GREEN CAR JOURNAL'S TOP 5 FOR 2009™ ANNOUNCED – ONE TO BE NAMED 2009 GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR® AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Winner to be Unveiled at a Nov. 20 Press Conference

LOS ANGELES – Oct. 30, 2008 — Green Car Journal's Top 5 for 2009™ – the year's best-of-the-best 'green' vehicles - have been identified by the magazine's editors. These vehicles are the five finalists competing for the Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year® award: the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, smart fortwo and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The 2009 Green Car of the Year will be unveiled at a morning press conference on Nov. 20 during Press Days at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The five models are important milestones for their manufacturers. The VW and BMW clean diesels are leading edge models signaling the advent of highly efficient, advanced diesel sedans that meet emissions certification in all 50 states. Ford's Fusion Hybrid, a full hybrid, is this automaker's first hybrid sedan. Saturn's Vue 2-Mode is GM's first application of its two mode hybrid system in a V-6 front-drive platform. The smart fortwo is a new-for-the-U.S., fuel efficient micro car with a small eco footprint.

"This is an exciting year for 'green' cars because of the many innovative and advanced models now emerging," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "In fact, this year's selection of nominees was more challenging than in years past because of the auto industry's greater emphasis on greener vehicles and the number of potential vehicles to consider. For the first time, we've also seen a pair of clean diesels and a small gasoline model giving hybrids serious competition."

Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year program focuses on recognizing new model vehicles that provide real answers for new car buyers looking for a personal stake in lessening environmental impact. This may be through substantial improvement in fuel efficiency, lower emissions, use of an alternative fuel, or an overall lower environmental load.

Green Car Journal editors perform an exhaustive review of vehicle models to identify those that merit consideration for the Green Car of the Year program. Vehicles using all types of technologies, fuels, and powerplants are eligible. To qualify for consideration as a nominee in the 2009 Green Car of the Year program, a vehicle must exhibit characteristics that substantially raise the bar in environmental performance and be in production by January 1 of the award year. Plus, a potential nominee must be driven by Green Car Journal to allow first-hand evaluation of driving dynamics.

The 2009 Green Car of the Year will be selected by a jury comprised of nine jurors. These include Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; automotive expert and "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno; and automotive icon Carroll Shelby. Four Green Car Journal editors round out the jury.
About Green Car of the Year®

The Green Car of the Year® award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Green Car of the Year® is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.
About the Los Angeles Auto Show

For the third year in a row, the Los Angeles Auto Show will be held in the fall. Green Car Journal has been unveiling the Green Car of the Year® winner at the Los Angeles Auto Show every year since it initiated the annual award in 2005. The show opens for media only Nov. 19-20. Media registration is now open and the deadline to register online and still receive credentials in the mail is Oct. 31. Online registration will remain open until Nov. 6 but credentials must be picked-up on site. Public days run from Nov. 21-30. For general information visit www.LAautoshow.com.

[Green Car Journal]

A special announcement from smart USA

Dear smart USA Reservation Holder,
smart USA has an exciting announcement to make! The very popular and sporty smart fortwo BRABUS model will make its debut in the United States beginning in February 2009, and you will have the opportunity to be one of the first customers to own this exciting vehicle.

All current reservation holders who have not yet been invited to configure their vehicles will have the opportunity to request to convert their current reservation to a smart fortwo BRABUS model beginning Thursday evening at 5pm PST, October, 23, 2008. This special offer will only be available for a limited time, and only a limited quantity of BRABUS models will be available, so be sure to check your email on Thursday, October 23, 2008, for model information, pricing and reservation instructions.

If you have any questions, please contact smart Customer Service
by email or at 1.800.smart.USA (800.762.7887).
Enthusiastically,
The smart USA Team

[via Smart Car of America]

Sales start for the Lorinser Fortwo with 101 HP

After the fast-moving study, Sportservice Lorinser is now bringing the series version of the Fortwo on the road: it was worth waiting, as the look and driving experience of the power dwarf remain almost unfiltered. 101 HP (74 kW) – more than in any factory version – provide a smart power caracteristics in any situation. After all, at only around 800 kg vehicle weight, the "horses" have an easy job. The conversion is based on the three-cylinder petrol-fuelled turbo engine with its standard 84 HP (62 kW).

With the power training from Winnenden, the small vehicle with the rear-wheel drive accelerates to 100 km/h in under ten seconds, and is therefore over one second faster than the standard vehicle. The Lorinser upgrade for the basic petrol-fuelled vehicle with previously 61 HP (45 kW) is just as nippy. 71 HP (55 kW) are now being mobilised, just like with the average series motorisation, which in turn has an output of 82 HP (60 kW) after its power was increased by the famous customiser. All Lorinser models achieve a regulated top speed of 160 km/h, which is more than the fastest factory version. That's why the speedometer also receives a discreet update. The interior may be small but the looks are great. Lorinser has the following design parts in stock for you: a black leather steering wheel with aluminium, an accented parts set for instruments, centre consoles, ventilation and handbrake lever, pedals and footrest in aluminium.

You don't have to worry about the necessary overtaking prestige either. The wide spoiler bumper of the body-kit appears to virtually soak up the road with its U-shaped air inset, which houses a sporty mesh. In addition, Sportservice Lorinser will soon be offering a 4-pipe exhaust system that cheekily protrudes out of the well-proportioned rear bumper and leaves no doubt that we're dealing here with a real little bundle of power.

On the other hand, an extremely muscular "back" is the optical identifying feature for the Lorinser wing extensions. A total of 55 millimetres of width increase create space for giant 8.5×17 aluminium rims with tyre size 225/35R17 on the powered rear axle. In the front it is 7×17 inches and 205/40R17. The Speedy design with the six spade-shaped spokes is a real eye-catcher that signals distinct dynamics even when at a standstill. No empty promise, as the Fortwo allows high curve speeds thanks to the wide tyres. All that's left is the question to the pursuers: who's getting Shorty?

