And, more new smart news... (new Forfour?)

[rfernatt]

Not so crazy about this one. If it's just a knockoff of an existing steel uni-body, front engine, FWD small car, what's the point?

Autocar - Merc/Renault in Smart tie-up

Mercedes-Benz is set to join forces with Renault in a deal that would provide its Smart division with a contemporary front-engined, front-wheel-drive platform as the basis for a frugal new Forfour model. The new Smart, due out in 2013, is planned to sit on a lightly modified version of the Renault Twingo’s underpinnings, complete with a 2370mm wheelbase.

As with the first-generation Forfour, developed in co-operation with Mitsubishi and launched in 2004, the second model will also have a five-door hatchback design.

At the heart of plans for the new Forfour is also a plug in electric version. Nothing’s official just yet, but it could include technology being developed by Renault’s owned Nissan, which is close to introducing its own plug in electric model, the Leaf.

Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche is planning to announce the collaboration with Renault at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show, where he is also expected to reveal further details about the future of the Smart brand. It is expected to grow its line-up to encompass at least three new models by the middle of the next decade.

Photo of Renault Twingo:

[John_H]

Smart cut its Fourfour and Roadster offerings because they weren't paying the bills. Now they intend to introduce several new models?

Doesn't makes sense.

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by John_H

Smart cut its Fourfour and Roadster offerings because they weren't paying the bills. Now they intend to introduce several new models?

Doesn't makes sense.

Expanding the line-up, to a degree, does make some sense. smart cut those models during the 'Jurassic Era' when SUVs and trucks ruled the planet and the bulk of Prius sales were made to "treehuggers" or celebrities. After the Extinction Level Event of $4 gas and a global economic downturn, people are rethinking things. Small efficient cars, electric drivetrains, etc. are now in vogue.

As the other article said, "Mercedes is reacting to increased competition from Toyota in the form of the iQ and the impending arrival of similar urban-based offerings from premium rivals Audi and BMW."

I'm just not sure I'd call this new forfour much of an improvement, it if doesn't have smart DNA. I'm thinking more like Cadillac Cimarron. If that's how it turns out, then it will be a disaster. You can't just slap the smart logo on a brand X and expect people to snap it up without some compelling, distinctive, reason.

[forestacademy]

Thats what Saturn did, and look where it got them.

Originaly an Original Line, eventualy it became a showroom of "also branded" GM cars

[tabevan2052]

GM? You mean Obama/UAW motors?

The problem with the car makers is they GROW their products as time goes by. i.e. Ford Thunderbird , Scion xB , Dodge Caravan and not last , but look at the size of pickups/vans/SUVs! This is only a partial list of American makers.

Leave the little beasties alone. They are great little cars for their applications.

The only changes I would suggest are cruise control and a clutch peddle form the factory.....

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by rfernatt

Expanding the line-up, to a degree, does make some sense. smart cut those models during the 'Jurassic Era' when SUVs and trucks ruled the planet and the bulk of Prius sales were made to "treehuggers" or celebrities. After the Extinction Level Event of $4 gas and a global economic downturn, people are rethinking things. Small efficient cars, electric drivetrains, etc. are now in vogue.

As the other article said, "Mercedes is reacting to increased competition from Toyota in the form of the iQ and the impending arrival of similar urban-based offerings from premium rivals Audi and BMW."

I'm just not sure I'd call this new forfour much of an improvement, it if doesn't have smart DNA. I'm thinking more like Cadillac Cimarron. If that's how it turns out, then it will be a disaster. You can't just slap the smart logo on a brand X and expect people to snap it up without some compelling, distinctive, reason.

Extinction Level Event! Seriously, how can they badge this as a smart without a Tridion cell? From the picture, I can't spot one if it's there.

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by Smart Enuf

Seriously, how can they badge this as a smart without a Tridion cell? From the picture, I can't spot one if it's there.

That's the problem. A "lightly modified" Twingo would just be a badge engineered job sans the Tridion safety cell, interchangeable plastic body panels, rear engine layout, panoramic roof, comprehensive safety features - in short, everything that makes a smart, a smart. The smart DNA would be absent from this vehicle as the article is written.

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by rfernatt

That's the problem. A "lightly modified" Twingo would just be a badge engineered job sans the Tridion safety cell, interchangeable plastic body panels, rear engine layout, panoramic roof, comprehensive safety features - in short, everything that makes a smart, a smart. The smart DNA would be absent from this vehicle as the article is written.

Maybe they can just call it the "Bright" or "B Student?"

[Big Panda]

smart? I don't see it....

[Godfather]

Money talks, after all......... to quote our former police chief, "It's not about safety, it's about money"