2011 Hertz Smart Fortwo ED

2011 Hertz Smart Fortwo ED

2011 Hertz Smart Fortwo ED

2011 Hertz Smart Fortwo ED

2011 Hertz Smart Fortwo ED

2011 Hertz Smart Fortwo ED

2011 Hertz Smart Fortwo ED

MBTech Shows Off Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Concept at IAA Show in Hannover

Daimler subsidiary MBTech has presented a 1:1 scale model of its Reporter concept study at the 63rd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover. The four-seater plug in hybrid pickup truck with the Smart Fortwo-esque fascia was designed in just six months using CAD and digital prototyping.

At a press conference at the show, MBTech President and Spokesperson Werner Kropsbauer explained the rationale behind the Reporter: "We wanted to create a low-emission vehicle drive for urban and regional transport which is realistically feasible today and not in 2025."

Though the example shown at the IAA Show was merely a mock up, MBTech has been thinking about the drive system for a working prototype. The Reporter would use a plug-in hybrid system MBTech calls DualX E-Drive, which couples a 70 kw (94 hp) electric motor with a 75 kw (101 hp) 1.2-liter internal combustion engine that can run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas.

In the DualX E-Drive system, the electric motor turns the rear wheels while the ICE turns the front. The two systems can either work independently or together, though MBTech has not said what switching from FWD to RWD to AWD would do to the driving dynamics.

The Reporter is expected to have a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) and a combined range of 300 km (186 miles), which drops to 55 (34 miles) if using only the electric motor.

It also features a network of tiny solar cells on the tonneau cover, which produce 266 Watts – enough to power the air conditioning, interior lightning or the sound system (though not all three at once). The cells can also be used to recharge the vehicle's 12 volt battery.

By Tristan Hankins

The Smallest Smart Ever: Electric 'escooter' Uncovered before Paris Show

Previewing a possible expansion to the world of two wheels in the very near future, Daimler's Smart division will showcase a scooter concept at next week's Paris motor show. Seen here for the first time in the flesh, the purely electrically driven 'escooter' uses a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack placed behind the paneling in the foot area and is capable of traveling up to 100 kilometers (over 60 miles) on a single charge.

The company says the batteries can be fully recharged through any standard household power socket, within three to five hours. The charging socket is located at the front of the scooter underneath a hinged smart emblem.

Smart's two-wheel study is driven by a disc-shaped wheel hub motor in the rear wheel, which offers an output of 4 kW (equal to 5.3-horsepower) allowing the scooter to reach a top speed of 45 km/h or 28mph.

The connection to Smart's four-wheel products is made through the electric scooter's supporting chassis structure which the company says is "consciously modelled on the tridion safety cell of the Fortwo" and the fully interchangeable plastic bodypanels.

Technical highlights include the use of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) specially adapted for a two-wheeler, an airbag integrated in the paneling under the handlebars, and Blind Spot Assist, which like the system found on Mercedes cars, draws the rider's attention to vehicles following close behind that are not visible in the "blind spot" of the rear-view mirrors.

Another cool feature is the Smartphone that is placed in the centre of the handlebars and is fully linked with the escooter. It replaces the traditional instrument panel providing info on speed, range and battery charge level and even acts as a navigation system.

Smart to Debut Plug-in Electric Scooter Concept at the Paris Show

Last we checked, Daimler's Smart unit was only in the business of making tiny city cars (well, aside from the short-lived Fourfour), but that may soon change as the company which was founded by the late Nicolas Hayek of Swatch fame is looking into the possibility of adding an electric scooter to its lineup to broaden its reach and increase sales.

To give us a taste of what their working on, Smart will unveil a concept version of the pure electric scooter at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, which opens to the members of the press on September 30.

The auto -and soon to become moto -maker released a few teaser sketches of the two-wheeler, but Smart is still holding back on the details. More to come as we get closer to the Paris motorshow.

Carlsson 2011 Smart Fortwo

Carlsson revealed details and pricing of its super special package for smart fortwo Coupe and Convertible which is inspired by their C25 Supercar. The tuning kit regards just to the aesthetic part, no performance changes were operated by Carlsson tuners.

