2013 Smart Fortwo Passion on 2040-cars

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Maybach crossover looking more likely, Smart crossover possible

Mercedes-Benz executives are still making positive noises about the chances of a Mercedes-Maybach SUV. Following Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche's answer of "most likely" at the Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes Cars head of sales and marketing Ola Kallenius told Autocar that a Maybach SUV based on the next-generation GLS is "the more likely scenario." That's the same Kallenius that told Automotive News just last November that "we have no plans for it [a Maybach SUV]." It's a subtle shift, to be sure, but it's still a shift. The GLS – introduced as the latest-generation GL in 2013 – is still undergoing testing for its its mid-cycle refresh, so a Maybach version is a few years off. That would, coincidentally, give Mercedes time to see how the other super-luxe entrants are faring, and prepare its charge accordingly. Autocar expects that should it be built, it will come when the GLS shifts to the S-Class platform and most likely get the twin-turbo V12 from the Mercdes-Maybach S600 sedan, although the company's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is possible if there are strong intentions for the Chinese market. Also on Stuttgart's agenda of dreams is a Smart crossover, according to the report. It could be Smart's best chance at profitably extending the range, based on the mania for tiny utes, and that would help both Daimler and the ForTwo's Renault Twingo sibling. It sounds like this is a ways off, though, due to coming up with an engineering solution for the Smart's engine packaging. Related Video:

Top horsepower-per-dollar cars in 2017

Bang for the buck. That quasi-scientific statistic is bandied about by motor heads everywhere from classrooms to barrooms, though the truth of the matter is that it's exceedingly complex to measure. A fair performance-per-dollar index would include something like cross-referencing MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) with point-to-point times on a track or driving route, which is obviously hard to do comprehensively. But, for the sheer joy of talking about cars and playing with a big spreadsheet, there's always the horsepower-per-dollar index, which is more straightforward, albeit hilariously flawed. There are vagaries even with this simple formula, of course: MSRP for vehicles can change at a moment's notice, to say nothing of the bottom-line shifting that happens with local deals or showroom negotiation. For this list we're running with the straight MSRP wherever possible, and as recently reported as we can get it. All the vehicles on this list are 2017 models, and all trims are reported where the lowest price and differing power levels intersect. Some choices were made for personal preference and some for sanity, avoiding things like all 48 trim levels of the Ford Transit, all with the same horsepower). If this list were a simple top ten, or even a top fifty, you'd be bored to tears with all the red, white and blue that is represented. Following perfectly with conventional wisdom, American cars really do lead the world where hp/$ is concerned. So, for the sake of variety (and the sheer joy of seeing a minivan 'win' one round of this thing) I've sorted out some top five and bottom five lists for broad power categories. Let's dive in. Less Than 100 Horsepower Okay, okay, this is hardly a category we'll grant you. But we've often tried to click off all the sub-100-hp cars on sale in the US, and making this list gave us an excuse. It also illustrates that none of these smallish vehicles bring cheap horsepower to the table - for that you'll need a motorcycle. The segment-leading Chevy Spark (above) asks just over $139 for each hp, and that Smart Fortwo Electric Drive has hp on sale for about the same price as its very distant family cousin, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG (insert your favorite Smart joke here... we know you want to).

New Smart ED not coming to US until 2017

Smart is broadening its global lineup considerably with its new generation. There are two body styles, two engines, two transmissions, and more color combinations than we could shake a stick at. But, if you're waiting for a new electric version in the US, you'll have to wait a little longer. According to Automotive News, Smart won't launch the new ED (electric drive) model until 2017, which rules out the "late 2016" window we heard was possible earlier this year. We've asked Smart USA for confirmation of this time change, but have not yet heard back. The standard, fuel-burning version of the new ForTwo, on the other hand, is slated to arrive at US dealers in November. It will only be offered to American customers in two-door guise with the turbocharged engine, driving 89 horsepower through either a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The outgoing electric Smart is still going to be offered in three iterations. It first saw a pilot lease program distribute 100 vehicles in London, powered by a 41-horsepower electric motor and a 13.2-kWh sodium-nickel chloride battery that could take it for 68 miles on a single charge. The second followed in 2009 and spread 2,000 vehicles across 18 markets with a 27-hp motor with a 40-hp overboost and a 16.5-kWh lithium-ion battery for a range of 84 miles. The current, third iteration was unveiled in 2011 with a 74-hp motor, a 17.6-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 90-mile range. Expect the new Smart ED to further improve on those numbers when it arrives within the next couple of years. Until that time, the current model will still be offered as Daimler prepares the new ED model for launch as part of a growing array of plug-in electric vehicles. Related Video: