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]

Speech given by professor Gordon Murray at the 1st Anniversary Celebration of Gordon Murray Design.

Good evening and thank you for coming to our first anniversary celebration.
It’s one year since we began operations at Wharfside and our small company has grown into a great team of 29 very talented people. I have to offer a big thank you to our investors MDV and Caparo, not only for believing in us and the T.25 Project, but for their absolute support in our strategy and day to day running of the business.

We are calling this evening a ‘3D Evening’ because although we can’t show you the actual car, we can for the first time reveal the size and profile of the T.25 and through the 3-dimensional medium of the 15 dioramas we can show the impact that the car will have on our motoring world.

Tonight is all about giving you an update on the progress of our T.25 programme, to explain our business model and also to explain that it is a complete re-think of both small vehicle architecture and of the automotive manufacturing process.

There is no longer a debate about climate change. We have about 15 years left to slow this process down and we all know we have to change our attitude and our habits. Transport is only one part of the problem but it’s an important part because it’s about mobility and personal freedom as well as the environment.

I feel sure that in 20 years time we will be looking back and not believing that in 2008 we were dropping a child off at school in a 2.5 tonne vehicle, that achieved less than 20mpg. In just the same way as it is difficult to believe that 20 years ago, more than half the people in this room would have been smoking!

In the automotive sector we are making some steps in the right direction but they are far too little to make the sort of difference we need in the next 15 years. For example Hybrids although largely a marketing exercise can make a small improvement in urban areas but are worse in a full lifecycle analysis and do nothing for congestion, parking and mobility. Electric vehicles certainly have a place in urban areas and niche, low volume products but with today’s battery technology they have a bad lifecycle footprint and again do nothing for safety, parking and congestion.

Car manufacturers are largely ignoring the problems and almost every new model is launched larger and heavier than the last. There have been a few noticeable exceptions like the Smart and the Japenese KEI class cars but none of these help in all the problem areas.

Some companies are making more effort than others like Toyota with their new iQ due out next year. With some design ideas like thin shell seats, smaller air-conditioning units and repackaged powertrain, but that hardly constitutes a re-think, it’s evolutionary design and does nothing for congestion, parking, lifecycle damage or low cost transport and it’s still likely to weigh about the same as an original VW Golf.

We have two tools available right now – size and weight – and we need to give motorists an incentive to change to smaller, lighter cars and prove that these vehicles can be safe and above all fun to drive.

Innovation is only part of a process – what we need is a step-change in car packaging and in our manufacturing process – a revolution – a complete re-think. We believe that the T.25 architecture and manufacturing process will represent the biggest step forward in our automotive world since the model T Ford, exactly 100 years ago.
Our business model is quite simple – the architecture includes a separate body/chassis assembly. The manufacturing process can be adapted to many new powertrains, fuels and body styles.

The T.25 is only the first to use this process and Gordon Murray Design is already in discussion with potential customers for other versions of the car. We can offer anything from a simple licensing agreement for the manufacturing I.P through to a turn-key car programme to Job 1, including factory building design and assembly line layout.
The manufacturing process brings with it a massive reduction in capital investment and environmental damage.
The concept embraces all the challenges and finds solutions:

1. Lower purchase price – substantially less than current small cars.
2. Low cost motoring – approximately half the annual running cost of a hatchback and purchase price pay back in 4 years compared with a small hatchback.
3. Parking – 3 cars in one parallel parking space.
4. Congestion – 2 cars in one motorway lane.
5. Running emissions – less than half the UK average.
6. Lifecycle admissions – at least a 40% reduction.
7. Protecting our mobility.
8. Putting the fun back into driving.

Tonight we are privileged to have the wonderful Tantra George Harrison Mini as our centre piece. The Mini is an inspiration, it was iconic and classless. That is our aim with the T.25.

We can’t show you the actual car because that will belong to our customer, but for the first time we can share with you the actual size and proportions of the T.25.

We also have the 15 dioramas to illustrate the impact that this process and architecture will have in the future.
What began as an idea in 1993 is now a reality – it certainly represents the toughest challenge I’ve ever faced in my design career, but I now have what I consider to be the world’s best automotive design group to help deliver the next big step forward.

Thank you and have a good evening.