[Lorinser]

Press Release

We’d like to introduce you to a car that’s designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the streets: the refreshingly new smart electric vehicle – or smart ed, as we call it. It’s the natural product of smart’s unswerving commitment to the environment and innovation – not to mention fun. It isn’t available to buy just yet, but it isn’t a million miles off.

Think of a smart. Then think of an electric socket concealed behind what used to be the fuel cap. Picture the complete absence of exhaust fumes, so no CO2 emissions from the rear. Close your eyes and hear… no sound at all coming from the engine. Imagine no engine oil, no road tax, and no London congestion charge and you’ll start to get a sense of what really makes the new smart ed tick.

Powered solely by electricity, and chargeable from any three-pin socket the smart ed can achieve the equivalent of 300 mpg – that amounts to a saving of up to 80% in fuel costs over the already highly economical smart fortwo. The ev can travel up to 72 miles between charges, which typically take around 8 hours for a full charge – ideal for charging at work between your morning and evening commutes. If your journey takes you into the capital, you will find free electricity provided by some London boroughs, as well as free or discounted parking. With a top-up charge during the day, the smart ed’s daily range weighs in at 100 miles.

With that in mind, we’re running a market trial with selected blue chip companies who are happy to meet our requirements to power the cars using only renewable energy sources. When we say zero emissions, we really mean it! Among the partners already enrolled in the trial are Urban Splash, Islington and Coventry Councils, Foster & Partners, CarbonNeutral Company, EDF Energy and Amey.

What’s more, our ed hasn’t had to sacrifice any of the fortwo’s performance or class-leading equipment: expect the full complement of Mercedes-Benz safety features and a powerful Zytek electric motor, electronically-limited top speed of 60 mph. Once it’s up to speed (0-30mph in an impressive 6.5 seconds) the ed uses its tiny weight gain to deliver an exciting and stable drive.

So there you have it: a zero emission vehicle that is 100% smart; a car that will save money and the environment. Although the smart ed won’t be available to the public just yet, it’s definitely something we’re working on.

[Source: Daimler]

For instance, we're not huge on the fuel economy, which is just 38 mpg under ideal driving conditions. Drive any faster and the mileage drops even further. Then there's the price. Would you pay $18,500 for a fully loaded Smart convertible? It would be pointless to list the other vehicles you could have with that level of gas-gulpage for that price given that, if you're buying a ForTwo, you probably have a little more disposable income on your hands than most. And the speed? You'll get to 60 mph from a cold start in... well... bring a book. All that being said, we like the idea of a car we could park almost anywhere. It certainly has a unique look. And hey, 38 mpg isn't that bad. What say you?

FIRST INSTITUTE CRASH TESTS OF SMART CAR: DIMINUTIVE TWO-SEATER EARNS TOP RATINGS FOR PROTECTING PEOPLE IN FRONT & SIDE CRASHES

ARLINGTON, VA — The Smart car is getting a lot of attention for its small size and style, and now it's earning impressive crash test ratings. In recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the 2008 Smart Fortwo, the smallest car for sale in the US market, earned the top rating of good for front and side crash protection. Its seat/head restraints earned the second highest rating of acceptable for protection against whiplash in rear impacts.
Smart Fortwo is classified a microcar, meaning it's smaller even than minicars.Weighing about 1,800 pounds, the Smart is more than 3 feet shorter and almost 700 pounds lighter than a Mini Cooper.

It weighs about a third as much as one of the heaviest vehicles the Institute has tested, the BMW X5, a midsize SUV. As the price of fuel climbs and tougher federal fuel economy requirements kick in, auto companies are expected to introduce more small vehicles to the market. The Smart is the smallest car the Institute ever has tested.

"The big question from consumers is, 'How safe is it?'", says Institute president Adrian Lund. "All things being equal in safety, bigger and heavier is always better. But among the smallest cars, the engineers of the Smart did their homework and designed a high level of safety into a very small package."The Institute's test results generally demonstrate how well vehicles stack up against others of similar size and weight. Frontal ratings can't be compared
across weight classes, meaning a small car that earns a good rating isn't safer than a large car that's rated less than good.

"People base their buying decisions on a lot of factors," Lund says. "If you drive only in congested urban areas where speeds are low, a small car may be more practical than a big one. We conduct crash tests so people who want small cars can choose the ones that afford the best protection."The Smart has a crashworthy design for its size and is equipped with the latest safety gear, which is especially important in a small car. This vehicle's standard
equipment includes seat-mounted combination side airbags designed to protect both the heads and chests of the driver and passenger. Also standard is electronic stability control (ESC), called electronic stability program in the Smart. ESC helps drivers maintain control during emergency maneuvers or on slippery roads. It engages automatically when it senses vehicle instability, and Institute research has found that ESC lowers the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes by about half.
Restraints do more of the work in frontal crashes: The Smart mostly lacks a front-end crush zone, which is a key component in reducing injury risk in serious frontal crashes.Typically, front-end structures are designed to crush and absorb crash energy, allowing occupant compartments to slow more gradually, ideally with little or no intrusion into drivers' survival space. Then a vehicle's safety belts and airbags slow occupants further and are designed to spread crash forces more evenly across people's bodies. The longer the front-end crush structure of a vehicle, the more gently occupants are slowed and thus protected from injury.

To compensate for the lack of front-end crush space, the Smart's restraint system does more of the work of absorbing energy as occupants "ride down" a crash.

"We recorded a high head acceleration when the driver dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the frontal airbag," Lund explains. This indicates the test dummy used up all of the available ride down room in the Smart's interior.

