2016 Smart Fortwo Passion Coupe on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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.

1,207 Smart ForTwos parade around Budapest

Daimler's Smart division partied down with the Smart ForTwo cult by staging a parade late last week that totaled 1,207 vehicles. In all, about 2,500 people showed up at Budapest's Heroes' Square to listen to music and party like rock stars in tiny cars. The parade, which included what was undoubtedly a romantic cruise along the Danube River, was set up to commemorate the 15th anniversary of an early, large gathering of Smart enthusiasts. The timing was auspicious, since Daimler is readying the second generation of the two-seater that is slated for the 2016 model year. Daimler unveiled the 2016 Smart ForTwo last summer. The German automaker managed to keep the notably short length the same, though it did widen the vehicle by four inches. The model will debut in North America later on this year with an 89-horsepower engine. The car still weighs less than 2,000 pounds and approaches a top speed of 100 miles per hour for anyone intrepid enough to try to hit those speeds. Take a look at Daimler's press release about the Budapest parade below, and check out our First Drive of the 2016 Smart ForTwo here. smart times 2015 in Budapest: 2,476 smart fans in the Hungarian capital Stuttgart/Budapest, Aug 31, 2015 On 28 and 29 August 2015 2,476 smart fans from around the world came together in the Hungarian city of Budapest for this year's smart times. Historic Heroes' Square in the city centre was the venue for the 15th anniversary of the world's largest international gathering of smart fans. For the first time the smart times participants had an opportunity to tour the city on the Danube by night. A total of 1,207 vehicles participated in the final parade on the Hungaroring and through the city. The new smart fortwo cabrio was a special highlight, on show before its presentation at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September. smartxchange discussions with smart experts When the event kicked off on 28 August the participants were able to enjoy all the different items on the agenda. The smart Club Village celebrated its premiere as a tent village for the best known smart clubs worldwide and formed the setting for the individual stations and stands on the extensive site. smartxchange was presented as a new interactive format for direct communication with smart fans. For the first time questions could be put to smart experts on the stage who offered interesting insights into the world of smart behind the scenes.

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive lease now $139/mo

Electric cars seem to be getting more affordable by the day, and the latest to get a price drop is the 2013 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive. With sales currently limited to only a handful of states, the Smart Fortwo ED is preparing for its nationwide rollout by offering a 36-month lease of the Fortwo ED Coupe for as low as $139 per month - or the same price as the non-electric Fortwo. The previous Fortwo ED leases started at $199 a month.
Available until September 3, conditions of this lease include a down payment of $1,999 and signing up for the Battery Assurance Plus battery-lease program, which is a separate lease for the battery at $80 per month. This means that lessees are actually driving the Fortwo ED for just $59 each month, although a mileage cap is set at 30,000 miles. There has been no price drop for those interested in purchasing a 2013 Fortwo ED, however, as has been the case with rival EVs like the Ford Focus Electric, Nissan Leaf and, most recently, the Chevy Volt.
As an added bonus, Smart is also giving its dealers a $2,000 incentive on the Fortwo, which can be used in any way the dealer wishes - local advertising, lowering the asking price for consumers, etc. AutoblogGreen's Sebastian Blanco has put together quite a bit more info on the Smart Fortwo ED lease, click thru to read more.