Exterior updates include two powder-coated stainless steel black radiator grille pieces, which start at €153.  Alongside of these are the LED daytime runners, with their own power supply and control unit, available for €415.  Another €359 gets a nice set of sport seats with contoured bolsters.

For the interior, the Carlsson 2011 Smart Fortwo program offers a new leather upholstery combined with Alcantara that goes on the seats, the entire instrument panel, the knee area, the steering wheel, and the instrument cluster. The Carlsson 2011 Smart Fortwo is also fitted with sport

LED lights were mounted on the front bumper along with the yellow stripe under the lights. The interior featuring the Alcantara and Nappa leather costs around 4000 euro while the audio system adds extra 1300 euro to the price. This is how the Carlsson tuners managed to modify the small city model.

The extra body parts cost you around 600 euros, the complete leather package is priced at 4163 euros while sport seats add another 359 euros, interior trims on door and panels will cost 2559 euros, and finally the high-end audio system runs for 1295 euros.




Press Release

Luxurious city runabout:

Carlsson refines the new Smart with great success

• LED daytime running lights individualise the front

• Leather packages ensure high-quality interior

• High-end sound system specially developed for the smart

So much luxury fits into only 2.70 metres. The automobile manufacturer Carlsson transforms the practical smart fortwo Coupé and Convertible into individual, classy cars for the necessities of urban living. LED daytime running lights, exclusive leather packages which start where the factory left off, and an audio system for the finest sound experience make this winning model unique.

At the front, the two black radiator grill inserts of powder-coated stainless steel above and below the number plate provide a note of individuality (from 153 Euro including VAT). In addition, the LED daytime running lights make the Smart stand out from the masses. And here once again Carlsson from Gut Wiesenhof in Germany demonstrates what care they take with their conversions: the LEDs have been approved not only as daytime running lights but also as sidelights. This means they may be used at the same time as dipped headlights and so set themselves apart from the typical upgrade kits. The ready-to-fit set, including the power supply and control unit, the cable harness and the bracket, is provided by Carlsson for only 415 Euro. As usual with products by Carlsson, the bracket requires no painting.

The all-round luxury in the vehicle interior is taken care of by the leather package from the customizer based in Merzig, Germany. The finest 'Softwalk' Nappa leather and Alcantara now envelope the entire instrument panel, the knee area, the steering wheel, the instrument cluster, the radio and air-conditioning console, the air vents, the doors, door pockets and of course both seats, including the quilted lozenge pattern and the embroidered Carlsson logo in the headrests. The complete leather package is available from Carlsson for 4163 Euro.

For a mere 359 Euro more, smart passengers get specially developed sports seats with more pronounced, contoured bolsters on seat and backrest which also provide perfect support when cornering fast.

And for those who wish to enhance their original Smart leather equipment, Carlsson has an appropriate offer on hand. For 2559 Euro the upgrade covers ‘Softwalk’ Nappa leather and Alcantara on the instrument panel, knee area, instrument cluster, radio and air-conditioning console, air vents, doors and door pockets. Furthermore, to suit every interior colour, the automobile manufacturer provides a gear selector in finest leather for 89 Euro in the colour combinations black and silver, black and red or black and beige.

For audiophile pretensions Carlsson has developed the "Exclusive Edition" high-end sound system specially for the Smart. The audio system, which has been adapted to the fortwo's and the Convertible's vehicle interior, consists of a digital two-channel power-amp with 400-Watt RMS output, the pre-assembled cable harness for the original Smart radio and sound insulation in the doors. The two, black-leather covered doorboards enclose, behind the loudspeaker grilles with the Carlsson logo on each side, a 16.5-centimetre loudspeaker and a textile tweeter which, connected by a specially adapted crossover network, ensure perfect high-frequency reproduction and full-bodied sound. The audio system for 1295 Euro also includes as a special feature the LED footwell lighting which is activated when the doors open.

With the comprehensive customizing package, the automobile manufacturer Carlsson transforms the small city runabout into a luxurious vehicle for the metropolis.