[Gordon Murray Design via autoblog]

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]

Paris - at the Paris Motor Show 2008 smart is presenting the latest generation smart fortwo with electric drive to an international audience for the first time. In future, the advantages of the smart fortwo electric drive, which produces no local emissions, will be demonstrated in everyday service in the project "e-mobility Berlin" which Daimler AG presented together with the energy provider RWE at the beginning of September 2008. This project underlines the pioneering role of the young car brand in developing environmentally friendly and sustainable concepts for the individual mobility of the future. The current models already boast low fuel consumption and minimum carbon dioxide emissions. The smart model range includes the CO2 world champion, the smart fortwo cdi, with CO2 emissions of just 88 g/km – the lowest figure of any production car worldwide. Moreover, since October 2008 the two petrol smart fortwo models with 52 kW/71 bhp and 45 kW/61 bhp engines have been equipped with an intelligent and user-friendly start/stop system which further reduces their fuel consumption. The two-seater car is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and its unique concept has now become firmly established. Thanks to new ideas and a design that combines functionality with joie de vivre, the smart fortwo has become a cult car. Since the launch of the first model in 1998, more than a million models of the two-seater car have been produced. Today it is on sale in 37 countries around the world - including the USA since January 2008. From mid 2009 the smart fortwo will also be available in China. The smart fortwo therefore already has an impressive track record on its way to a green future.
Since 1998 economical cars from smart have offered innovative solutions to the great challenge of our time: how can individual mobility be made environ-mentally sound and sustainable in future? The latest generation smart fortwo electric drive provides a new possible answer to this question as electric drive is quiet, highly efficient and produces no local emissions.
100 electric smarts in everyday service in London since 2007
At the end of 2007 smart leased 100 electric smarts of the old series to be used in a pilot project in Londonin order to gain real-world experience with electric drive. Customers gave very encouraging feedback on the zero emission cars that were still equipped with conventional batteries. And the authorities in the English capital reward this commitment to electricity by exempting drivers of electric smarts from the expensive Londoncongestion charge.
"e-mobility Berlin" – smart fortwo ed to be equipped with a lithium-ion battery in future
smart is consistently working on the further development of electrically driven vehicles. With the support of the German government and the state of Berlin, at the beginning of September 2008 Daimler AG and the energy provider RWE presented the project "e-mobility Berlin". This is the largest initiative in this field to date, and the two companies aim to jointly create the conditions for zero emission motoring with battery electric drives. RWE is providing 500 electricity charging stations and Daimler is contributing 100 electric cars. The aim is to create an intelligent overall system.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of Daimler AG says "As the capital and Germany's largest city, Berlinis the right place for this project. The future will see an ever-increasing proportion of traffic on the roads in urban centres around the world. Zero-emission electric cars could shape the image of environmentally aware cities because zero local emission motoring is no longer science fiction – and also when seen as a whole emissions will be further reduced as the proportion of "green" electricity increases. The future of mobility is green. We invented the car – and we will do it again!"
Daimler AG, the parent company of the cult smart brand, has been working hard to develop solutions for the important challenges presented by battery electric driven cars for years. These are the range and charging times, but also the charging station infrastructure, the additional energy requirement and, of course, the costs.
smart is presenting important solutions in Berlin. The latest smart fortwo ed series will be equipped with state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries, including extremely compact dimensions, much higher performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability.
Moreover, an "on-board unit" is being developed for the project "e-mobility Berlin" which communicates with the charging station. Among other things, this will contribute to ensuring that the battery is automatically charged with low-priced electricity when the network is not used to full capacity, for example at off-peak times. Or when more electricity is available from alternative energy sources than is needed at this point in time. This benefits the environment and offers customers real savings.
