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DaimlerChrysler
Mercedes Smart ForTwo Hybrid
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DaimlerChrysler's Smart
ForTwo hybrid car is expected to hit U. S. markets in
2007 for the 2008 selling season. The Smart ForTwo hybrid,
a Mercedes-Benz brand two-seater that resembles half of
a standard four-door coupe is being redesigned, though
to meet U. S. crash test and emissions standards.
DaimlerChrysler's Smart
ForFour hybrid car is being dropped from the line-up in
order that the company may focus on rolling out this city
car to the U. S. as a gas-sipping 60 mpg (diesel version
98 mpg) respite from high oil prices.
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The DaimlerChrysler Smart ForTwo hybrid was developed as a
micro-compact city car for use in European towns where tight
parking spaces are required. A little longer than 8-feet in
length, a couple of Smart ForTwo's will fit in the size of conventional
parking spaces for one car.
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DaimlerChrysler Mercedes Smart ForTwo
Hybrid Mini Car |
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The Smart cars were originally developed by Swiss watch-maker,
Swatch as fun, sporty vehicles for young people and nicknamed
"Swatchmobiles" (SMART stands for Swatch Mercedes
ART). Swatch joined with Daimler-Benz in 1994 and eventually
pulled out of the deal, leaving Daimler-Chrysler with the
line-up of Smart cars.
DaimlerChrysler Mercedes Smart ForTwo uses a different
engine and hybrid system as its companion vehicle the Smart
Crosstown hybrid concept, which is not expected to rollout
in the U. S. anytime soon. The Smart ForTwo has a 61 hp
three-cylinder gasoline rear mounted engine and 20 kw electric
motor delivering a mild hybrid system that also contains
a belt-driven starter-generator and stop-start functionality.
The nickel metal hydride battery is stored underneath the
driver's seat. The Smart ForTwo also uses a sequential 6-speed
transmission. There are two modes that can be selected by
the driver: Standard and Fun. With Standard mode, the two
power sources work together to compute the most efficient
method to travel. In Fun mode, the gasoline engine receives
a boost from the electric motor for better performance.
There is currently, no regenerative braking feature on the
Smart ForTwo.
The Smart ForTwo offers a Tridion hemispherical, steel
safety shell, electronic stabilization program and at a
little less than 1,600 lbs. its one of the lightest hybrid
cars ever made. It will be very interesting to see, from
a marketing perspective, how well this small European hybrid
car does in regards to U. S. sales. Then again, many did
not give the Mini Cooper much of a chance, either when it
rolled out and look how well it's doing now.
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