These pics of the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive show the electric car in Monte Carlo, where Smart has an agreement with Monaco to deliver ten units for use in public companies. The initiative starts from next spring and is part of a pre-launch program for the two-seater electric Smart. The program is also extended to Italy where the Smart ForTwo Electric will appear in 100 units with energy company Enel, for use in Rome, Milan and Pisa.

Smart Electric Drive

Continue reading: Smart ForTwo electric drive pics from Monte Carlo

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It may seem odd to compare the Fiat 500C with the Smart ForTwo cabrio but if you’re in the market for a smaller and economical cabrio, these two are likely on your list to check out and Auto, Motor und Sport did a comparison test. In terms of style, there’s not much competition, really, with the 500C being the sexy, retro model out of the two, and the Smart ForTwo cabrio the less attractive option.

However, the 500C is also 40 kg heavier and a significant 2,800 euros more expensive, than the Smart ForTwo cabrio. In terms of practicality, both models are similar with regards to boot space and roof function. The 500C is apparently noisier though, but being slightly bigger, interior space makes for greater comfort. The Smart ForTwo is more your city choice for parking and manageability, at the cost of a roomier vehicle.

The Fiat 500C has greater fuel consumption than the Smart, meaning that you won’t be buying one based on its environmental qualifications. But, if you want to value driving pleasure over economical city commuting, the 500C has to be your choice. Despite its greater cost, it is the more fun to drive, with better feel and transmission than the Smart, and more comfort. So it comes down to your reason for buying one (mountain roads in summer vs city streets) and how far your budget stretches.

Source | Auto Moto und Sport via Cinquecentisti

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Smart has confirmed the production of the ForTwo electric version. The Smart ForTwo ED was successful during road testing in the UK and will appear on the market soon, initially as a limited series. It’s arrival in Europe will start at the beginning of 2010.

After 18 months of testing, the Smart electric car is taking the last step into production, possibly proving itself the most ecological car on the market. The city car will have 41 hp and will reach 50 km/hr in 6.5 seconds.

These performance figures should vastly improve with the second generation of the ForTwo ED, which will also have shorter recharge time and longer range. The Daimler Group will start testing this newer version soon, as well.

Source | Automocionblog

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It seems that the world just can’t get enough of the Smart. At the 2009 Geneva show, yet another model will be on display: the Smart ForTwo Limited Edition Three, based on the ForTwo Passion mhd. The updated ForTwo will have “melon green metallic” colour and new interior finishings.

In addition to the automatic transmission, a rev counter is included along with a clock and hi-fi system, and the coupè version even has a panorama roof in alternative to the cabrio. Who would have said so much stuff could fit in a Smart? No news is available on production numbers yet.

Continue reading: Smart ForTwo Limited Edition Three at Geneva motor show

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Tesla Motors will supply 1,000 battery packs to Mercedes-Benz for installation on the Smart ForTwo EV, the new electric version of the microcar. The project comes from collaboration between the American company, famous for its Roadster, and the German giant Daimler AG.

The work should give some new life to Tesla, with the electric car manufacturer still in high seas in the current economic crisis hitting the automobile sector. The announcement was made by Elon Musk, managing director from Tesla, during an interview at the Detroit auto show.

The Smart ForTwo EV vehicles could even be on sale in the course of this year, with Mercedes evaluating eventual sales in the US of the Smart EV, when production peaks.

Source | Jalopnik.com

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A special version of the Smart ForTwo debuted at the Bologna Motor Show, called the Smart ForTwo Black Tie. The snazzy city car is characterised by black finish, special alloy wheels, an Mhd petrol engine at 71hp and accessories pack that includes external chrome elements, and a ten percent discount on the series price for a total of 10,890 euros.

Only 500 units will be available exclusively in coupè version. If you wanted an environmentally friendly car for the city, the engine is equipped with Start-Stop system and has consumption of 4.3 litres/100km.

Source |Repubblica

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Club Monaco, prestigious sportswear firm managed by Polo Ralph Lauren, has presented at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week its exclusive collaboration on the Smart ForTwo version, currently the latest car/fashion mania in New York.

The American company has created a small fleet of Smarts that over Sunday, Monday and Tuesday have been cruising the streets of the Big Apple, distributing clothing accessories from its new autumn collection. The characteristics of Smart ForTwo Club Monaco are all in the livery, with black and white colours and promotional photos on the side.

After the promotion, an example will remain exhibited for a week in the window of the Club Monaco store in New York. It’s unknown whether the models will eventually become commercialised or not.

Source | edmunds

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This special edition of the Smart ForTwo, called Edition10, will be limited to the German market to celebrate ten years of the famous city car.

The 500 units in production, both coupè and cabrio, will be available with all engines in the range and are characterised by the following: brown metal paintwork, twin colour leather interiors, glass panoramic roof, personalised gear shift and hand brake, wood finishing, personalised mats, new logos, air conditioning and hi-fi system. Prices range from 16,850 euros to 19,790 euros.

Source | Es.autoblog.com (Thanks to ale95 for the tip)

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http://view.break.com/549733 - Watch more free videos

This is an amusing video sent to us by the guys over on Happyblog.it, which shoes a bit of viral marketing, American style. Does size really matter…?

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The Americans never even thought a car like this could exist: 2.7 metres long, two seats and a consumption limited to 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The mild hybrid technology would surely stir up some interest or incredulity.

And yet, from October, Mercedes will introduce in this chaotic market, the mhb or Mirco Hybrid Drive version with three engine options: two petrol versions at 61 and 71 hp, and a diesel version at 45hp - each more economic than the other. Consumption ranges from a maximum of 4.3 to 3.4 km/l, while CO2 emissions oscillate between 103 grams a kilometre to 88 for the cdi.

Continue reading: Smart mhd: in the US departing from October

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