Smart Hybrid Coming?

[Smart Car Geek]

Saw this today. It's supposed to get 66 MPG. Anyone know more about it?

[nevis]

I don't think they are coming here from what I have read online, but my second smart is due between Oct and DEC and I wish they would let me reconfigure for one of them.

[Smart Car Geek]

According to Edmonds they are also working on a diesel hybrid that gets almost 100 MPG (97). All of the reports that I've seen say that "all markets" will be getting the new hybrid, and since this country is so hungry for hybrids right now they'd be crazy not to offer it. I bet that it becomes even more popular that the gas version ;)

[knutliott]

I also heard that the mileage boost is closer to 10%, so nowhere near 66 mpg.

It's not a true hybrid - all the car does is shut off the engine whenever you stop. There's no electric assist motor, nor does it regenerate battery power using the brakes.

I'd believe that a true smart hybrid could get 66 mpg, but not the MHD.

[Smart Car Geek]

According to this article the new (smaller) hybrid will be revealed at this years Paris auto show, which is usually around Sept. 28th. so just a few months away.

Senior Vice President John Mendel said that the 2009 dedicated hybrid vehicle “will be a new vehicle to the Honda lineup.” When asked if the vehicle would have a unique architecture, Mendel replied, “At this point, that’s our plan.” The official word from the company’s presentation was that the car will be “a new, more affordable dedicated hybrid.” The car will be “under” the Civic, both in size and price.

Supposedly it will sell for under 19,000, which would be great if they could do it. Check out this concept of the 2009 hybrid. If it looks anything like this then I'd buy one in a new york minute Actually Honda usually doesn't stray too far from concepts, so it may well look very similar. This new Honda hybrid was given the "green" light for sale in Europe next year, possibly for sale here in the states too

[JanetMermaid]

I'd love a hybrid Smart, or at least one that uses regular grade gas. Getting more mpg is a good thing, but premium is still $4/gallon here in south Texas.

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by Smart Car Geek

Saw this today. It's supposed to get 66 MPG. Anyone know more about it?

well, considering there is no longer a "Daimler-Chrysler" smart, just a "Daimler" smart, my guess is IF this were still to be made, we would have heard more about it.......FROM SMART!

this 'may' be what is being tested by a few lucky 'Britts' as we speak...

(don't tell him, but i'm reserving one in "curtis" name!!!! ha ha ha

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by Jeepster55

IF this were still to be made, we would have heard more about it.......FROM SMART!

Looks like it's official, per the Smart website:

Smart fortwo mhd - available Q3 2008. Combined fuel consumption for 71bhp coupé of 65.7 mpg.

Where do I sign up?

[SuperGeek]

Keep in mind that if it shuts the engine off at a stoplight, anything powered by that engine is also shut off... like A/C. Hot climates may not benefit from this if the A/C is on, unless they switch AC to be electric/battery powered, in which case you'll need a lot more than a 42 amp battery.

[2mutch]

...read through all the comments and links and information on this thread here> smart MHD - welcomed in US or not?


- FRED "2 MUTCH"