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There has to be a connection...SMART 914
After driving this and looking at the two...there has to be a connection! The guy that designed the SMART Roadster has to be 914 fan....it's just too similar....GREAT CAR(s)! Right, Todd?
Mike http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1068779745.jpg |
great picture-
where was this? I didn't think US was getting this. Thought I read that it was from Mercedes Benz, for Europe only. Izzat right? |
That's a US Spec 914, though. Had to be taken on this side of the pond.
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The Smart is not, 30 years later, at the 914 level. SmileWavy
It is only 85 hp and does not exceed 165 km/h |
Actually, it's in my driveway in New York...I work for MB and we have a fleet of these here for evaluation....we may see these here around 2006
Have to say though that this is very much at the 914 level if not considerably better....pure numbers don't tell the story. You have to remember that this car is very light - 800 kg - so 80 hp is plenty...it's all relative. Top speed is actually closer to 200 km/h...ask me why I know! The car drives like a go-cart...I drove through the mountains around here recently with a 80's 911 in front of me...he could not shake me as my handling ability was way above his... Simple and pure fun.... Mike PS: Tod914 - pls chime in ...you know what I am talking about! |
In Europe, the Smart roadster is electronically limited at 175 km/h (not 165, but not closer to 200).
This car is really funny, sure. It is like a kart, it is lower than the 914 ! But the main default is about the sequential gearbox: low low and low... As Mike says, the Smart roadster feeling is extra mainly because of the small 3 cylinders 700cc turbo engine. But when you watch times and numbers, this car cannot be classified as a sport car: 175 km/h maxi 0-100 km/h in 11 sec. It is the reason why they say it is a toy, not realy a sport car... Interested ? Here is the UK Smart website http://www.thesmart.co.uk/ |
It sure is the best looking teeny-tiny citimobile I've seen though.
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Drive it...that's all I can say...sports cars are not just about top speeds and lightning acceleration, especially figures on paper. If that were the case, you wouldn'd include the 914 by today's standards....for that matter, most sports cars of the 50's and 60's as well. It's interesting to note that the figures you quote aren't much different than those of the 914.
In the end, handling ability is key here.....heck...my mom's '70 8.2 liter Cadillac was faster than most anything way back when, but watch out for the first turn! So, on paper, fast and furious, but by no means a sports car. Don't get me wrong...I love the 914, otherwise I would not have one. The principles are similar here. Cheers, Mike |
Is thre a link to more info? Looks like a hoot!!! I could drive it when our teener is OTR.
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Mike you finally posted a picture!!! Wow, that car was a blast. I wouldn't dare take the turns as fast as you didn in that if I was in a 914.
Handleing was amazing. 0-62 in 11; oh well. It seemed pretty quick when you were in it. The agility of the car was what really impressed me. I would love to get my hands on one of the prototype 6 cyls. BTW, got the my car back from Bill. Thanks again for the help. Next time I come up, I'll bring up an assortment of German Octoberfests for you. |
Mike,
Do you think they'd bring that car, with the twin turbo < 1.6 V6 to the US. Just saw some pics of a smartcar concept that had 2 of the turbo 3 cyl motors combined to make this 170HP car. Sounds like a lot of fun and under 6 sec to 60. If the price point was right I think they could sell them. Nathan |
It is not scheduled at this time.
It will be the same as for the 914-6 GT or 916 :-/ |
The Roadster is not likely to come in the present format....the V-6 was basically a one-off produced by Brabus, a Mercedes tuner in Germany (Newport Beach in the US). I agree that the car would be a seller even if it is somewhat impractical...the car is that much fun to drive! You can't believe the positive responses I got driving this thing around (people turning around chasing me! :-) )
The first SMART to arrive will be a sport utility version of the ForFour, a new model coming to market next year in Europe, but in 2006 for the US. All-in-all, even though I am biased, it's quite an interesting brand and it will bring some more small car excitement to the US just like the Mini did. Cheers, Mike |
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coincidence? i think not
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