The spark-ignition engine was invented by Nikolaus August Otto who had a first machine built along the lines of his ideas in 1861. It became the “starting point for the four-stroke gas engine,” the inventor reflected in retrospect, and he initially envisaged its use as a stationary engine to compete against the steam engine. An experimental four-cylinder engine working according to the four-stroke principle followed in 1862. This engine operated on gas, and every operating cycle of the engine consisted of the following steps: mixture intake, compression, ignition, and discharge of the exhaust gas. This four-stroke engine appears particularly visionary today, since, even then, many of its engineering details were similar to those of later engines.

Together with Eugen Langen, a mechanical engineer from Cologne, Otto founded the mechanical engineering company N. A. Otto & Cie. In 1866, finally, he was granted the coveted Prussian patent on his machine. At the World Exhibition in Paris in 1867, Otto’s engine was favored over other gas engines. After measuring the gas consumption, the jury even awarded the Grand Prix to the German engine because Otto’s engine required less than half the gas of other engines. This international approval was the basis for production on a larger scale, and brought the company economic stability.
In 1872, Gottlieb Daimler was appointed member of the directorate of Gasmotoren-Fabrik Deutz AG, a company which had emerged from N. A. Otto & Cie. Daimler also brought the design engineer Wilhelm Maybach with him to Otto. In 1875, Maybach was already attempting to convert the atmospheric engine to gasoline operation.

The internal combustion engine was improved continuously. In 1877, Otto was granted a patent on his four-stroke machine (DRP 532). The inventor applied the principle to multi-cylinder engines to achieve higher output.

The first vehicle to be fitted with the novel propulsion system was a rail car in 1880. However, the stationary engine used was too heavy, and the vehicle’s overall concept was far from being matured. Otto’s patent was cancelled in 1886. This permitted other companies to intensify their activities in the production of four-stroke and two-stroke engines. As a consequence, the engine-building industry grew rapidly within a short period of time.

Otto’s pioneering technological achievements should in no way be underestimated. With his engine, he paved the way for developments such as the Daimler and Benz automobiles, and these two automotive pioneers themselves openly built on Nikolaus Otto’s work, as they were convinced of the technological merits. In doing so, from the beginning, Benz focused on the efficient integration of the drive system into a road vehicle, while Daimler worked primarily on a universal engine with which he sought to power as many different means of transport as possible. The idea of mobility by means of the four-stroke gasoline engine was realized by both pioneers, although their solutions differed in their details.

Many years later, in 1996, Nikolaus August Otto and Wilhelm Maybach were honored for their achievements in engineering and automotive technology: the two pioneers were inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.

Agility, vitality, performance – the characteristic attributes of the new CLC are literally written on its face. The front design encapsulates this consummately: the lines generate a powerful appearance courtesy of the wide coupe radiator grille, the centrally located Mercedes star, the projection-beam headlamps extending well into the front wings and the bumper featuring a large air inlet, symbolising at first glance what the new Sports Coupe has to offer – pure verve and dynamism.

At the same time, these expressive front design styling touches firmly position the two-door model as a member of the contemporary Mercedes family. Similarities with familiar models are anything but coincidence. The Sports Coupe bears the typical family traits of the well-known, established coupe members, including the luxury CL Coupe, the four-door CLS and the CLK. The new CLC steps forward as a self-confident newcomer, emphasising its distinctive personality.

One typical feature of the contemporary Mercedes design idiom is the arrow shape of the front end – a styling touch with a symbolic character that emphasises typical attributes such as forward motion and agility. The front design of the new Sports Coupe embraces this hallmark and takes it to new heights. For instance, the distinctive line, which adds visual emphasis to the V-shape, begins at the bottom louvre of the radiator grille and extends along the whole bonnet. It then reappears at the rear end, divides up the spoiler and chrome trim strip and finally flows downwards into the bumper. Design quality down to the last detail.
These lines, which interact harmoniously with the large, smooth surfaces, define the contemporary Mercedes design style. No extra flourishes, no superfluous embellishments and no design complexities. Instead you have clarity and calm. The design idiom concentrates on what is important, thereby emphasising the intrinsic and functional beauty of things.

