2009 model

[jrfuisz]

I picked up my Smart from Smart Tysons which is HBL - the US distributor. I was told that '09s will most likely not be released until January/february '09. Of course this all depends on the 70% threshold of reservation to takers being maintained. If more people drop and the list moves quicker, I suspect you'll see '09s earlier. I'd also expect a price change (market adjustment and all) for the '09s. The car will be the same, but in the event of a price change they want to deliver '08s to everyone they've promised '08s to.

I was told a decision was made to bring the diesel in, which I interpreted to mean as a 2010 since I was told no changes for 09. I'm depositing on a diesel as soon as i can.

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by jrfuisz

... I was told a decision was made to bring the diesel in, which I interpreted to mean as a 2010 since I was told no changes for 09. I'm depositing on a diesel as soon as i can.

There is something unique in 2010 about Euro diesels and the U.S.

The EU and the U.S. are both ratcheting up emissions standards incrementally, but they are out of phase. Year 2010 is a year that EU standards will exceed ours before our next step-up in 2011 will close the window again. It may be a one-year shot at this point. But...

... We are still hobbled by the mass of additional hardware needed to make a diesel 50-state compliant. Tough for a very small smart to fit in, and if the EPA remains fixed upon aqueous urea systems, there will be infrastructure problems to deal with the dealer-only urea replenishment.

[Fredvon4]

Fishrdnc

Becuse you followed that particular issue closer then I did..(will never own diesel again..ever)

Perhaps you should do a tech thread in the appropriate forum and explain the EPA standard, and how the various system work and what thier foot print is...

I can add in the current troubels big truck (Ford Chevy Dodge) are having with these changes

FoMoCo is on 5th diesel motor design in 10 years just chasing the EPA standards.. and I might add the the current incarnation is a $6000 option motor that does not get significantly better fuel economy becuse of all the EPA crap it must comply with

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by Fredvon4

Fishrdnc

Becuse you followed that particular issue closer then I did..(will never own diesel again..ever)

Perhaps you should do a tech thread in the appropriate forum and explain the EPA standard, and how the various system work and what thier foot print is...

I can add in the current troubels big truck (Ford Chevy Dodge) are having with these changes

FoMoCo is on 5th diesel motor design in 10 years just chasing the EPA standards.. and I might add the the current incarnation is a $6000 option motor that does not get significantly better fuel economy becuse of all the EPA crap it must comply with

Well, yah, I can do that, but it won't be immediatly. I've got a lot going on right now with the yachting website that I own and co-moderate. But for now, one should not try to wish it into reality; there is a lot to it.

[bobnyuma]

Ya, the reason for getting a diesel has evaporated. Price of fuel, cost of maintaining the engine vs a gas engine and initial price. My truck has been in the shop now twice for injectors. Under warranty, but the truck is now out of warranty and it would be like 3 grand to change the injectors again. The truck is worth now about 12 grand on trade in. No more diesel for me either. I will keep the truck till it dies, paid for now, but never again to buy one unless I need the power.

[Old smart]

bobnyuma,

It is a lot more significant than cost of fuel and maintenence/repair costs. I'll get to it in good time.

[Fredvon4]

bobbynyma... sounds like you and I and thousands others learned some expensive lessons the hard way... fortunatley I got out of my PSD before she was out of warranty...

I love the power of my V10 and when she is working as designed pulling a heavy load the fuel costs make sense...but I freely admit it is a stupid vshicle for commuting in