A stiff side structure and standard side airbags contributed to the Smart's good rating in the side test, which replicates a crash with a pickup truck or SUV. Injury forces recorded on the driver dummy's head, neck, torso, pelvis, and left leg all were low. However, the driver door unlatched during the crash. This confirms a finding of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's side test of a Smart released last month. The Institute downgraded the Smart's structural rating from good to acceptable, but the opening didn't appear to affect dummy movement during the test, and injury measures on the driver dummy were low. Still, doors shouldn't unlatch because in some crashes it could allow partial or complete occupant ejection, especially if an occupant is unbelted.

Small car safety: While small cars are safer now than before, so are large cars. In every category of passenger vehicle (car, SUV, or pickup truck), the risk of death is higher in crashes of smaller, lighter models. For vehicles 1-3 years old during 2006, minicars experienced 106 driver deaths per million registered vehicles compared with 69 driver deaths in large cars.

People often choose very light cars for fuel economy, but "you don't have to buy the smallest, lightest car to get one that's easy on fuel consumption," Lund points out. "The Toyota Prius, for example, earns good front and side crash test ratings. It gets better fuel economy than a microcar, but it's bigger and weighs more so we would expect it would be more protective in serious crashes."

How the Smart was evaluated: The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluation is based on results of a 40 mph frontal offset crash test. A vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film
to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

The side evaluation is based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on an instrumented SID-IIs dummy in the driver seat, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seats with good or acceptable restraint geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

Yesterday a co-worker of mine was involved in a motor vehicle accident while driving a Smart Car. Rumors were spreading around the office that he'd been hit by a SUV from behind which in turn drove him into a car.

That was WRONG!

Instead, he was hit from behind by a five ton delivery truck which served him like a tennis ball across the intersection to a cube van! He walked away with some minor abrasions from the airbags, and was quoted this morning as saying that he's "just a little achy". Is a Smart Car safe? You judge for yourself, but I think it faired pretty damn well.

Press Release

An idea from yacht design finds its way into the automotive world: The SLR McLaren roadster BRABUS and its "Tender for the City," the ultimate city sports car BRABUS ULTIMATE 112, both with absolutely identical paint and equipment. BRABUS offers both exclusive speedsters with special snow-white paint for a package price of 699,000 Euros; a very special offer from BRABUS for all owners of an SLR or Maybach.

The sportiest drop-top Mercedes of all time, the SLR McLaren Roadster, is fitted by BRABUS with more than just a top-quality white carbon-fiber skin. The exterior is treated to an aerodynamics update, engine tuning and custom-tailored 20-inch wheels further optimize handling and performance, and the interior adds even more touches of exclusivity.

To give the SLR even better looks while at the same time reducing lift on the front axle the BRABUS designers have developed a front spoiler that is attached to the stock bumper. This aerodynamics component was optimized in the wind tunnel. It is made from exposed carbon fiber, making it especially light and extremely robust. The rear apron is upgraded with a BRABUS diffuser also made from exposed carbon fiber. It replaces its production counterpart.

The sportier appearance of the SLR Roadster is further characterized by the BRABUS Monoblock VI 20-inch Platinum Edition wheels that fill out the wheel arches perfectly. The fully polished three-piece wheels with six double spokes are mounted on the sports car in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11.5Jx20 on the rear axle. Thanks to their high-tech design that features a forged aluminum rim and a billet aluminum center the BRABUS 20-inch wheels are lighter than the 19-inch turbine-design wheels optionally available for the SLR ex factory.

High-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 20 and 305/25 ZR 20 are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOMAMA. The tire/wheel combination is custom-tailored for SLR coupe and roadster, and has more than just a visual effect: handling benefits from the switch to even lower aspect ratio tires and the lower rim weight.

Thus equipped the drop-top SLR is fit for BRABUS engine tuning. The tuning kit for the 5.5-liter supercharged engine consists of special camshafts and a fuel-cooling system. Power output increases by 24 hp / 18 kW to 650 hp (641 hp SAE net) / 478 kW at 6,500 rpm.

BRABUS also offers a special clutch-type limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent for the SLR. It optimizes traction and thus acceleration performance further: The tuned SLR Roadster rockets from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 337 km/h (211 mph).

Exclusive BRABUS cockpit design is characterized by precision handwork down to the last detail. The company-own upholstery shop created a striking combination of lipstick-red leather and black Alcantara. The waffle-pattern stitching of the SLR leather footwells alone - a special BRABUS exclusive - uses some 7,800 meters of the finest red thread.

The BRABUS sport steering wheel for the SLR is a sporty and highly functional BRABUS option. The wheel has a flattened bottom for easier entering and exiting and provides optimal grip with its combination of perforated leather and Alcantara. The BRABUS steering wheel features buttons integrated into the spokes for manually shifting the gears of the SLR's automatic transmission without taking the hands off the wheel.

Sporty BRABUS carbon-fiber applications for dashboard, center console and door trim transfer the racing look of the BRABUS exterior components into the interior. The interior components are made from exposed carbon-fiber and can be color-coordinated with the leather color upon customer request.

The "tender to the SLR" in the white BRABUS fleet is the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112. It represents the ideal complement for city driving. The drop-top two-seater is built based on the latest smart fortwo Cabrio.

In addition to its special paint identical to the SLR the ultimate city sports car features a muscular body kit with front spoiler, rocker panels and BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares front and back.

The larger wheel arches provide space for a tire/wheel combination that for this class of cars is highly unusual. The liquid-white BRABUS Monoblock VI double-spoke wheels are mounted on the front axle in size 7Jx18 with size 205/35 R 18 high-performance tires. 8.5Jx18 wheels with size 235/30 R 18 tires on the rear axle provide slip-free traction for the 112 horses under the hood.

The height-adjustable BRABUS coil-over suspension is specially calibrated to the ultra-low profile tires and the wider track. It combines direct, safe and sporty handling with excellent ride comfort.