Even at first glance the new Sports Coupe comes across as a striking proposition, reinforced inside and out by numerous nods to the world of motor racing, such as the subtle side air intakes in the front bumper. With the sports package this is also reflected in the black instrument cluster with its filigree chequered flag pattern used as a background: its luminous red needles are located at the “six o’clock position” when at rest and spring into action when the engine is turned on to create a very striking effect.
Dynamic wedge-shaped side view

The side view of the CLC is unmistakable with its muscular lines. The dominant upper edge of the wings underscores the wedge shape of the downward-slanting shoulder line, which combines at the rear with the upper edge of the tail lights. Taken in conjunction with the gently sloping bonnet, the sweeping silhouette of the roof and the obliquely angled rear windscreen give rise to the wedge-shaped side view which harmonises perfectly with the car’s racy temperament. The all-round chrome trim strips, which are an additional eye-catcher, particularly when combined with dark exterior paint finishes, provide the finishing touches to the coherent lines.

The message is “Ready for action” – all you have to do is get in, start the engine and press the accelerator to actively experience the verve of the Mercedes Sports Coupe.

Athletic rear end

The rear too illustrates that the new CLC is youthful and progressive. Well built and extremely fit, this is a car with an allure that’s hard to resist. The spoiler integrated in the tailgate spans the entire width of the body in a gentle curve and – along with the redesigned, two-part tail lights – it extends with these flowing lines well forwards into the sides of the body, providing a visual link between the rear end and the flanks. Spoiler, tail lights and bumper divide up the CLC rear end, emphasising its width and adding decisively to the car’s outstanding expressiveness. The row of LEDs that makes up the third brake light unit and the chrome tailgate handle add further lustre, while the diffuser-look rear bumper is equally effective, reminiscent of the Sports Coupe’s “big” brothers and their motor racing triumphs.

Sports package: exclusive appearance

The sports package brings out the very best in the CLC. The Mercedes designers have emphasised the particular character of this model variant by using different colours for certain body details: the inner surrounds of the headlamps are painted black, the radiator grille louvres are also in black, while the wide air intake in the bumper is offset with its mesh-type grille in an elegant grey. At the rear, the darkened covers on the tail lights and the third brake light unit as well as the oval stainless steel trim on the exhaust silencer catch the eye. Last but not least, the CLC with sports package is shod with stylish 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Colour touches in the interior

Design, feel and ergonomics – these are the characteristics that set the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz CLC apart. A harmonious three-part composition consisting of attractive shapes, high-quality materials and precision design work. Sitting down comfortably in the standard sports seat and gripping the three-spoke sports steering wheel immediately brings on a feeling of well-being, of being at home.

Everything fits like a glove; the controls are easily accessible and the instruments convey a clear message – the ideal conditions for a sporty driving experience.

Colour and trim – the right choice of colours and materials for the interior of a car – is an increasingly important aspect. More than ever before, customers attach importance to the design and appointments in the interior when making their buying decision. And no wonder – these days, drivers are spending more and more time behind the wheel, and naturally want to spend this time in the most attractive and comfortable surroundings possible. In the new CLC, Mercedes designers have set the tone by offering three different upholstery colours: black, alpaca grey and, in the case of fabric upholstery, a particularly stylish combination of black and red.

There is also a choice of black and alpaca grey for the optional leather interior. In addition, a further attractive interior colour – cognac brown – is available exclusively in conjunction with the sports package.

Mercedes customers have a choice of interior trim as well as colours. Even the standard specification for the CLC features light brushed aluminium trim elements, while the sporty interior atmosphere provided by the sports package is accentuated with trim in darker aluminium. The interior is lent even more elegance by the optional fine wood trim in black bird’s-eye maple.
A closer look at the aluminium trim in the Sports Coupe reveals a small detail that adds a particularly elegant touch, namely a fine chrome strip surrounding the aluminium surface. The two materials – chrome and aluminium – are formed and finished together. To ensure the bright sheen of the chrome surround comes to the fore as it should, great care must be taken during painting to prevent the paint destined for the aluminium surface from getting onto the chrome. A painstaking process that requires great precision, and one that underlines a typical strength of Mercedes designers – attention to detail.

