Got mine last night - second delivered from HBL (Virginia - Smart's distributor). So far so good.
The info I got - Brabus parts are coming within a year. Diesel was given the go ahead. We should get it as a 2010 model (my guess). 2009 models will be the same as 2008 or should be. They will probably run 2008 models into Jan 2009 and introduce 2009s late. They need to deliver the existing orders as 2008s. Also saves them the trouble of dealing with option changes or price increases for people with existing orders. The add-ons will be in soon (mats etc.) HBL will run a club with meets every 3 months. They are also looking into panel swaps etc. and hope to have those in shortly for people wanting to change colors etc. After March, you will be able to pick the dealer you want your car delivered through. Think that was it.
You'll see my Smart in and out of downtown DC. Blue with the Black frame. Very good looking. I have some extra brochures so if you see me and want one - just ask. I only grabbed a few though.
So far so good. Transmission clearly has distributor concerned as they have a mandatory test drive as part of the delivery to make sure people know how a manual (with automatic clutch) drives. I think they are worried people will think something is wrong with it not realizing it is a manual transmission with an automatic clutch. It is smooth if you drive it correctly. I found the manual shifting option is the easiest. The "D" option catches me out sometimes when it makes that 1-2 shift. Reminds me of a slower DSG. It is very nice though - no complaints here. No more jerky at times than a poorly driven Cavalino with an F1 transmission - OK maybe a bit more but on par for the price.
On the highway, no problem at 65 and cruising around 495 with the big guys. Solid. I am use to running a motorcycle in DC and on the highways here so my tolerance for getting close to big rigs may be a tad more than someone coming at this from a pure car background. The electric damping on the steering caught me out because it gets very firm at speed. Makes the highway driving very easy but it is a big different from the light city steering.
Brake peddle is hinged from the floor - like the old Beetles, 911s, 914s. Retro and you need to get use to the the throw but a nice touch.
So far so good. I'm off to motor around and put the little thing through its paces.
Today
Linear Mode
