The microcar that made a mark for its compact size, the Smart ForTwo, has a new successor on the horizon. Known for barely occupying a full parking spot, the iconic vehicle’s legacy is set to continue with a fresh concept unveiled at the Auto China Expo in Beijing.
Introducing the Smart #2 Concept
The Smart #2, a two-seater city car, is poised to pick up where the ForTwo concluded. It is built on a newly developed Electric Compact Architecture (ECA), crafted entirely by Smart. The design and engineering of this vehicle come from a collaboration between Mercedes and Geely, the co-owners of Smart, blending German design with Chinese engineering.
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Design Features of the Smart #2
The Smart #2 stands out with its unconventional design, featuring triangular headlights, a floating roof, and rounded tail lamps. A monogrammed grille replaces the previous large grille, adding to its unique aesthetic. Additional design elements include a sporty body kit, prominent wheels, and leather door handles with “styled by Mercedes-Benz” embossed on them. A small matrix screen at the rear allows customizable displays, contributing to the car’s futuristic appeal.
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Performance and Market Positioning
Smart CEO Xiangbei Tong and Head of Design Kai Sieber are determined to redefine the microcar segment with the Smart #2. Sieber emphasizes the quality of both the interior and exterior, ensuring a high-end experience in a compact size. The car measures 110 inches (2.79 m) in length, a slight increase from the ForTwo, yet remains compact compared to other city cars like the Fiat 500e and Renault Twingo E-Tech.
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CEO Xiangbei Tong confidently states, “I have driven almost all the micro-cars currently on the market, and I can tell you: the Smart #2 is a real car; the others are not.” The Smart #2 is designed to outperform existing mini EVs, boasting a projected range of 250 miles (400 km) CLTC or 186 miles (300 km) WLTP. The vehicle also supports DC fast charging and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature.
Launch Plans
The production version of the Smart #2 is set to debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. Initially targeting Europe and the UK, the car is expected to expand its presence to other global markets subsequently.
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Source: Smart
Original Story at newatlas.com