2009 model

[mini me]

I emailed smart usa about when the 09 models would be ready to configure and if a diesel version would be coming out. Below is the response I received.

Dear smart Enthusiast, Thank you for your interest in smart USA. All manufacturers undergo model year changes in the third or fourth quarter of each calendar year. Unfortunately at this time we would not have information for the 2009 smart fortwo model. When information for the 2009 smart fortwo becomes available it will be posted on our website www.smartusa.com. smart USA does have plans to bring the smart fortwo diesel model to US, though details have yet to be finalized. As more information becomes available it will be posted on our website www.smartusa.com. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us via email or by phone at 1.800.smartUSA. Thank you for your interest in smart USA. You will be hearing from us soon! Jamie Thompson Customer Service 1.800.smartUSA www.smartusa.com Add to Contacts:
1.800.smartUSA

Call using Yahoo! Messenger

[JPaul]

What I've been told by Smartville's Representative is that we won't see diesel in 09. Neither "mhd" nor "cdi" are slated for the american market soon, though both are high on smart's priorities, especially the latter.

Furthermore, higher than expected demand for "Brabus" in Europe will also prevent its introduction stateside in the near future.

Remember that ultimate decisions are made by Daimler AG in Stuttgart. A shift of market's priorities is always possible any time.

Sorry to be so negative... I hope I am wrong, I hope my source is wrong. Wait for late summer's official news... unless I'm given more informations earlier. I will keep you posted when warranted, even if I'm busy enjoying the smart that is sea sick as I type.

[mini me]

I would really like to have a diesel. Probably hope against all hope that they will bring one in 09.

Hope springs eternal:-)

[JetJazz]

Has there been any word on the Brabus being offered in the U.S.?

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by JetJazz

Has there been any word on the Brabus being offered in the U.S.?

As I wrote above in #2...

Originally Posted by JPaul

Furthermore, higher than expected demand for "Brabus" in Europe will also prevent its introduction stateside in the near future.

[Dunerunner]

Originally Posted by mini me

I would really like to have a diesel. Probably hope against all hope that they will bring one in 09.

Hope springs eternal:-)

I am a 1556 and have not configured. Didn't know that a diesel was that much better than the petrol engine. I'm aware they have a longer lifespan
but the power issue is one that I have an issue with. I remember the older diesel VW products that had trouble getting out of their own way. They scream when turboed or supercharged. I kind of think the milage should be about the same 36-42mpg and at $4.20/gal for diesel...well maybe I just don't get the advantage?

[jwight]

From the smart France site:

Le moteur turbodiesel cdi de 0,8 l affiche 33 kW (consommation en l/100 km, cycle mixte[1] : 3,3, émissions de CO2, cycle mixte, en g/km[1] : 88).

3.3 l/100km = 71.277 mpg

[Dunerunner]

Wow!! 71+ mpg is significant! What does 33kw convert to in hp? Sounds like an additional $4000 though. Injector pump, fuel management computer, pre-heat systems, etc.

[stuberman]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

Wow!! 71+ mpg is significant! What does 33kw convert to in hp? Sounds like an additional $4000 though. Injector pump, fuel management computer, pre-heat systems, etc.

The 33 kW engine is 45 hp.
As for pricing in Europe the difference is about $1,500 (1,000 Euros) more for CDI compared to the 71 hp model.

[jwight]

BTW, that "cycle mixte" consumption is what we would call combined city/highway. So theorhetically the cdi could do better on straight highway mileage if I understand the Euro mileage testing system.