With these modifications the ULTIMATE 112 offers the perfect platform for the powerful BRABUS three-cylinder turbo engine. It produces a maximum power output of 112 hp (110 hp SAE net) / 82.4 kW at 5,600 rpm. Even more important for everyday driving is the peak torque of 150 Nm, available on a plateau from 3,330 to 3,900 rpm, an exceptional figure for a car in its class.

Shifting in the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112 is done either automatically or the sporty F1 way with shift paddles on the ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel.

With sprint times from 0 - 60 km/h (38 mph) of 3.9 seconds, 9.5 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph) and an electronically limited top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph) the snow-white roadster is the ultimate city sports car and thus the optimal "tender to the SLR."

The car's performance is accompanied acoustically by the sounds of the BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust with its characteristic dual cast aluminum tailpipes.

Exquisite highlights also abound in the interior of the ULTIMATE 112: Like its big brother its interior is upholstered in a combination of especially soft and breathable lipstick-red BRABUS Mastik leather and black Alcantara.

Embossed BRABUS emblems are part of the exclusive concept as are accents such as speedometer, tach and clock, instrument bezels, dashboard trim, turn signal lever and door handles, all color-coordinated with the exterior color. Stainless-steel foot pedals with rubber pads and an aluminum shifter and emergency brake lever add a bit of racing atmosphere.

Climate control system, radio and a navigation system for quick navigating in the city are also part of the two-seater's standard equipment package.

Both vehicles in the white BRABUS fleet are available as a package or separately. Customers can freely choose their personal exterior and interior colors.

[Source: BRABUS]

Simply add up the items that apply to you. If your total is less than 15, a Smart car ought to work fine:

• Spouse = 6
• Child over 12 = 2
• Child under 12 = 12
• Small dog = 2
• Large dog = 4
• Cat = 0.5
• Costco membership = 9

While it would seem like that measurement if fairly accurate, we the people of Jalopnik would beg to differ. [Autopia]

We don't mean to be philistines, but what specifically is the message here that makes us rethink modes of transportation? [The Financial, CarScoop]

On Monday, we got a call from our friend Nick, who - thanks to a Blackberry and a spirit of adventure - is the first U.S. customer to take delivery of his very own Smart. The company even gave him a plaque to commemorate the occasion. It credits him in part with, "Initiating a revolutionary change in the way Americans think about transportation."

We do need to change the way we think about the Smart. It is safe. Mercedes developed the original version with the goal of making it as safe as their E-class. Bookended by crumple zones, a steel roll cage surrounds the occupants. Not only does that cage resist deformation in even the most severe impacts, in a crash it will actually activate the crumple zones on larger cars, using their in-built protection to cushion the Smart's occupants, too. It also comes with the full retinue of airbags.

It feels safe, too. The size defines the driving experience, but not in the way you might expect. Rather than feeling intimidated in traffic, you feel empowered. Gone is the need to take responsibility for an acre of SUV on a crowded road. Present is the freedom to move down that crowded road as you see fit. Congested urban streets and crowded highways stop feeling claustrophobic and start feeling easy. It's quick to turn, yet feels more stable than most vehicles twice its size.

It's not too small inside. I'm 6'2" and I couldn't reach the steering wheel with the driver's seat all the way back. Compare it to the front cabin of big SUVs like, say, GM's Yukon / Escalade / Tahoe and the Smart is positively spacious, thanks to it's airy design and upright seats.

It's not Green. The problem is, the Smart isn't that smart. The 1-liter, 70bhp engine has to work hard, so it only averages about 38mpg. Less if you drive fast. In Detroit, Mercedes showed off something they called the Micro Hybrid. It wasn't a hybrid at all, but switched itself off below 5mph, resulting in urban fuel consumption of 58mpg. The Smart desperately needs that technology, or a least a diesel engine.

It's not gay either. Sure, if you live in a doublewide and think Budweiser is the height of sophistication, then the Smart probably doesn't fit your Trans-Am ideal of what a manly car should be. But neither does it carry the level of campness of say, a Volkswagen Beetle. Rather, in traffic, the Smart's driver looks, well, smart.

So the Smart is a more complete, practical car than most people assume it to be - but that's also its biggest problem. Most people who stop to ask what it is think it's electric or at least a hybrid. It isn't. Neither is it cheap. The Fortwo Passion Cabriolet pictured here costs $18,500. It'll still get caught in traffic jams. Look at the Smart as a practical car that's easier to use in an urban environment than anything else, and you'll be happy. Look at it as fundamentally altering the way Americans think about transportation though, and you'll be disappointed.

The good doctor went on to point out that the costs are going to remain high as "We are not looking for customers looking for the cheapest vehicle." The hope is to emulate the success of the Apple, which makes us hope that we'll see a monochromatic Dr. Zetche dancing to Spoon in an upcoming commercial. [AFP]

Press Release:

The smart fortwo electric drive (ed): The zero emission town and city car

It comes with everything that makes a smart a smart - but it doesn't have a combustion engine. A 30 kW/41 bhp magnetic motor runs at the rear of the smart fortwo electric drive that is driven by a high-performance, high-temperature battery made from environmentally compatible sodium-nickel-chloride. This is housed in the underbody, which means that the interior space is not compromised.

Boasting NEDC consumption of just 12 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometres and zero carbon dioxide emissions, the smart fortwo electric drive is the most economical and climate-friendly alternative in urban traffic. When charged, the 30 kW/41 bhp two-door car can travel around 115 kilometres (EUDC). When the battery is empty, it can be charged at any 230 volt power socket - at least 1000 times. The battery lasts for up to ten years. It takes four hours to charge it to 80 percent capacity and eight hours to charge it to full capacity.

