[Shinigami]

She actually got it a few days ago, but I was away in Belgium and Holland due to a few business trips, so only got a chance to take some photos now.

For those who DON'T know what it is, it's a rear engined, rear wheel drive, Daimler-Chrysler. The engine is just under 700cc, yet pushes over 80hp with a weight of 860kilos and really very good handling.

A fun car? Yes, actually. A feminine care? That too.

And smaller then the new SLK [] Here's a few pics of it, and whilst it looks big in these pics, it's actually quite a bit smaller then the SLK (I think due to my angle, the SLK looks smaller then it is in comparison to the Smart Roadster... I'll try to get some better pics next week once I've charged up the batteries on the camera). She'll be getting 17" Brabus 12 spoke wheels for it in a month from now, they're quite nice []

 

[Duo-Art]

Very interesting. There is talk that Daimler Chrysler is going to offer the Smart in the U.S. I believe they have a smaller one called the ForTwo or something at any rate, it was the hit of the Chicago Auto Show this week. The main concern is how will it pass our safety crash test standards.

 

[Roberta]

Cool!!![][]

Roberta[][]

 

[Shinigami]

Duo-Art: the Smart is quite safe. It has a sort of 'safety cell' around the driver, which means that the car will not deform much in the event an accident occurs. But of course, it means that impacts might be 'felt' a bit more. But you're much less likely to get crushed, etc...

 

[CP1]

Duo-Art - 2/20/2005 10:40 AM

Very interesting. There is talk that Daimler Chrysler is going to offer the Smart in the U.S. I believe they have a smaller one called the ForTwo or something at any rate, it was the hit of the Chicago Auto Show this week. The main concern is how will it pass our safety crash test standards.

If the Lotus Elise can pass, this surely should pass. [:0]

 

[SIlver_Lana]

Very nice....
I wish they offered the Smart Roadster in the US - we will be getting the less sporty models.

 

[Duo-Art]

I have no doubts about the roadster's safety, it's the 2 passenger version that I saw that may not satisfy our government.

 

[beverage]

Duo-Art - 2/21/2005 8:20 PM

I have no doubts about the roadster's safety, it's the 2 passenger version that I saw that may not satisfy our government.

I had the chance to drive the 2-seater SMART when my R170 SLK was in for a service. Now bear in mind, that I live in a relatively small-ish town in North England - not majorly busy. [8D]

On three separate occassions I had people pull out in front of me cause they didn't see me!!! [:0] And that was in the hour I took the car for a run during my lunch hour from work!!! []

I dread to think how this car would fair on the US roads!!! It would be like a bug on the road to some of the trucks!!! [:0] [}]

 

[malibuite]

It is very cute and it appears to be larger (at least taller) than the Lotus Elise which is sold in the US. However, I would never drive the Elise on the LA freeways. It would definitely be run over by some huge SUV that did not see it[:0]

 

[masmole]

Saw the smart roadster at the chicago autoshow today.... and I thought only the larger models were coming to the US? According to a rep there, the roadster was on its way. Very very small car and I also have my doubts on how this is ever going to pass US crash tests. A big hit with a lot of girls there though who were mobbed around the car.

 

[raman]

This car is fun to drive but has two major problems :
- absolutely terrible automatic gear shift
- almost no luggage space