Smart ForTwo Edition Red marks end to current model

[ExigeEvan]

You mean that unsafe at any speed car, with a tendency to spin for no apparent reason, often resulting in the drivers death?

I'm surprised that passed the preliminary testing (assuming it went through testing at all)
But the Smart should pass all the tests your motoring authorities should wish to throw at it.

I think the only test it would fail is the elk test, simply because it understeers so bad it would never return to it's original direction of travel.

Otherwise, the only other safety concern with the Smart is it's tendency for whiplash (I can't remember where I saw this but I have heard it.). This is solely due to the lack of space for crumple zones in order to reduce the final impact speed.

 

[vladimir]

they did the elk test with it in germany already and it didn't fail.

 

[Scaff]

I think the only test it would fail is the elk test, simply because it understeers so bad it would never return to it's original direction of travel.

ESP and ASC take care of that one, the Smart is actually a quite stable little car and when you are driving one its quite easy to forget just how short it is.

Regards

Scaff

 

[YSSMAN]

The next-gen model has allready been spotted, sort-of:

DaimlerChrysler is offering the world public a first glimpse of an undisguised successor to the current Smart ForTwo in the form of a sand sculpture. During the German beach volleyball championships in Timmendorf this weekend, Pavel Zasanyok, the three-time sand sculpture world champion from Russia, built the new smart fortwo from sand. The sculpture clearly shows the new design language and in particular the face of the new ultimate two-seater. The new smart fortwo will be presented this autumn and will be available in many markets in the spring. As previously reported, the Smart brand will become available in the United States in early 2008. The next-generation ForTwo has already been spotted in testing (disguised) in America in recent weeks.

...It isn't that different, but alas, they will probably sell pretty well...

 

[Sniffs]

"elk Test"? you mean certian hoofed mammals in the middle of the road? we take that test nearly every DAY in this state

lessie how fast it takes the performance guys to yarp about the "nannies, and the "quality" guys to niggle ONE little flaw when it gets here

i believe the Corvair was pre-testing...they didn't start that till AFTER nader made a fuss...and we all know what happened to american cars for 20+ years

pinto's petrol tank was behind the rear bumper...one crash, and KABLOOEY!

 

[jimihemmy]

The next-gen model has allready been spotted, sort-of:





...It isn't that different, but alas, they will probably sell pretty well...

slighty OT...

wow, those sand sculptures are pretty impressive!

OT: If the smart ends up with a little more mascuine look like those sculptures, it may have a chance here in the US.

 

[Danny]

Here's a little perspective for you.

Smart l/w/h(mm)/kerbweight(kg) 2500/1515/1549/980
Mini l/w/h(mm)/kerbweight(kg) 3050/1390/1350/650
Golf l/w/h(mm)/kerbweight(kg) 4204/1759/1485/1336

Original Mini, not the MINI, and the Golf MkV 3dr for comparison.

 

[Sniffs]

the original mini was that LIGHT? hell, you could pick it UP to change the tyre, couldn't you?

 

[Revolution.]

Funky.
Sand sculpture is cool too 👍

 

[Scaff]

the original mini was that LIGHT? hell, you could pick it UP to change the tyre, couldn't you?

Off-topic but along these lines.

Back when I was small my Uncle had a Mini (original - we are talking over 25 years here) and when working on it with my dad if they needed to access the underside of the car, they would lay a few old tyres on the road and then lift the car onto its side.



Rather iffy safety wise, but it did allow excellent access.

Regards

Scaff