The NEDC consumption costs stand at around just € 0.02 per kilometre, far below those of a combustion engine - despite offering almost the same performance. Acceleration from zero to 60 km/h is similar to that of the petrol variants and the car has a maximum speed of 112 km/h. Furthermore, as a zero emission car the smart fortwo electric drive enjoys tax advantages in many countries and is exempt from local restrictions such as the congestion charge. This small electric car offers a combination of agility, economy and environmental compatibility that is unique in this class.
The most important technical data on the smart fortwo electric drive at a glance:
Rated output

30 kW/41 bhp
0-60 km/h

5.7 s
Maximum speed

approx. 112 km/h
Range

approx. 115 km
Consumption*

12 kWh/100 km
CO2 emissions

0 g/km
* NEDC

The smart fortwo micro hybrid drive (mhd): Even more economical and environmentally friendly thanks to start/stop function

From a particularly economical 52 kW variant of the smart fortwo with a start/stop function will roll off the production line in Hambach: the smart fortwo micro hybrid drive. From the end of the year it will be available as a coupé and a cabrio in all three lines - pure, pulse and passion. In addition, a limited special series that will offer an attractive price saving is planned to mark the market launch. The micro-hybrid variant will be available as a left-hand-drive ECE version in and all other markets.
The smart fortwo micro hybrid drive uses idling phases to switch off the engine and temporarily completely avoid fuel consumption, exhaust gas and noise emissions. In combination with the automated manual transmission already fitted in the production vehicle, customers can comfortably use this function with maximum start/stop availability. Studies have shown that in everyday traffic vehicles come to a stop every 1.3 kilometres on average.
Powerful belt-driven starter generator
At the heart of the system is a special belt-driven starter generator that supplies the vehicle's electrical system with voltage and has a secondary function as a starter. It is able to smoothly start up the combustion engine in a fraction of a second as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal. This dispenses with the need for a conventional starter motor that works on the flywheel of the crank assembly. In conjunction with slightly modified gear ratios, this strategy leads to a fuel saving of approximately 8 percent in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The standard consumption is reduced by approximately 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres - from 4.7 litres to around 4.3 litres. Depending on the traffic situation (heavy slow traffic), this can lead to a fuel saving of approximately 13 percent. There is also a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions from 112 grams to approx. 103 grams per kilometre.
The system was developed by smart in cooperation with Valeo GmbH and the Gates Corporation. The mechanical assembly comprises the starter generator STARS 137 from Valeo. This generator delivers torque of 42 metres or current of maximum 120 ampere at 14 volts - enough to guarantee a reliable engine start, even at a temperature of minus 25 degrees Celsius. To ensure a low-slip and durable connection of the crank assembly and the starter generator, both components were given wider belt pulleys, as was the water pump that is also driven. A six-rib poly-V-belt from Gates transmits the power.
Belt tension is particularly important because of the changing loads in start/stop operation. A coaxial spring-and-shock absorber unit that is hinged to the starter generator is supported by the engine block. The starter generator is pivoted so that it can apply the tension force to the belt drive. This ensures that both the belt section pulled by the combustion engine when it is running and the complementary belt section pulled by the starter during the start are able to reliably transmit the torque needed.
Control unit with integrated power electronics
The activities of the system are controlled by a separate control unit with integrated power electronics that is installed behind the battery recess. This communicates with the vehicle's other control units via CAN databus. A three-phase cable transmits the generator power of up to 120 ampere. The power electronics regulate the power of both the starter and the generator. An AGM battery stores the energy for the on-board electrics. The electrolyte is bound in an absorbent glass matt. Its physical properties make it more resistant to varying loaded and unloaded conditions (more cycle resistant) than conventional lead-acid batteries with sulphuric acid electrolyte.
The power electronics of the belt-driven starter generator switch off the combustion engine in idling phases, for example at traffic lights, level crossings or in stop-and-go traffic. In view of fuel economy and comfort, the electronics switch off the engine at a speed of below 8 km/h when the driver presses the brake pedal, signalising that he or she wants to stop. The engine starts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal again. This guarantees an immediate response. The start/stop function can be deactivated if required with a switch on the centre console - until the next starting procedure (ignition off/ignition on).
The most important technical data on the new smart fortwo micro hybrid drive at a glance:
Cylinders/valves

R3/4 valves per cylinder
Engine capacity

999 cc
Bore/stroke

72 x 81.8 mm
Rated output

52 kW/71 bhp at 5,800 rpm
Max. torque

92 Nm at 4,500 rpm
0-100 km/h

13.3 s
Maximum speed

145 km/h
Fuel consumption*

4.3 l/100 km (provisional figure)
Fuel saving

On average approx. 8 %,
approx. 13 % in city traffic (provisional figures)
CO2 emissions

103 g/km (provisional figure)
* Euro-premium in accordance with NEDC

Related:
Spy Photos: More on the 2008 Smart Fortwo; The Grass Is Always Greener: Smart Diesel Hybrid [internal]

What happens when you take a Smart Fortwo and cross it with Eleanor the Mustang from "Gone in 60 Seconds"? A question that needn't been asked, to be sure. But there's an answer. Whatever it is, it looks like something that emerge about six months after Eleanor's egg has been fertilized. Oh, gross. – Mike Spinelli

[More at Autoblog]

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Whither, Eleanor? Ringbrothers to Bring Roush-Powered 1967 Mustang to SEMA [internal]

Because we know when we think of the Nintendo Wii, all we can think about is the Smart Fortwo. We want a blue and white one to drive up in just like the two lovable and huggable stars of the "Mii" ad campaign for the Nintendo Wii save the cheerleader in drive. Because that'd be simply hetero-dorable. One more commercial after the jump. – Ray Wert

Mii commercials [Wii's World]

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From Bucket to Binary: Morrison Corvette Scanned into Gran Turismo; ForbesAutos Touches Its Joystick, Fires Out A Top Ten List Of Car Video Games [internal]

