Renault leaves the Smart ForTwo partnership with Daimler

Smart Forvision Concept

According to CarMagazine, Renault withdrew the development, together with Daimler, of the Smart ForTwo's twin brother codenamed Project Edison, in order to save money and manpower, meaning the Germans will have to continue the development alone.

Renault has several reasons for not wanting to continue to participate in this project. Apart from wanting to save resources, the objectives of the car are not being met since it is over budget and overweight.

Another relevant point to this decision may have been the choice of a gasoline engine instead of a diesel like the current generation, leading to an increase in CO2 emissions of 86g/km to 99g/km. The motors will all have 3 cylinders, with the weakest having an 0,9liter engine with 65hp, while the others will have 85 and 105hp.

The gearbox will also be changed from a sequential transmission to a manual with six-speeds. but if you want you can pay €2000 and get a new seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox.

On the outside the new Smart will be a little bit longer (2700mm to 2730mm) and a lot wider (1750 to 1870mm), making it more stable, but less urban-friendly.

A few months later a cabriolet and an electric version will be presented to the public.

Source: CarMagazine

Smart Forvision Concept

Short News: Smart Feber Buggy will take part on 2013 Dakar [Video]

The smart can jump and with the number 382, the Spanish driver Jose Luis Alvarez, "JL", will race in the 2013 Dakar on a Smart Feber 1000 all alone and without assistance. At least that's what it says in the youtube page, on their website they tell another story, revealing a support team.

He will race in the Light Buggy class. The buggy specifications are not known and while the car doesn't seem to be incredibly fast, it will certainly be agile. Their objective? Just to finish. Oh, and they are looking for sponsors.

 

The rally will start (January 5) in Peru for the first time in its history, cross Argentina and will finish in Santiago de Chile on January 20th.

 

I wish them good luck.

Dakar Smart

The Smart E-Bike. Will take you everywhere, easily [Video]

Imagine living in a city full of hills and you love riding your bicycle but don't want to get to work or school all sweaty and smelling bad because, well, it isn't good. But don't fear, the future is here!

To help solve those problems Smart created this bicycle with a 250W electric engine mounted on the rear axle that is able to achieve 25km/h (close to 16mph) but the engine only works when you want it, so you can ride it like a normal bicycle.

It uses a lithium ion battery with a range of 100km that can be removed for charging or can be charged when the driver uses the brakes.

Another inovation is the USB port that is fitted in the handlebar to connect your smartphone and charge it when you pedal.

The Pedelec system multiplies the force applied by the rider, eliminating the effort it would be done on a climb with a normal bike.

It is expensive and at the price of almost €3000 or $3900 you could buy an electric scooter but the style is unmistakable and you don't need a license or insurance. The e-Bike weighs 26kg.

Source: VeiculosElectricosPT