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From the perspective of this being a new concept vehicle formed of the combined thinking of smart and BASF's ideas for holistic electric mobility, "in concept" I do find it interesting.Gizmag. I like the 'sun roof' and rims.It would be nice if some of the deisgns in this one is in a future Smart car.
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Without knowing more about what the properties are of the plastic used, I just have to wonder how the fortwo's stock alloy wheels fare on your NC potholes. I've heard of many dented rims. eBay is a good source for dented smart rims too. Maybe instead of denting, the plastic wheels crack or break??All plastic wheel - show me one taking a NC pothole at 75 mph as that is not a concept but rather a daily reality on our roads and highways!
I would like to know whether they're functional in some way, or just someone's idea of a neat look. If the later ... hmmm."Faceted" side doors - will someone please break out the Bondo?
I worry that the same idiot that specified these plastic wheels is the one that specified the Crazeroof panels in our sunroof models.More descriptive information about the "plastic" wheels:
All plastic wheels for Smart car
A quick search on "polyamide composite" turned up a reference by a company announcing a "high performance polyamide composite suitable for manufacturing structural parts for the transportation and construction sectors". So, it may not be as far fetched as it seems. I'm sure there were folks who thought putting on a "carbon fiber" vest that could stop bullets was pretty far out at one time also. It all has to start somewhere... :wink:
Reinforced Plastics - Rhodia develops high performance polyamide composite
Carrol Shelby had plastic wheels on one of his Shelby Dodge cars back in the mid '80's. It was a small two door coupe with some of his upgrades on it. If I remember correctly, the wheels had no problems.I worry that the same idiot that specified these plastic wheels is the one that specified the Crazeroof panels in our sunroof models.
If it's made by Webasto, BE VERY AFRAID!...![]()
Just from memory alone, this was already available via solar cells in the sunroof integrated with climate management in the 2003 and later VW Phaeton, in the mid-00's Audi A8, and in the 1991-1996 Mazda 929.Even in diffused light and poor light conditions the transparent dyes of the solar cells can generate enough energy to power the multimedia components and assist with climate management of the vehicle interior.
My personal opinion, this car looks like 10 years in the future and in the interim marijuana was made legal (materials aside) .Motor Trend.
"The bottom line is that Smart says all the innovations seen on the Forvision concept could increase the range of an electric car by about 20 percent. We’re all for more range from EVs, but the tweaks made to this Smart make it look laughably bizarre. Maybe, though, Smart will have the last laugh if these ideas make it to mainstream production on future cars."
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