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Auto Express Car Reviews
Extra pulling power for Smart
Smart has cut back on the number of different models it sells, but that's not going to stop it designing new products
By Richard Yarrow
23rd March 2007
With the ForFour and the Roadster/ Coupé axed from dealers, stylists at the Mercedes-owned firm are turning to accessories. And, as these official sketches show, they're serious leisure ideas.
The drawings illustrate how bosses plan to support what's now their only car, the ForTwo. The MkII, which is longer and more refined than the ori-ginal, goes on sale in September.
These images feature two trailers designed to meet Smart drivers' specific lifestyle requirements. The most interesting is for carrying an off-road motorcycle, and clearly shows how the towbar is attached at the rear bumper. That's unusual, as the traditional anchor point is lower down. Note also the holes in the trailer's side mouldings to take the retaining straps.
Also pictured is a compact single-berth caravan with fold-out sink, stove, steps and awning. Finally, not shown is a similar set-up for pulling a small speedboat. In each case, the trailer's twin rear lights copy the ForTwo's. A Smart spokeswoman told us: "These are the designers' visions for accessories that could be made. At present, there are no plans to build them."
Meanwhile, German engineering firm LSD is hoping to find new openings in the market with fresh wing doors for existing Smart Roadsters. Special mountings let the original panels open outwards and upwards by 30 degrees. Adjustable buffers prevent them from falling back again. The fittings cost £693 from UK supplier KW Automotive of Ashford, Kent.
The drawings illustrate how bosses plan to support what's now their only car, the ForTwo. The MkII, which is longer and more refined than the ori-ginal, goes on sale in September.
These images feature two trailers designed to meet Smart drivers' specific lifestyle requirements. The most interesting is for carrying an off-road motorcycle, and clearly shows how the towbar is attached at the rear bumper. That's unusual, as the traditional anchor point is lower down. Note also the holes in the trailer's side mouldings to take the retaining straps.
Also pictured is a compact single-berth caravan with fold-out sink, stove, steps and awning. Finally, not shown is a similar set-up for pulling a small speedboat. In each case, the trailer's twin rear lights copy the ForTwo's. A Smart spokeswoman told us: "These are the designers' visions for accessories that could be made. At present, there are no plans to build them."
Meanwhile, German engineering firm LSD is hoping to find new openings in the market with fresh wing doors for existing Smart Roadsters. Special mountings let the original panels open outwards and upwards by 30 degrees. Adjustable buffers prevent them from falling back again. The fittings cost £693 from UK supplier KW Automotive of Ashford, Kent.
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