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New Smart ED not coming to US until 2017

Smart is broadening its global lineup considerably with its new generation. There are two body styles, two engines, two transmissions, and more color combinations than we could shake a stick at. But, if you're waiting for a new electric version in the US, you'll have to wait a little longer. According to Automotive News, Smart won't launch the new ED (electric drive) model until 2017, which rules out the "late 2016" window we heard was possible earlier this year. We've asked Smart USA for confirmation of this time change, but have not yet heard back. The standard, fuel-burning version of the new ForTwo, on the other hand, is slated to arrive at US dealers in November. It will only be offered to American customers in two-door guise with the turbocharged engine, driving 89 horsepower through either a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The outgoing electric Smart is still going to be offered in three iterations. It first saw a pilot lease program distribute 100 vehicles in London, powered by a 41-horsepower electric motor and a 13.2-kWh sodium-nickel chloride battery that could take it for 68 miles on a single charge. The second followed in 2009 and spread 2,000 vehicles across 18 markets with a 27-hp motor with a 40-hp overboost and a 16.5-kWh lithium-ion battery for a range of 84 miles. The current, third iteration was unveiled in 2011 with a 74-hp motor, a 17.6-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 90-mile range. Expect the new Smart ED to further improve on those numbers when it arrives within the next couple of years. Until that time, the current model will still be offered as Daimler prepares the new ED model for launch as part of a growing array of plug-in electric vehicles. Related Video:

Smart ForStars concept shows up ahead of Paris premiere

Based on its last few concept cars, we can definitely see the styling direction that Daimler's Smart brand is taking. The new Smart ForStars concept, which will debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show later this month, certainly builds on the themes we've seen, as well. While the Smart ForVision concept was a solid indication of the next-generation ForTwo, the ForStars looks like it could be previewing a new Smart model attempting to target buyers of small crossovers.
Smart calls the ForStars concept a "Sports Utility Coupe," and the car's increased ground clearance and cargo space could resonate with buyers looking for a small car this not quite as small as the ForTwo. The overall styling of the ForStars is familiar, with reference from concepts like the ForVision and For-Us. Between the smiley lower fascia with the chubby, dimpled cheeks and the "eyebrows" above the headlights, the new Smart reminds us a bit of an evil version of Speed Buggy. Or a much cooler take on the long-dead Suzuki X-90.
The concept's bubbled roof gives it a look somewhat reminiscent of the Mini Cooper Coupe. Said roof is made from transparent glass panels, giving both occupants a panoramic upward view (it also helps explain the show car's stellar name). The concept car is painted up in a striking Alubeam Rouge exterior color with the matte gray portions of the ForStars showing off the signature Tridion safety cell.

Recharge Wrap-Up: No new Smart Roadster, Africa to UK on one tank, Duke's efficient axial engine [w/videos]

Smart will not make another generation of the Roadster, but a Smart SUV might be in the cards. According to Smart's CEO, Annette Winkler, "The Roadster isn't a profitable business case. Everybody is keen on the car, but nobody wants to pay the bill." What Car? states that Smart is likely planning a baby SUV to take on the Nissan Juke and its ilk. But for the immediate future, Winkler says Smart "must focus on how we can maximize potential of the Fortwo and Forfour. That is strategy number one." Read more over at What Car?. A Mercedes-Benz E300 Bluetec Hybrid made the 1,223-mile trek from Africa to the UK on just one tank of fuel. Driven by Andrew Frankel of Autocar, the diesel hybrid left Tangier, Morocco with a full tank of gas (using the optional 80-liter fuel tank), and arrived in Goodwood with the car indicating 100 miles of range left. Frankel and his co-driver averaged 61.2 miles per gallon (73.6 mpg UK) on the intercontinental journey through four countries, despite elevation changes and a traffic jam. See the first video below for more information, or check out the article at Carscoops. Duke Engines promises simplicity and efficiency from the axial engine it's developing. Rather than lining up the cylinders, this engine arranges them in a circle, which allows Duke to avoid unnecessary weight. The five-cylinder, four-stroke motor manages the same amount of powerstrokes per revolution as a standard six-cylinder mill, but weighs 30 percent less. It also has much fewer parts, says Duke. Its high compression ratios mean more power with less fuel, which adds up to more efficiency and fewer emissions. The second of the two videos below, which we first found over at Sploid, explains Duke's axial engine. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Related Gallery Smart Roadster Patents Related Gallery Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid and E300 BlueTec Hybrid: Detroit 2012 Photos View 13 Photos News Source: Carscoops, What Car?, Sploid via World Car Fans Green Mercedes-Benz smart Fuel Efficiency Technology Emerging Technologies Diesel Vehicles Hybrid Videos recharge wrapup diesel hybrid smart roadster