.5 and 8 hours of charging time, depending on the voltage used and the starting state of the battery charge. An 85 mile range is anticipated.

Electric drive cars hold the promise of lower operating cost due to the simplicity of their drive motors and other running gear. The addition of plug-in electric drive makes the smart fortwo an even stronger statement as an urban transportation solution.

smart USA does not have information regarding vehicle price at this time.

Additional smart fortwo electric drive press information will be available in the second half of 2010.

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Smart Fortwo

Smart Fortwo car picture

Smart Fortwo car photo

Smart Fortwo car image

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