The development and tuning of the components needed are already well underway. At the beginning of next year the system will initially undergo internal testing and optimisation. Small series production of the electric two-seater will start at the end of 2009 and smart will then deliver the first vehicles to selected customers.
Success story – ten years of the smart fortwo
As early as the early 1970s developers at Mercedes-Benz started working on the "car of the future" and considering new revolutionary approaches that eventually led to the concept of an ultra-compact car two and a half metres long. Several years passed until the pioneering safety concept was developed that allowed the high level of safety typical of Mercedes to be realised in an extremely short car.
In 1989 Nicolas G. Hayek, the inventor of the Swatch watch, announced plans to launch a small city car on the market. To realise this idea Nicolas Hayek turned to Mercedes-Benz as an experienced partner. Together, both partners founded Micro Compact Car AG with headquarters in Biel, Switzerland.
Finally, in 1997 the smart city coupé celebrated its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Production and sales started in 1998. In the same year, smart became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler-Benz AG (now Daimler AG).
Ten years ago a car started to change our focus and our way of thinking and feeling: the smart. The name is a reference to the car's intelligence and attractiveness and the smart city coupé, later renamed smart fortwo, lived up to its name. It was new and excitingly different to conventional cars. This is because it was available solely as a two-seater – an extremely compact car barely longer than two and a half metres that could also fit in a parking space perpendicular to the flow of traffic if necessary. In addition, the smart was characterised by a new, sophisticated design language and showed that even a small car can be attractive, safe and grown-up.
Even then the two-seater smart provided a unique answer to many questions concerning individual urban mobility. For not only does it take up very little road and parking space, it also boasts impressively low fuel consumption and minimum carbon dioxide emissions. Nevertheless, it transports two people and their luggage to their destination very comfortably and with maximum safety.
smart – a passionately discussed idea
When sales of one of the world's most unusual production cars started in October 1998, the newcomer that was at variance with many prevalent ideas of how a car should be, immediately became a subject of passionate, and often controversial, discussion. Now, ten years later, the smart idea has long since taken hold. The intelligent two-seater has become a cult car. The weekly journal "Die Zeit" called the vehicle concept an "urban icon". The smart consistently implements technical innovations for the mobility of the future and also uses constructional details as design features.
smart stands for innovation, functionality and joie de vivre
As one of the youngest car makes, smart stands for innovation, functionality and joie de vivre. smart especially appeals to customers who seek new, intelligent and trend-setting solutions in the automotive sector. smart fortwo drivers can be categorized in terms of their attitude rather than their age, profession or gender. They are open-minded individuals who question the status quo and live life consciously. They opt for a smart fortwo because it is something special and because it sets them apart from the masses. And also because it is quite simply fun to drive.
Further models and series
In the following years the smart brand launched the sports cars smart roadster and smart roadster-coupé (2003) and the four-seater smart forfour (2004) on the market.
The innovative car brand has demonstrated its creative energy time and again with special vehicle models. These include the smart crossblade in 2002 that had neither doors, a roof nor a windscreen, and the smart crosstown show car in 2005 which was equipped with forward-looking hybrid drive.
Concentration on the smart fortwo
Following the decision to stop production of the smart roadster at the end of 2005 and of the smart forfour mid 2006, everything concentrated on the smart fortwo. Ten years after the first pilot production vehicles rolled off the production line, in 2007 the new smart fortwo was launched on the market. This model builds on the strengths of the visionary classic and further develops its virtues. Since 2007 smart has been fully integrated in the organisation of the Daimler business division Mercedes-Benz Cars, which also comprises the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and AMG brands in addition to smart.
Already a classic
It is undisputed that the smart fortwo's unique character already makes it an automotive classic, despite its young years. As early as 2002 a smart fortwo was the only vehicle to be included in the permanent collection of the world-famous Museumof Modern Artin New Yorkwhilst still in series production as a "contemporary design classic of the last decade of the last century".
