Q & A questions for Mr. Dave Schembri at the Midwest Rally

[jimvw57]

On my Pure, to release the tailgate (not the glass) there are levers on either side that have to be tripped to open the tailgate (2 hands). doing one at a time doesn't work.

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by jimvw57

doing one at a time doesn't work.

...it does work...it just takes practice...

jetfuel

[Neonspinnazz]

Did I miss something?

At the 2009 Chicago Auto Show I was able to open the tailgate with 1 hand...

But I still don't know how to close the glass...

[jimvw57]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

...it does work...it just takes practice...

jetfuel

I end up doing the right side, left side, then right side again. even reversing it, I still end up with 3 lever trips. Must be just me.

[RBsmart]

Great topic SharkDog...


1) Will Smart ever add the Yellow panels back in the lineup? 1 vote
2) Will we see better warranties that fall in line with all the other manufacturers in the industry? 1 vote
3) When is the earliest we will be able to reserve the smart ED?
4) When, if ever, will we get a diesel smart?
5) When, if ever, will a factory cruise control be available? How much?
6) When, if ever, will the mhd or gas turbo be available?
7) Is there a final fix for the gearshift problems (stuck in P, can't find R, etc.)?
8) Will smart offer other wheel/tire options?
9) Not really a question, but small requested factory features/changes that would make a difference: cargo area lighting, quieter purge valve, single-handed/one control release for the tailgate, USB-port equipped Premium stereo, Premium stereo able to read WMA files, seat-back reclining control on outside of seats, seat belt height adjusters and less finicky belts (grab too easily), variably intermittent wipers and a more 'compliant' wiper stalk control, rear hatch handle.
10) upgraded trip computer for MPG and other measures? 2 votes
11) Will we get a fix for the gas gauge problem (registering 7/8 when filled)? 2 votes
12) A real gear shifter and clutch pedal? 1 vote

[Old smart]

I would like to see an option to replace the redundant pod clock with a combination water temperature/oil pressure gauge, preferably analog like the tach.

[Periclaws]

Originally Posted by Old smart

I would like to see an option to replace the redundant pod clock with a combination water temperature/oil pressure gauge, preferably analog like the tach.

ditto plus turbo for the states,when?

[Neonspinnazz]

Plus 1 for turbo!

How about bringing the forfour and/or a redesigned roadster to the states?

[SmartieParts]

Originally Posted by jimvw57

When do we get the Roadster??

The Roadster was discontinued a couple years ago now... so I'd imagine "never" or "when you import a used one" would be the answers. once upon a time I heard the rights to the design were sold to a different (UK?) company but I'm not really sure.

Originally Posted by jimvw57

I end up doing the right side, left side, then right side again. even reversing it, I still end up with 3 lever trips. Must be just me.

I've had my 451 smart since Oct '07 and I still need 3 lever trips to get it If I *REALLY* think about it first I can do it. Trip the first one and pull on the tailgate somewhat then do the other one and you shood be good.

[Neonspinnazz]

Are there any plans for new models in the near future, like the crosstown, a smart utility vehicle, or any other amazing efficient vehicle you could surprise the U.S. with?

If there are I don't think he'd release them to the public.