Brabus will show off its latest Smart tuners, based on the new generation Smart Fortwo models, at the Geneva show next month. Of course, us Yanks wont be graced with the Mercedes tweak shop's latest, but Europeans will get every single one of the 98 hp and 103 foot pounds Brabus is offering. And that's enough to bring the diminutive pod cars to 62 mph in under 10 seconds. Don't laugh, the stock model measures that figure in miles per hour Kelvin. They also get sports exhausts and a firmer suspension tune, as well as Brabus alloys. The company's Xclusive model comes with a a body kit, heated leather seats and other interior accouterments. Expect pricing by mid year. – Mike Spinelli

[via World Car Fans]

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Spy Photos: 2007 Brabus Smart Cabrio [internal]

Don't adjust your rods and cones, this Smart Fortwo really is actually glowing like dandruff particles in a blacklit nightclub. It's part of an art project headed by Katharina Sieverding, whose large-scale self-portraits from the early 1970s convinced artsy types that photographs could succeed as legitimate conceptual objects (as well as being pretty creepy). Two of Sieverding's master-class students shot the Fortwo, which had been covered in luminescent green paint, in a series of photos that will be shown at Galerie Viaux in Berlin in March. The proceeds will go to charity. – Mike Spinelli

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Smart Pushed ALL the Way Outside, Shows Anger by Parallel Parking.; Smart Reveals 2007 Fortwo [internal]

England is car hell. Let's forget about the expensively obvious for a moment (insane taxes, equally insane gas prices, doubly insane speed cameras on every corner and under your bed) and the plain daf (Clarkson thinks the Jaguar XK is cooler than the upcoming Dodge Challenger) and look at the cars themselves. They suck! Nine out of ten cars in Old Blighty are 1.9-Liter French diesels. The rest are Korean brands you don't even want to know about. (SsangYong Rexton II, anyone?) Sure, you will see an occasional large BMW "saloon," but closer inspection will reveal it to be a 520d SE with a 1995cc oil burner and tiny wheels (though, it does — slowly — get 41mpg). Audis sell pretty well in London, but the overwhelming majority of them are three-door A3s with puny engines. In other words, rebadged Golfs. (Jump baby, jump)

For as much guff as we in the automotive press (and especially us Swedish Mafia types) give an uninspired car like Chevy's Impala, transport said car to England and its blah by stateside standards looks are suddenly more handsome than 90% of the grimy little boxes puttering about London. Which is weird. Moreover, while I can't stand penis-substitute SUVs (Hummer H2, me looking at you), at least they have presence. Posturing is, if nothing else, visually interesting. And as my sister loves pointing out, H2s appear to be from the future. Whereas new cars in "Cool Britannia" appear to be from France and are therefore rotten looking with huge asses.

Personal transportation in Spain was a bit more interesting. And by more interesting I mean Renault Twingos and Smart ForTwos were all over the streets of Barcelona. The latter of which I really dig, while the former is more frighteningly anthropomorphic than a Nissan Micra. I have a theory as to why DCX is withholding the much discussed Smart cars from American streets. The almighty San Francisco Department of Parking and Traffic would stand to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in parking ticket revenues. Think I'm insane? You've never owned a car in San Francisco. And if you agree with me you have. Anyhow, most cars in Spain were also French and tiny and, well, rather meh.

There was one eye-opener — how utterly fantastic big cars looked. Buy an Audi A8 here in the states and you have a vehicle that dimensionally isn't much different than your Aunt's Avalon. In fact, it's about the same size as the Buick you just rented from Enterprise while visiting your Aunt and her Avalon over the holidays. But in London and Barcelona at least, Audi's big sedan truly is uber. Forget the ALUMINUM UND SHTEEL shtick, let's talk stance; a black A8 on wet cobblestones next to a teal Fiat Punto is devastating. Where I live, 7-Series are more common than Fords (no, really) and even as Bangled as they are, the big Bimmers basically blend into the background out here in Los Angeles. But on the narrow, wrought-ironed off streets of London they look like Dolph Lundgren in Rocky IV. Prussian physical perfection. Other cars that impressed; Maserati Quattroporte, Audi A6 Avant, Chrysler 300C, Jaguar XJ, Mercedes S550. Cars that looked like a Ford Taurus; Jaguar XK. – Jonny Lieberman

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Standing Still: Ford Launches Fusion Pursuit Edition For Euro Market [Internal]

Despite the arrival of the first US Smart Fortwo models in 2007, Europeans will still have one Smart up on the Yanks. That is, the Brabus-tuned Smart. With the current Brabus Black Star 101 ending production with the 2006 model, the company's working on its tuner version of the next-gen Fortwo, which spies have apparently caught in cabrio form during cold-weather flogging. With Brabus's help, the new model may just break 10 seconds in the zero-to-60 sprint, which is the Smart equivalent of doing a nine-second quarter mile. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Smart Cabrio BRABUS [World Car Fans]

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A Smart 210hp: Brabus's Forfour Concept [internal]

Despite already being the recipient of an announcement they'll be coming in 2008 (back in June) and an announcement detailing what they'll look like (back last month) — the folks at the German-American hybrid have decided the 2006 Detroit Auto Show's the place to complete the immortal announcement trilogy of the smart brand. So we'll have — yes — the third announcement that smart is coming to the 'merican shores occurring here in the D in January. All we know is our excitement level's gone from a dizzying level of "meh" to a point where we're now so excited we can barely stifle our yawns. I myself am looking forward to trying to spot one driving by over the inevitable berms of snow surrounding Cobo on the first day of the show. Who am I kidding, I'll never be able to spot it. Full press release below the jump. – Ray Wert

North American International Auto Show in Detroit: Premiere of the new smart fortwo in the USA Stuttgart, Dec 20, 2006 For the very first time on US soil: the new smart fortwo, celebrating its USA premiere at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 7 to 21, 2007). The new smart fortwo will be available in the USA beginning in the first quarter of 2008. The car shown in Detroit is an European version of the new smart fortwo. Model lines to be available in the United States will be announced at later date.

smart, like Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, is part of the Mercedes Car Group. The exhibition stand is directly opposite Chrysler and Dodge in Oakland Hall (inside Cobo Center). Written in large letters on the stand are the words "Coming to the USA in 2008". And right in front of it, a smart fortwo with red bodypanels and a silver tridion safety cell.

