NEWS
SPY PICS: Next-gen smart fortwo
All-new German baby car spied ahead of concept reveal at next month's Frankfurt motor showThe eagle-eyed lenses of Automedia have been at it again, this time capturing a prototype of the next-generation smart fortwo wearing psychedelic camouflage on the nose, but otherwise undisguised.
Although this test mule is wearing some cobbled-up body panels, it’s likely the next-gen fortwo will carry over many of the styling cues seen on the smart Forvision concept revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.
Chasing higher sales in the potentially lucrative US market, the new fortwo (codenamed C453) is being co-developed with Renault-Nissan (the rear-engine, rear-drive platform will also form the basis for the third-generation Renault Twingo).
The new vehicle is expected to grow in size vis-à-vis the existing fortwo, liberating more cabin space while simultaneously boosting crash-safety levels.
According to reports, the new architecture can accommodate a variety of wheelbases and track widths, so it could ultimately form the basis for a diverse range of inner-city commuters, compact hatchbacks and perhaps even baby SUVs.
In the case of the fortwo, propulsion will come from a newly designed 900cc three-cylinder petrol engine, packaged within coupe and cabrio body styles.
The three-pot motor will be offered in 49kW atmo form, as well as two turbo versions putting out 63kW and 78kW respectively. Drive will be relayed to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch sequential.
Also on offer will be an electrified version propelled by a 65kW Bosch electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery unit.
The new fortwo will be revealed in concept form at next month’s Frankfurt motor show, and alongside it will be an all-new Forfour concept, which, as the name suggests, offers seating for four adults.
smart launched the first-generation Forfour way back in 2004, but it was discontinued after just two years due to lacklustre sales.
– with Automedia
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Written byGautam Sharma
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