speed_staff's avatar
Author:
SPEED Staff
Login For More
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
SPEEDtv.com Store
Grand National:America's Golden Age of Motorcycle Racing, by Joe Scalzo
Joe Scalzo’s book captures the spirit of the Golden Age of motorcycle racing.
Our Price: $39.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
The book examines the sport of stock car racing through the eyes and ears of the men behind the wheel and the wrenches.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Unisex Sandwich Cap
Unisex Velcro back hat with SPEED logo on front. PINKS logo embroidered on left and PAO logo on right. One size fits all.
Our Price: $24.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Speedway T-shirt
Men's 6 oz. 100% Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve Tee. SPEED logo imprinted on the front center chest.
Our Price: $24.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
Ferrari Red Classic Hat
100% cotton twill. Ferrari shield embroidered on front, piping on the peak and Ferrari logo embroidered on back strap adjuster.
Our Price: $30.00 ($27.00 Member)
Visit Button
Buy Button
Footer Bg
  • Zoom More Photos Button
  • Camera Icon
101 Cars: smart fortwo
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
08/01/2008
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
Conceived as fashionable city cars, they are a blast to drive in that environment: small, zippy, and easy to drive and park, with sensational fuel economy. (Photo: Diamler Global Media) ยป More Photos

It was a whimsical notion: Automotive titan Daimler-Benz and Swatch, maker of inexpensive fashion watches, teaming up to build inexpensive fashion cars. The joint venture was formed in 1994, and the first smart car, the city coupe (later renamed the fortwo) was launched in 1998. A convertible version followed a few years later. The smart was a clean-sheet design and makes use of a unique skeletal chassis that's very strong for its weight. Engines are mounted low and in the back of the car. But what allows the smart to steal any show is its outrageous shape and smiley face; most are finished in bright colors, they lend themselves to customizing the personalization, and they make the cutest pizza delivery vehicles. Conceived as fashionable city cars, they are a blast to drive in that environment: small, zippy, and easy to drive and park, with sensational fuel economy. The smart feels a little small on Europes's autobahns and American interstates, but that not its ideal environment. Performance depends upon the engine option you choose, but the turbocharged versions are reasonably quick. like a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes, a smart is a cool urban fashion statement.

Specifications
Engine: 799-cc turbo-diesel inline three
Horsepower: 40
0-60 mph: 18 seconds
Top Speed: 84 miles per hour
Price New: $15,000-$20,000, depending upon model and powertrain
Value Now: Used smarts sell in Europe beginning at $5,000
smart fortwo Photos



Claim to Fame

CLAIM TO FAME: Proving that cheap and economical can be done with miles of style


Soundtrack

SOUNDTRACK: The theme from the movie The Da Vinci Code. Lead character Sophie Neveu drives one throughout the film.


Perfect Passenger

PERFECT PASSENGER: The fashionable Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City


Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW: An early version failed a European car magazine's "moose avoidance" test, sparking a fury that the smart was a poor-handling car. Standard stability control and larger wheels and tires calmed the issue before it put smart out of business.


The Perfect Drive

THE PERFECT DRIVE: Given the above noted references, either around Manhattan or Paris. That's what city cars are for.



Read the REVIEW and Get Your Copy of 365 Cars You Must Drive

Catch 101 Cars You Must Drive on SPEED! Monday nights at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT.
Check out the 101 Cars Countdown!

How smart or dumb is the smart fortwo? Share your thoughts below.

View All Comments