Smart’s top of the Three

When it comes to sporty Smarts, could three be the magic number? Auto Express has uncovered these amazing drawings, recently filed with the European patent office by the Mercedes-owned company. And they show a three-seater car!

Although there’s no official word on the fresh model, it’s expected to be Mercedes’ answer to small but space-efficient newcomers such as the Toyota iQ and imminent rivals from BMW and Audi. Replacing the slow-selling Smart Roadster and Coupé – axed back in 2005 – the model would sit above the ForTwo and offer a more practical and flexible sporty vehicle potentially badged ForThree.

Drawing on the McLaren F1, the ForThree features a layout that puts the driver in the centre with two passengers behind. The engine – a new three-cylinder unit available in either petrol or diesel form – is mounted at the rear, driving the back wheels through a fresh seven-speed twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox.

Look closely at the images and you’ll see that Smart’s engineers have patented a special runner for the front seat, which allows it to slide towards the doors, making it easy for the driver to get in and out.

There’s no official launch date for the ForThree, so don’t expect to see it in showrooms much before 2012