Smart Forspeed revealed

It’s got no roof or windows and not much of a windscreen but don’t be fooled into thinking Smart’s forspeed concept signals the return of the long-deceased 2002 Crossblade limited edition.    

Instead it gives major clues about the next-generation fortwo and resurrected forfour four-door as Auto Express found out when it attended a sneak preview in Stuttgart before the car’s official Geneva Motor Show unveil in March. 

As head of advanced design, Steffen Kohl, told Auto Express: “Look at the fullness of the car’s exterior surfaces. This is important and will be reflected in future production models”. 

The bigger and more elongated grille is also tipped to stay if not its LED front lights and the concept’s wider and slightly longer stance should also feature. 

Indeed, neat details abound from the 3D hexagonal holes that make up the concept’s grille – that Kohl is also pushing for production – to the Smart badge at the rear that hides a socket to recharge new lithium-ion batteries for the fully-working electric motor underneath. 

Inside are more quality touches, including the natural brown leather wrap around the contrasting shiny white plastic steering wheel and matt metal gearstick and an iPhone dock for the passenger that all send a clear message that Smart intends to move upmarket as a brand and offer more Fiat 500 and Mini-style customisation options. 

As Kohl added: “When we first launched Smart the car was the idea, but now the vehicle swims within a much bigger pool of sharks. However, despite this push towards ‘downsized premium’ we will still keep stripped-out versions too to retain our ‘everyman’ appeal.” 

Before the fortwo and forfour arrive in 2014, Smart sources also unofficially confirmed the brand will launch production versions of its recent electric scooter and bike concepts from early 2013.  

© 2012 Dennis Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
Licensed by Felden