The new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but better. This means that the new smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more environmentally friendly than its predecessor. And from the first draft it is designed to meet USA customer needs and registration standards.

The right car at the right time

It is time for the smart fortwo to make an appearance in the USA; fuel prices are rising, and city traffic is increasing by the day. In short, the smart fortwo is the right car at the right time.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the two-seater quickly became a popular vehicle following its launch in October 1998. The same is sure to hold true in the USA.

More than 770,000 customers have chosen the first generation of the smart fortwo - often to replace a larger car with the lively two-seater. Because the smart fortwo is something special and stands out from the crowd, and because it is simply fun to drive.

Apart from this, the vehicle concept is also highly practical - especially for people who live in cities or urban areas. On most journeys a car carries just a single occupant, and because people make faster progress through the city in a smart fortwo. And because with a smart fortwo, people can make faster progress through city streets and they do not even need to search for a parking space - the smart fortwo can easily fit between in very limited space - they can find one right away.

As early as 2002, the smart fortwo was included in the permanent collection in New York's Museum of Modern Art - the only vehicle there that is still produced today. The five other models to attain this honor were the Cisitalia, Jaguar E-Type, Willy's Jeep, Ferrari Formula 1 and Volkswagen Beetle.

The right distribution partner

With Roger Penske and UnitedAuto Group, smart has the right distribution partner to bring the smart fortwo to the US market in 2008. smart USA is currently reviewing market data to determine dealership locations - no specific locations have been identified to date. Dealer organizations will be announced during the second half of 2007.

UnitedAuto Group, Inc., headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, operates 319 dealers with 41 different brands and 27 repair workshops. UAG specializes in the sale of new and pre-owned cars, financing, insurance and supplying spare parts and also offers a maintenance and repair service for all the brands it offers.

Related:
Smart Reveals 2007 Fortwo; It's Coming: Zetsche Announces Smart Car Plan for US [internal]

Clone purveyor, thy name is whoops. Carscoop reports Chinese automaker Shandong Huoyun has ceased building its two-seater Smart Fortwo doppelganger, following some manner of cease-and-desist missive from DaimlerChrysler. Company executives, while complying with the order, plead ignorance, saying they based their electric car on a scale model purchased over the Internet. We haven't heard the final peal from Shandong. The company will change the minicar to be just a bit less Smart, and try again. Look out, Mini. – Mike Spinelli

Chinese Smart Fortwo Copycat gets the boot [Carscoop]

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Smart Not Smart: Chinese Fortwo Clone [internal]

Welcome to the world, you 2007 Smart Fortwo, you. DaimlerChrysler today released an official press kit for the slightly redesigned and newly powered Smart car, the first version planned for US sales since the initial Swatchmobile was deemed far too large to wear as a timepiece, and abandoned by the Swiss. Eventually, that model was adopted by the auto industry, where it grew to become gleefully unprofitable for its remaining owner, Mercedes-Benz. Now, after a good spanking from Dr. Z. and a purging of its corporate siblings, the Mitsubishi-sourced Forfour and perky Roadster, the hopeful new Smart will hit dealerships in Europe by year's end, and the US by 2008. The new motor is a 1.0-liter three banger — available in three horsepower ratings (61 hp, 71 hp and 84 hp), with a 45 hp diesel option — hooked to a five-speed manual (no automatic). Top speed is 90 mph — 6 mph more than its predecessor. No word on the profit margin for the new-generation model, but let's say it'd better be good, or the 00s may be the little guy's last decade on earth. [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli

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More on the Smart Fortwo [internal]

The Chinese are either the best or worst reverse-engineers in the world. Check out this from Shandong Huoyun, a division of the Qilu Petrochemical Corporation; it's a nearly indistinguishable knockoff of the Smart Fortwo. Under the skin, however, it's an entirely different beast. As its name reveals, the HuoYun Electromobile is an EV with a range of 75 miles and a top speed of 31 mph. Considering it's also lacking the Smart passenger-safety cell, 31 mph is probably more than fast enough. We also hear some enterprising New Yorkers have already started selling these from a blanket laid out on Fifth Avenue. Caveat emptor, German tourists. – Mike Spinelli

HuoYun Electromobile : Yes, it's a Chinese Smart Fortwo clone! [Carscoop]

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Fake Ferrari From China: The Chen-Zo? [internal]

Yes, we know the Prius and Smart are both fuel efficient little buggers, but seriously — as driving machines, they really suck ass. And what's the point in driving if you aren't going to have fun when you do it. If the experience is gonna suck, you might as well take the bus or something because at least you'll be able to do the crossword puzzle. – Ray Wert

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Classic Top Gear: James May's Manly Triumph; Classic Top Gear: Fifteen-Hundred-Quid Coupes [internal]

Good thing we didn't include the Smart Fortwo in our latest reader poll of what we should cover in Paris. Turns out, the company's not unwrapping the new little 'un in the city of lights. Buried in the lower third of a press release from DaimlerChrysler today came word the redesigned Fortwo — the one that's coming to the US — "is not on show in Paris," and that, "The world premiere will take place this year, at a location outside of the trade fair circuit." Outside the trade fair circuit? Do these guys think we're made of frequent flyer miles? Read the entire release after the jump.

Press Release:

The city loves you

Comfort, agility, safety and ecology are particular strengths of the smart fortwo. They are best demonstrated in European cities such as Paris, Berlin or Rome - the environment that this car was developed for and where it has achieved cult status in a very short space of time.