More than one million vehicles produced – the international cult car has become firmly established
After ten years on the market the smart fortwo can be proud of its achievements. Since the first model was launched in 1998, more than a million two-seater smarts have been produced. Whereas the smart fortwo was initially only offered for sale in Germanyand eight further European countries, today it is available in 37 countries worldwide - since January 2008 also in the USA. From mid 2009 the smart fortwo will also go on sale in Chinaas the car is practically tailor-made for the growing number of lifestyle-oriented small car customers in a country with numerous megacities . In China, too, fashion-conscious young people want an agile, trendy vehicle for their flexible urban lifestyles in order to set themselves apart from others.
The second generation continues the success story
The second generation of the smart fortwo has been on the market since the spring of 2007. It clearly continues the tradition of its predecessor and the fascinating smart story. The car continues to focus on the core brand values of innovation, functionality and joie de vivre – a kind of declaration of automotive independence for many smart drivers .
Anders Sundt Jensen, responsible for the smart brand says "The new fortwo is even more comfortable, agile, safe and environmentally friendly than its successful predecessor was. The new fortwo does not only appeal to smart fans as a lifestyle-oriented vehicle, but also on account of its unparalleled economy."
A trend-setting appearance with new ideas
The smart fortwo embodies a completely new, intelligent concept for automotive individuality and this is also reflected in its appearance with a fresh, young, modern yet sophisticated design language. Unusual ideas gave the two-seater its trend-setting appearance and enabled it to establish its own class. In the past ten years the smart has become an automotive icon and it combines extremely varied demands on function, aesthetics and safety technology to create something completely new.
The result is a bold design that confidently makes structural elements such as the tridion safety cell a significant part of the car's styling. There could hardly be a more eloquent expression of that most basic principle of design, that form must follow function.
A further feature is the mix of materials consistently realised in a production vehicle for the first time with a hard core (tridion) and a flexible and functional shell with thermoplastic bodypanels. In this way smart sets new trends and its shape alone gives it a likeable appearance whilst still being taken seriously.
Safety – a hard shell for the passengers
The smart fortwo is seen as a real trendsetter in terms of safety equipment in small cars. The tridion safety cell protects its occupants like the hard shell around a nut. In this way the smart fortwo meets the extremely strict standards of Mercedes-Benz Cars. Furthermore, it complies with the requirements of Euro-NCAP and US crash regulations.
The basic equipment of the smart fortwo includes full-size airbags for driver and passenger, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters. Head/thorax side airbags are available as an option. esp® also comes as standard; in many other small cars this is not even available for an additional charge. The esp® includes hill-start assist and the anti-lock braking system abs. A hydraulic brake assist function is also included in the standard spec.
The diesel version of the smart is the current CO2 champion
State-of-the-art compact three-cylinder petrol engines with a capacity of 999 cc are installed at the rear of the smart fortwo. In Western Europecustomers can currently choose from two naturally aspirated engine versions with mhd (micro hybrid drive technology) delivering 45 or 52 kW (61/71 bhp) respectively, and a supercharged turbo engine rated at 62 kW (84 bhp). A 72 kW (98 bhp) three-cylinder turbo engine is also at the heart of the smart fortwo BRABUS.
In addition, a diesel variant is available – the smart fortwo cdi – which is the world champion in low CO2 emissions. The 33 kW/45 bhp two-seater car consumes just 3.3 litres of fuel (NEDC) per 100 kilometres on average, which means that it can travel approximately 1000 kilometres without refuelling. This has been confirmed by the Italian car magazine " Quattroruote" which conducted a fuel consumption test over 1000 km between Romeand Salzburg. At just 88 grams per kilometre the smart fortwo cdi has the lowest CO2 emissions of a production car worldwide!
To further reduce the CO2 emissions of the petrol-driven models, both the 45 kW/61 bhp and the 52 kW/71 bhp smart fortwo variant come with mhd (micro hybrid drive) as standard in Europe. This intelligent and user-friendly start/stop system automatically shuts down the engine as soon as the car's speed falls below 8 km/h and the brake pedal is pressed. The engine starts again as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal. This further reduces the standard consumption and the average CO2 emissions.

