A high-mileage, common-rail, turbo-diesel. Nope, ain’t going to happen in the U.S. on a car as small as a smart for a long, long time, or until there is a different paradigm (relaxation) in U.S. regulations. I know why; I have studied the reasons.
The option of deleting the paddle shifters. I have enough seat-time in open-wheelers with them, and in that application they are necessary (no ****pit room for anything else). But they are an unnecessary complication (affectation) in a smart.
An option for a different lower bumper piece that gets rid of the trite “smiley-face” grille. I have a serious intent for the vehicle, and it does not include “cuteness” and "look at me-ness." This ultimately may be the most do-able, and by after-marketeers.
Last edited by Old smart; 09-21-2007 at 06:19 PM.
Reason: Noted that part of the driver's workspace has been "bleeped." No offense intended; that is just what it is commonly called.
The option of deleting the paddle shifters. I have enough seat-time in open-wheelers with them, and in that application they are necessary (no ****pit room for anything else). But they are an unnecessary complication (affectation) in a smart.
Personally, I'd be happy to do without the paddle shifters and the fully automated gearbox mode (aka softouch).
PS: I think the censor was unnecessarily harsh on you!
I think the paddle shifters will be okay (I haven't tried them of course!) To me, if you're going to have this manual mode, might as well do it at the steering wheel. As a manual gear shift guy for 30 years, I think the +/- gear shift thingy is blasphemy! (I'd be forever smashing my left foot into the floor board!) And of course, it you don't use the paddle shifters.....no fuss, it'll just be like the turn signal stalk that so many Americans can't be bothered to use anyway!
Last edited by SmartCard; 09-21-2007 at 07:13 PM.
Reason: typo, add info
A high-mileage, common-rail, turbo-diesel. Nope, ain’t going to happen in the U.S. on a car as small as a smart for a long, long time, or until there is a different paradigm (relaxation) in U.S. regulations. I know why; I have studied the reasons.
Unfortunately, all true.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishrdnc
The option of deleting the paddle shifters. I have enough seat-time in open-wheelers with them, and in that application they are necessary (no ****pit room for anything else). But they are an unnecessary complication (affectation) in a smart.
A simple manual transmission (with clutch) would be far more in keeping with the concept of the Smart.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishrdnc
An option for a different lower bumper piece that gets rid of the trite “smiley-face” grille. I have a serious intent for the vehicle, and it does not include “cuteness” and "look at me-ness." This ultimately may be the most do-able, and by after-marketeers.
For my purposes, I would agree. Since my wife will be the primary driver, however, cute is mandatory.
Those are reasons why I'm staying with the "Pure". Don't need paddles, or power windows. I prefer the solid roof over the acrylic or whatever that is. I can get the A/C and a radio/CD options and have a true economy car. I like sporty rims and can get what I like later and cheaper than factory wheels.
I'm curious about performance enhancments. Can I add, a header, hi-flo catalytic, cold air intake and lower restrictive exhaust. This can inprove mileage and horsepower. Anyone have experience with this on a Smarty?
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