Next smart ?

[NBC]

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-smart-fortwo-test-mule-spy-photos/

Naaah , couldn't be. Could it ?

[Adamsmart84]

Re: Next smart ?

They've just squished a Renault twingo?.. Confused:s I just say if it's got anything to do with Renault I will never ever be buying a smart manufactured after the 451, I'd rather give up driving for an oyster card , than driving a Renault !

[Evilution]

Re: Next smart ?

It is a test mule using a cut down Twingo. We have known for a long time that the next fortwo will share the platform with Renault's new small car.
It doesn't mean that it'll have a Renault engine (although French engines are getting better now as they are all sharing technology). Don't be too short sighted yet as the whole thing might be an improvement.
The suprex engine wasn't reliable enough and the 451 had 1 too few gears in the gearbag. The new one might look good (the 451 wasn't that nice compared to the 450) and might have a faster changing 6 speed automated manual box. I'll judge it on its merits when it is released.

[Kapt. Q]

Re: Next smart ?

I hope that it is not bigger and heavier yet again, I cannot understand the logic of that while trying to introduce electrics at the same time, that suffer for it (regenerative braking and a mini diesel hybrid would be good in that department too).
Cheers!

[ajprice]

Re: Next smart ?

http://www.gmotors.co.uk/news/2015-smart-fortwo-chassis-testing-mule-spied-with-a-new-front/

A cut and shut Twingo test car has the Smart front end now. Big grille, high headlights, close to horizontal bonnet.

[madDan]

Re: Next smart ?

Did they block out the people in the photos to save their embarrassment? or to match the test mule? or as I expect they have escaped from MineCraft?

The exhaust has a really tiny outlet and if I am not mistaken on the first photo is that a dedion?

The doors have a complete window frame too, which would be a departure for smart if that is the case in addition no obvious separate chassis to the panels??

Hmm is there a big change ahead, all quite different from the concepts of the last two years?

I am not convinced that this isn't just the Renault?

[ajprice]

Re: Next smart ?

I think the doors, shell and back end are still cut and shut current Twingo, just the front thats new ForTwo, Twingo dashboard too. That happens a lot with test mule cars, a few test cars of the next Mini have BMW dashboards.

This does have 4 bolt wheels though, grrr.

[Evilution]

Re: Next smart ?

The only thing that worries me is it has a proper bonnet.
Hopefully this is more like the R2s and not the S2s.

(R2s = Renault 2 seater, S2s = Smart 2 seater. These are the code names being used for the collaboration).

[Kapt. Q]

Re: Next smart ?

Not looking good for the new Smart, it is rumoured that the first ones will not have the dual clutch DSG for at least a year, so manual only until then. The electric will retain the old shape well into 2015/16.

Cheers!

[lalli_d1]

Re: Next smart ?

This does have 4 bolt wheels though, grrr.

and that bothers you?

[mocelet]

Re: Next smart ?

Has anyone heard any rumours of a new Roadster? The DSG gearbox would suit it perfectly, and if the 3 seater idea from the patent is used it could be a really interesting car.