Award-winning climate friendliness and economy Protection of the environment is an integral part of all the fields of activity of the smart brand. This does not only apply to the vehicle's operational period, but also to its development, production and later recycling. The internationally renowned "Öko-Trend" environmental institute has acknowledged the smart fortwo's top position in matters relating to environmental friendliness and awarded it the coveted environmental certificate for cars. Moreover, the smart fortwo has been awarded the "ÖkoGlobe" by one of Germany's largest insurance companies.

What's more, several renowned trade journals have certified the innovative two-seater's unparalleled economy and environmental friendliness. They came to the unanimous conclusion independently of one another: no other car is as cheap to run!

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]

Yes, 3+1. That means three Japanese adults and one Lieutenant Dan. That may seem like a stretch — or rather, a cramp — but remember, we've fit five guys in a Smart Fortwo before, so maybe it won't be so bad. After all, Toyota has saved space by using a flat gas tank under the seats, a small HVAC unit, and installing thinner seats. So, will the little 'yota make it to the States? Let's hope so.
[Winding Road]

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.

Editor

The smart fortwo finished last in the majority of the One Lap events, but it's still cool. Owner Steven Noton had a great time with it, the smart looked hysterical out on the track, and there wasn't any other car on the tour that was able to draw more identical cars out to the racetracks to greet it. Plus, when you get a bunch of smarts together, there seems to be no limit to the goofy, fun-with-cars antics that people are willing to get involved in. Ok, so we never actually lifted one off the ground—everyone was too worried that the panels would fall off—but we did establish that a standard parking spot will in fact hold four smarts. It was a stretch, and wheels were on the white line on both sides. But in a pinch, you could do it. More pics after the jump!

Now it's here — on the not-so-wilds. When NHTSA tested the ForTwo in a frontal crash test, it received four stars on the driver side and only three on the passenger side and from what our uninformed eyes can tell — the A-pillar looks to be in pretty good shape with no evidence of deformity. So is the Smart Fortwo for you? Well, we're thinking it'll depend on what those crash tests tell us and only time will tell what the IIHS thinks. [via YouTube]

According to the translated text, these folks toil away for 12 hours a day in unheated factories with no personal protective equipment, lax regulations and questionable usage of child labor. They live in mass housing within the factory and don't get a respectable wage. Oh yeah, "Ha ha ha, Chinese knockoffs" we say, but when you look at the conditions and the work, it's not really that funny any more. Its a fascinating peek into the world of low cost labor, but we wonder if the race to the bottom is really worth the cost.

World premiere of Toyota's new urban car: the iQ

Design

Toyota is world-premiering the production design of the new iQ at the Geneva Motor Show. First shown as the Concept Car iQ at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the iQ will go into production during late 2008.
The new iQ is a sophisticated car, representing the ultimate refined urban mode of transportation. Thanks to its ingenious and revolutionary packaging it measures less than three metres in length, yet has a flexible interior space that allows up to three adults, plus a child or luggage to travel comfortably.
The name iQ is the best representation of what the car embodies. "i" stands for individuality, whilst at the same time also expressing "innovation" and "intelligence". "Q" stands for "quality" and also suggesting that its "cubic" stature gives a "cue" to new value and lifestyle.
The iQ delivers dynamism and stability despite its small size. It challenges conventional thinking through a design that is forward-looking, intelligent and energetic, while retaining clarity of purpose and function.
The marvel of the iQ's ingenuity is in its revolutionary packaging, which is the result of six space-saving but inter-linked engineering innovations that represent a break-through in Toyota's automotive vehicle development.
