MHD (start/stop) system

[JPaul]

I'd go with the official Daimler press release...

[bob44044]

New info on MHD start/stop system


<FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">The smart fortwo micro hybrid drive (mhd) rated at 52 kW/71bhp is a particularly economical variant. This is thanks to a new sophisticated start/stop function that automatically shuts down the engine when fuel would otherwise be unnecessarily consumed – for example in stop and go traffic. The principle is simple and fully automatic: when the vehicle approaches red traffic lights, for example, the micro hybrid drive switches off the engine as soon the car falls below a speed of 8 km/h and the brake pedal is pressed. The engine starts again as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal. This guarantees an immediate response. <FONT color=red><STRONG>If required, the start/stop function can be deactivated at any time with a switch on the centre console.