2014 Smart Fortwo on 2040-cars

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Smart brings back the 1970s with a fabric-covered hardtop

In a move that only makes sense to Daimler, the Germans are bringing back a style we all thought was finally dead. Yes, starting in September, a fabric-covered hard top will be standard on the Smart Fortwo coupe. Smart announced today a number up updates for the current generation of Fortwo. At the top, literally and figuratively, is a black-fabric roof that will be standard equipment on all Fortwo coupes. For Brabus owners that feel they're missing out, the fabric roof is a no-cost option that replaces the panoramic glass roof. This isn't a cabriolet or a soft targa. It's just a standard hard top with a cloth covering. Other updates to the Fortwo don't seem so left field. A new LED lighting and sensor package will be available. A new child seat fastening system will be standard. A number of new color and wheel options will be available on various models. Opera windows don't seem to be an option, but we can't discount the possibility for a future update. Smart has only revealed one photo of the cloth top, so it's not clear how the design will look on what is already an interesting-looking car. Smart claim its blurring the borders between a soft top and a solid roof. Really, it just seems that they're blurring the already murky line between retro and ridiculous. No one's been pining for a return to 1970s automotive styling. Related Video: News Source: Daimler Design/Style smart Coupe

Daimler wants to cut EV research spending as it preps EQ

Daimler AG is hoping that the legwork it's done preparing its EQ electric-vehicle sub-brand will allow it to slightly reduce annual spending on plug-in vehicle technology. The Mercedes-Benz parent is looking to cut electric-vehicle research-and-development spending to $13.2 billion in 2017 from about $15.4 billion this year, Bloomberg News says, citing comments Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche made to journalists in Hamburg, Germany, this week. Daimler's annual R&D spending is up from about $11.5 billion in both 2013 and 2014. Like its competitors – for example Audi and BMW and its i sub-brand – Daimler is aiming to have as much as 25 percent of its annual vehicle sales be battery-electric within the next 10 years as part of an effort to meet stricter greenhouse-gas emissions mandates in both Europe and North America. In fact, Mercedes-Benz and Daimler's Smart division collectively have at least 10 electric-vehicle models on their slates during the next few years, though Zetsche said the German automaker will continue to find ways to make its gas- and diesel-powered vehicles more fuel-efficient as well. Daimler introduced a concept version of the Generation EQ electric SUV at the Paris Motor Show late last month. It comes powered by two electric motors and is made up of a combination of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, and boasts a 311-mile single-charge range (on the relatively lenient European testing standards). The SUV also has 402 horsepower, and the ability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than five seconds. Zetsche said at the time that Daimler was prepping powertrains and platforms for electric sedans, wagons, coupes, and roadsters, in addition to SUVs. Additionally, Daimler's Deutsche Accumotive unit is producing the lithium-ion battery packs for the EQs. Featured Gallery Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ Concept: Paris 2016 View 19 Photos News Source: Bloomberg News via Automotive News-sub.req. Green Mercedes-Benz smart Electric eq mercedes eq

2016 Smart Fortwo and Forfour show their smiling new faces [w/videos]

The 2016 Smart Fortwo and Forfour are at the 2014 Paris Motor Show showing off their brand new looks for their latest generations, and the company hopes that an extensive list of changes can give the brand a much-needed boost.
The redesign definitely gives siblings a personality while keeping Smart's traditional looks. These happy-go-lucky hatchbacks have a slight upward curve with headlights in either corner that make both of them appear to be smiling. With about 40 different available color schemes, buyers should have no problem finding just the right shade to fit their style.
Underneath the jovial look is an all-new platform shared with the similarly quirky Renault Twingo. Mounted in the rear are a trio of available three-cylinder gasoline engines with 60-, 71- and 90-horsepower on offer. Gearbox options amount to either a five-speed manual or Smart's "twinamic" dual-clutch transmission.