"The iQ story started a few years ago when we at Toyota began thinking of the environmental impact of automobiles. We came to the conclusion that, in order to ensure a sustainable future, there was a need for a radical change in vehicle packaging. We needed to create a break-through, away from the traditional belief that small is basic. Our answer to this is Toyota iQ," says Kazuo Okamoto, Executive Vice President, in charge of Research and Development at Toyota Motor Corporation.
The iQ is designed to cater for the needs of buyers who seek more than just urban mobility but demand space and refinement in an environmentally-friendly vehicle.
J-Factor design
The design of the new iQ has its origin in Japan with J-Factor influences at its core. Toyota explains J-Factor as that aspect of Japanese originality and quality that creates modern, attractive, and globally appealing products from the apparent disharmony and contradictory nature of its original components. Expressions such as 'small yet spacious', 'high-tech yet human' and 'emotional yet functional' are all examples of what Toyota calls J-Factor.
Although iQ is less than three metres in length, measuring 2,985mm precisely, it has a spacious interior. And while the ingenious packaging requires hi-tech solutions, the human appeal is in the requirement to meet intelligent urban transportation needs.
Drawing inspiration from J-Factor, Toyota has developed a unique design language called Vibrant Clarity. Vibrant Clarity is the key to answering the long-standing paradox of designing vehicles that are both energised and dynamic, but at the same time rational and ingenious. The word Vibrant represents a more forward-looking, vital nature that expresses the feeling of energy.
Clarity symbolises all that is fresh, clean and simple, stressing the rational aspect in the design equation - keeping the design crisp, the functionality intact and ensuring that the concept is easily understandable.This Vibrant Clarity design philosophy infuses cars with an emotional intensity that is uniquely identifiable as a Toyota.
The iQ contains three key elements of Vibrant Clarity design
Perfect imbalance of proportions: a simple and daring exterior with a strong contrast between the stable and robust stance provided by the iQ's width and the shortness of its overall length.
Integrated component architecture where each unit contributes to the overall design: the structure around the tyres forms part of the minimal front and rear overhangs, a synergy that conveys both strength and agility.
Freeform geometrics: the exterior surfaces are almost mathematical in their cleanliness and precision, but also possess movement and emotion to make the design fresh and contemporary.
Robust yet refined styling for the iQ's urban environment
The four wheels - placed at the extremities of each corner - give the iQ a self-assured 'super stance'. At just 2,985mm in length, but with a proportionally larger wheelbase of 2,000mm, the iQ is small in size, but unlike a small car possesses a confident on-road appearance.
The iQ's robustness is further enhanced by the tough-looking bumpers. Strong vertical lines define the rear view of the iQ, while the bold rear lamp lenses are divided into three segments by horizontal lines, which help underpin the iQ's strong presence. The iQ is fitted with 5-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels that confidently fill the bold wheel arches.
The exterior styling blends dynamism and stability: prominent crease lines define the high belt line while the V-line of the A-pillar creates tension across the wheel arches.
Smooth lines flow from the front bumpers, curve graciously up through the front pillars to meet the roof and sweep back down towards the rear hatch where they are replaced by edgier, well-defined lines.
From a rear three-quarter perspective the creative tension continues.
A seamless line runs from the edge of the roofline towards the B-pillar and curves around the deep rear glass area, before returning towards the rear hatch and then tailing off at the bold, geometrically-shaped wheel arches.
At the front of the car, smoked headlamp units are set deep into the bonnet and wings. Door mirrors with integrated turn indicators further reflect the iQ's refined urban appeal.

Techno-organic theme for interior styling
The 'on-the-edge' exterior styling is replicated in the iQ's refined interior architecture. By mathematically analysing and recreating the structural beauty of natural objects, Toyota has achieved a 'techno-organic' design which fuses geometric precision with inner beauty.
This is demonstrated in the floating 'V' centre console, which dominates the asymmetric dashboard. At the base of the V is a single dial that controls the functions of the air conditioning.
Situated within the arms of the V are cabin temperature controls with an LCD that displays airflow, twin face-level air vents and at the top a 5.8-inch colour touch screen satellite navigation display.
The V-design both separates and joins the two halves of the asymmetric dashboard design, while providing a visually appealing focus on the interior.

The steering wheel is flat-bottomed to provide the driver with greater legroom. Controls for audio are placed on the wheel to save space on the centre console and to offer a high-level of convenience for the driver.
Other techno-organic features include matt silver door handles with flowing manta-ray styling. While the ultra slim seatbacks are formed in a stylish one-piece moulding that enhances the edgy feel of the iQ and assist in freeing up additional passenger space.
A secret tray is neatly concealed below the rear seat, again providing more storage for passengers without sacrificing the cabin space. For more luggage capacity the 50/50 split rear seats can be separately folded flat to increase the available load area.
The interior is finished in rich chocolate-plum colour, which contrasts with the matt silver of the techno-organic architecture to provide an environment of urban sophistication.
Technology
Revolutionary engineering innovations create ingenious packaging solution
Creating more passenger space in such a compact vehicle was a key aim for Toyota's design team. The iQ's interior is surprisingly spacious. Six inter-linking engineering innovations are responsible for making this possible. Viewed together, these innovations represent a major milestone in Toyota's vehicle development.
To achieve such a milestone required a drastically changed mindset. The engineers had to reconsider the very locations of various vehicle components rather than simply re-designing parts to a smaller size.
The result is a true break-through in 'small yet spacious' packaging, which at the same time has been designed to meet the top 5-star safety rating of EURO NCAP.
The new Toyota iQ measures 2,985mm in length and 1,500mm in height, but the car's compact ingenuity lies in its comparatively lengthy wheelbase of 2,000mm.
Newly developed differential saves engine compartment space
A newly developed differential allows the iQ to be built with short front overhangs, which result in a gain of over 100mm of additional length inside the passenger cabin area when compared to the B-segment Yaris.
Toyota's ingenious solution to the differential is 3-fold: the under-bonnet area is made more compact; the front wheels can be placed at the very corners of the car, which drastically shortens the front overhang; and the passenger compartment can be increased.
Flat under-floor fuel tank with rear-angled shock absorbers
The design of the flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed the development of shorter rear overhangs, which contribute to the reduction of the car's overall length.
Historically, a flat tank was considered difficult to engineer successfully because of the variance in fuel surface levels depending on the angle of the car.
However, persistent engineering efforts to downsize and find the optimal placement of functional parts have resulted in a flat fuel tank that creates significant space savings.
Smaller heater/air conditioning unit saves space
Toyota engineers have managed to significantly reduce the size of the heater/air conditioning unit without sacrificing performance output.
As a result of the size reduction the passenger-side area of the asymmetric dashboard can be moved forward and towards the windscreen base freeing up additional cabin space.
Asymmetric dashboard design and sliding seat configuration create more space
The iQ's innovative asymmetric dashboard was designed to open up the passenger area.
The pushed-forward and step-like structure of the dashboard provides sufficient space for the front passenger when the seat is set at its most forward position while comfortably accomodating an adult in the rear seat.
Combined with shoulder-to-shoulder distance between driver and passenger of a similar volume to a C-segment vehicle, the unique 3+1 seating configuration creates enough room for three adults and, in addition, either a child or luggage behind the driver.
Centre take-off steering gear for compactness
Toyota has employed a centre take-off steering gear and positioned it higher in the engine bay. The gear, engine and differential could then be repositioned creating the iQ's size-reduced front overhang.
Slim seat design for greater leg room
The slimness of the iQ seat backs release a further 40mm of rear passenger room at knee height so that rear passengers can sit more comfortably.
With an all-new frame structure and optimal adjustment of ancillary parts, the slimmer seat designs save space without sacrificing comfort.
New iQ drives Toyota's green aims with low emission engines
Toyota has been pioneering in the continual search to reduce the car's impact on the environment. Using technology as its cornerstone, Toyota has persistently sought new ideas and new inventions to make the car friendlier to the environment.
In addition to Toyota's ongoing Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology innovations, the expansion of its small car range is integral to reducing environmental impact.
The new iQ, together with the Urban Cruiser also premiered at Geneva, plays a key role in Toyota's drive to reduce emissions. Both cars are also an essential part of Toyota's challenge to support the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association's (JAMA) voluntary commitment of 140 grams per kilometre by 2009.
The iQ will have the choice of one of two petrol or one diesel engine. These engines - along with the compact design, low weight, and aerodynamic shape of the iQ - will contribute to outstanding fuel economy and exceptionally low CO2 emissions, which are anticipated to start at around 100g/km.
Production commences in late 2008
Production of the iQ will commence during late 2008. In the first full year of production, Toyota expects to reach 100,000 units globally.

[Source: Toyota]

What's your ideal pair of vehicles? Real or imagined.

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]

Of course, in 1350, rats bearing plague-infested fleas wiped out half the city's population, so it wouldn't surprise us if some French folk with long memories of the Black Death run screaming rather than plunk down a few Euros to buy the DVD pour les enfants. [The Paris Blog]

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

Toyota to present two new additions to its small car line-up at Geneva Motor Show

At the Geneva Motor Show, Toyota will unveil the production design of its all-new small car - Toyota iQ. First shown as the Concept Car iQ at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, iQ will go into production during late 2008.

iQ represents a break-through in compact urban transportation. For a first, up to three passengers can be comfortably seated in a compact urban vehicle at sub three metres in length, and additionally have enough area to accommodate a child or luggage.

The spaciousness of iQ is a result of its ingenious packaging, which was created by six space-saving but inter-linked engineering innovations that represent a revolution in Toyota's automotive vehicle development.
Infused with Japanese design elements, iQ is a radical change in vehicle design as well as environmentally friendly transportation, and away from the belief that small cars are basic and less safe.

[Source: Toyota via World Car Fans]

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]