What can I say? I guess it had to happen sooner or later, that being taking a Smart, and stretching it into a limo-like monstrosity. Oh, there's a hearse version the works too by UK limo specialist Carbonyte, who created this pop-top Smart.

Full story here.

For those wondering how the tiny Smart would do in government crash testing, the results are in, and they are, well... so-so.

It earned four stars in the front crash test for both the driver and passenger and five stars in the side crash test, the highest number the federal agency gives. However, during the side test the driver door opened, which raised the eyebrows of NHTSA testers, as that can be a safety issue.

Full story here, here and here.

Wonder how this will effect its success here. It certainly can't help, as it (not getting 5 stars across the board) will likely confirm the fears of those critics out there...

Here's Inside Line's take: Feds Cite "Safety Concern" on 2008 Smart Fortwo

The micro Smart will go on sale here in January, and as reported earlier (Most 2008 Smarts pre-sold before US launch), 30,000 Americans have already put down deposits for the car.

"We were totally amazed by the kind of reaction we got," Zetsche said at a breakfast with reporters. "We will not be able to meet the demands here next year."

The Smart fortwo starts at $11,590 for the base model (without a radio, power steering or air conditioning), and the full-boogie convertible model stickers (with options) at $17,440.

Full story here.

Here's Inside Line's take: Smart Set for January Launch in U.S.

In an effort to meet the Mercedes-built Smart head-on, BMW is reportedly planning on resurrecting their tiny Isetta microcar. AutoExpress states that we should see something by around 2010.

If you think this is a silly idea, consider their success in bringing back the Mini Cooper, and in resuscitating Rolls-Royce.

Full story here and here.

Early adopters have zeroed in on the new Smart car, as it is reported that most of the 2008 allocations have all been pre-sold—even before the car has officially hit the streets. So, if you want one, don't expect delivery much before the end of next year.

The question everyone is asking is will this be just another automotive one-night-stand, like the Thunderbird and PT Cruiser, and will disappear in 5 or so years? Or do you think the Smart (and similar cars) will have true staying power? My guess is yes, they will be around for a long time to come.

Full story here.

Inside Line drives the Smart: First Drive: 2008 Smart Fortwo Passion

Walking around the modern, sterile halls of the Frankfurt auto show, with all their escalators and moving walkways, you might get the impression the whole city is stuffy and all-business. But within a couple miles of the Messe, you see things that just wouldn't be possible in the United States. For instance, a Mercedes-Benz dealership where human-size stuffed rabbits are allowed to ride in SLK350s.

Or a gentleman's club with a Smart Fortwo Crossblade in the atrium.

I like Frankfurt. -- Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor

Innovative and Unique Vehicle to Go on Sale January 2008
Smart USA Distributor LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc., (NYSE: PAG), today announced the pricing of the all-new smart fortwo models that will be sold in the United States beginning in the first quarter of 2008.

The smart fortwo will be available in three trim levels.  The entry-level pure coupe will start at $11,590*, manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), with standard convenience features such as a 5-speed transmission that allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual driving modes with the push of a button, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and a radio-ready console.  The well-equipped passion coupe, starting at $13,590* MSRP, includes a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with gear shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with CD player, all standard.  Those seeking top-down excitement can choose the passion cabrio, starting at $16,590* MSRP, featuring a fully automatic soft top that can be easily adjusted, with a push of a button and in addition to the standard equipment of the passion couple, a premium sound system with an in-dash mp3 compatible 6-CD changer.  The value-priced cabriolet model is believed to debut as the lowest priced convertible offered in the United States.  All models are equipped with a 1 liter, 3-cylinder, 71 horse power engine.

“The smart fortwo offers a fantastic combination of fun to drive aspects, innovation, functionality – and all for a great value,” said Dave Schembri, president of smart USA.  “In addition all smart fortwo models will come standard with four air bags and many other safety features found in many luxury vehicles.”

An optional “comfort package” for the passion coupe and passion cabrio, at $850* MSRP, includes leather heated seats, electric power steering, rain/light sensors, and auto-off headlamps with exit delay.

Information about many other vehicle accessories and option pricing can be found on the smart USA website here.

Here's Inside Line's take: Smart Announces U.S. Fortwo Pricing

The Smart has embarked on a nationwide tour of the U.S.

You can take the Smart Fortwo for a spin a year before it is set to go on sale. We caught the kick-off in California.

Read the full story on the Smart Road Show on Inside Line.

Are you looking forward to the Smart car?


Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

According to Automotive News (via Autoblog) Toyota will debut a SMART-like car at the Frankfurt auto show this fall. Called the Endo (not a great name if you're a biker), this will be Toyota's first effort in this class size for the European market. The car has an unusual 3+1 seating set up.

Will we see it here? Not unless the SMART is a big hit with Americans.

Full story here.

Smart Unveils The Virtual Press Conference

Smart is sort of the pilot fish to Mercedes-Benz' shark, so it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the minicar division didn't have its own press conference to unveil the Fortwo model that it's bringing to the U.S. Instead, it just rode along with Mercedes and used a few of the main company's press-conference minutes.

In fact, there wasn't even an actual Smart anywhere near the conference. Instead, Roger Penske, who will head the U.S. distribution for Smart, appeared, God-like, on a huge, ceiling-mounted screen to have a conversation with Dieter Zetsche. He noted that while he wasn't standing on ice, as Dr. Z was, he was standing next to a really "cool car." And that, as they say, was that. -- Daniel Pund