The smart fortwo requires only half the road space of most other vehicles. The agile two-seater not only gets you around town more quickly; if everyone were to drive a smart fortwo, the line of cars waiting at the traffic lights would be only half as long, and the car parks would have space for twice as many cars. Or to put it another way: you don't have to look for a parking space in the smart fortwo - you find one.
A car park at the fair stand

But let's come back to comfort, agility, safety and ecology: under the motto "The city loves you" the smart fortwo will be demonstrating these - its archetypal strengths - at the Paris Motor Show. A car park is a main feature of the exhibition area. Here, 15 smart fortwos are parked close together. They demonstrate the economical use of valuable parking space by this two seater measuring less than three metres in length.

Incidentally, all the smart fortwos sport the same appearance in lite white with a silver tridion safety cell. With one exception: the smart fortwo edition red has an all-over "intensive red" finish. This sporty two-seater is to be offered as the final special model as the current series is phased out, and is also on show at the fair in Paris.
The new smart fortwo: Even more smart fortwo

The new smart fortwo, which will be launched in the spring of 2007, is not on show in Paris. The world premiere will take place this year, at a location outside of the trade fair circuit. However, a first indication of its appearance has already been given: a sand sculpture of the new model could be seen during the German beach volleyball championships at the beginning of September at Timmendorfer Strand.

Over and above this we can reveal this much: the new smart fortwo will be a true smart fortwo as well. It will adopt the key characteristics of the current model. You could say that the fortwo can do everything that the current fortwo can do - but a little better.

The smart press conference will take place on the first press day (28 September 2006 from 12:15 to 12:30). In addition, journalists are warmly invited to start the first and second press days from 8:30 to 10:30 with a smart breakfast.

In the evening of the first press day (28 September 2006) automotive journalists will have an opportunity to watch the film "A Good Year" before it is shown at cinemas in November. In a screening that is not open to the public smart will show the film starring Oscar prize-winner Russell Crowe (who drives a smart fortwo in the film) in the English original. "A Good Year" is the fourth international cinema film featuring smart product placement. Journalists will assemble at 18.30 and the film will be screened at 19.30.

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Sandy Smart: The Next Fortwo [internal]

DaimlerChrysler says this is what the next Smart Fourtwo will look like (yep, the one the US is getting). Rumors persist that it was created out of the sand reclaimed from Dr. Z's mustache after a "fact-finding mission" to Ibiza.

Related:
More on the Smart Fortwo [internal]

With the next-generation Smart Fortwo coming to the US, there's no reason not to get in on every move the company makes, especially as it winds down its first generation model. Smart will wave bye bye to that outgoing model with the Red edition, a new limited version set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show next month. The company also says the current generation is as good as sold out, which may have something to do with the boatload of Smarts that arrived in California recently. The Red edition has the 75-hp Brabus engine, with 16" alloys (dubs in Smart inches), a red-leather-appointed interior, red paint and other red stuff slapped on in various places. It'll come in coupe and cabrio (European Cosmo-girls not included).

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I Pity the Fuel: A Smart Fortwo, A-Team Style [internal]

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US Mercedes Dealers: Nein! Keine Smart!; Spy Photos: More on the 2008 Smart Fortwo [internal]

Now that we know the Smart Fortwo is coming to the states, we can be heartened that the next-gen model will retain its near-iconic shape and is still roughly the same size as a sack of White Castle hamburgers. That we know from the spy shots of a disguised Fortwo that have been trickling from European e-mail addresses for several months. The company is betting the bauernhof on the model, considering its dumped all others — the Forfour, the roadster, the el Smart-camino — in the name of cost cutting. Still, this one, which is slightly larger than its predecessor, will come in diesel, gas and electric variants. We'll see it at the Geneva show next year.

SPY PHOTOS: More Next Gen smart ForTwo [World Car Fans]

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Spy Photos: 2008 Smart Fortwo; It's Coming: Zetsche Announces Smart Car Plan for US [internal]

The Detroit News reports (on a report) that DaimlerChrysler will announce today (or sometime this week) its plan to bring the Smart brand to the US. As we've mentioned previously, it'll likely be the next generation Smart Fortwo, powered by a new Mitsubishi-sourced engine, which will reportedly launch in early 2007 in Europe. In preparation, we're "gauging the marketplace" with a non-scientific poll. Would you buy a Smart in the US? Or would you rather ride a self-propelled Snapper push mower on the 405? Ok, skip the second part, and take the poll after the jump.

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Report: Smart cars coming to U.S. [CNN]

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Zetsche Says: Smart Likely Headed to US [internal]

Picture TV's "A-Team" not so much a group of special forces commandos — gone underground after being accused of a crime they didn't commit — as two guys just out for a nice drive in the West End. That's the vibe of the A-Team Smart Fortwo, created by the two guys who run the UK's Smart-R-us tuning house. Actually, it wouldn't be off the show's narrative for H.M. Murdoch to have shown up driving one of these, dressed in lederhosen and quoting wildly from Erich Fromm's "The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness." Can anyone say "remake"? [Thanks to Lee for the tip.]

Star Cars: a_team [Smart-R-us]

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Get a good look, kids. If DaimlerChrysler opts to bring the Smart brand to the US — a decision is forthcoming says Dieter "Ich bin ein CEO" Zetsche — this redesigned Fortwo will be carrying the flag. Spies caught the next-generation model during testing near the Smart manufacturing plant in Hambach, France. Looks like it'll mainly have a longer nose to accommodate US front-impact standards, along with a few minor style tweaks. It'll also have a new engine by Mitsubishi under the hood, according to reports.

New Smart ForTwo Spy Photos [World Car Fans]

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More on Smart [internal]

On today's Jalopnik Precast, Spinelli and Farago look at the new Seat Leon FR — the Spanish GTI — then examine Isuzu's recent record profits as seen through GM's eyes, and relate the Smart Fortwo's recent appearance in "The Di Vinci Code" with the Mini's in "The Italian Job."