• Stowage compartment with cup holder in tunnel covering
• Adaptive airbags for driver and front passenger
• Acceleration skid control (ASR)
• Electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
• Outside temperature display
• Brake Assist
• Diesel particulate filter (for CDI models)
• ESP®
• Headlamp Assist
• Front power windows
• 1/3 : 2/3 split-folding rear seats
• Luggage net in front-passenger footwell
• Belt tensioner and belt-force limiter for driver, front passenger and rear
  passengers
• THERMATIC automatic climate control with dust and activated charcoal filter
• Instrument cluster with white needles
• Light-alloy wheels (from CLC 230)
• Steering column adjustable for reach and height
• Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with eight buttons
• Fog lamps
• Head restraints adjustable for fore-aft position and height, front and rear
• Halogen projection-beam headlamps
• ELCODE locking system with infrared/radio remote control
• Power steering
• Sidebags for driver and front passenger
• Front sports seats with EASY-ENTRY system
• Diffusor-look rear bumper
• Heat-insulating glass
• Windowbags
• Central locking with crash sensor
• Trim elements in brushed aluminium

• Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function and cleaning system
• Five-speed automatic transmission
• Direct-steer system
• Latest-generation infotainment units
• Leather appointments
• Leather steering wheel and gear lever
• Light-alloy wheels (standard from CLC 230)
• Media interface for external MP3 players and other audio devices
• Panoramic sliding sunroof
• PARKTRONIC with new sensors and reprogrammed control logic
• Rain sensor
• Rear sidebags
• Seven-speed automatic transmission (for CLC 230 and CLC 350)
• Heated front seats
• Voice-operated control system with whole-word recognition capability
• Surround sound system
• THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control system (in the Exclusive
  package)
• Trim elements in bird’s-eye maple

• The Exclusive package includes the THERMOTRONIC luxury
  automatic climate control system as well as electrically adjustable front
  seats with memory function for seat, head restraint, steering wheel and
  mirror settings
• The Comfort package includes automatically dimming mirrors,
  electrically folding exterior mirrors, a rain sensor and a system which
  warns the driver if the tyre pressure is too low

All 2008 smart fortwos come packed with standard safety features that are more likely to be found in luxury vehicles. These include the protective “tridion safety cell”, developed especially for the smart to help ensure crash compatibility with larger passenger cars, electronic stability program (esp), anti-lock braking system (abs), and four airbags, to name a few.

The equipment lines

fortwo pure – (starting at $11,590*)

The base pure model comes standard with convenience features such as a 5-speed automated manual transmission with manual or automatic mode, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and more.

Standard Equipment

Engine / drivetrain

1.0 L, 70 HP, 3 cylinder engine
5 speed automated manual transmission

Wheels / tires

Steel wheels with front tires: 155/60 R15; rear tires 175/55 R15
Tire pressure control system

Exterior

Solid roof
Projector beam halogen headlights
Side indicators in yellow
Exterior mirror cap in tridion color

Interior

2-spoke leather steering wheel and leather gearshift knob
Basic seat with weight detection and seatbelt recognition
Flat folding passenger seat with backrest adjustment
Storage areas beside the steering wheel and in both doors
Coin holder
Dome light
Mirror in passenger sun visor

Storage

Lockable glove compartment

Audio
Provision for radio installation (incl. antenna, 2 speakers, aux input jack for external audio player e.g. mp3)

Safety

Full-size driver and passenger airbags
Head/Neck side airbags
esp – electronic stability program with hill start assist
Anti-lock braking system (abs) with electronic brake force distribution
Hydraulic dual-circuit brake system
Integral safety seats
Seat belts with belt tensioner and belt-force limiter
Drive lock – auto-activation of the central locking when driving
Top Tether for child restraint system
Panic button on key
Tire repair kit

Functional / electrical equipment

Manual windows
Manual side mirrors
Central locking system with remote control
Instrument cluster with multifunctional display (fuel-level indicator, coolant-level indicator, residual fuel indicator, service interval indicator, trip mileage indicator, clock)
Outside temperature indicator
Indicators with lane changer function
Front windshield wiper with speed-dependent interval wiping and wiper-/wash function
Intermittent rear windshield wiper with wiper-/wash function
Electric rear window defroster
Electric tailgate release
Locking gas cap 12-volt socket, with cover

Factory installed options:

Air conditioning with automatic temperature control (incl. dust, pollen filter) – $600
Metallic paint (metallic red, metallic blue, metallic silver) – $225
Silver metallic tridion safety cell -$175
Alarm system – $160
Panorama roof (sun screen included) – $350
Power steering – $450
Heated seats – $220
smart radio (AM/FM, single CD; incl. 2 speakers [radio 9]) – $350
smart premium radio (AM/FM, mp3-compatible 6 disc CD changer; incl. 2 speakers [radio 10]) – $495

* Excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options

All specifications are based on product information available at the time of printing. Specifications and equipment will differ for vehicles sold in the United Statesand Puerto Rico. smart USAreserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in colors, materials, equipment, specifications, and models.

fortwo passion coupe (starting at $13,590*)

The value packed, sporty and well-equipped passion includes a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and AM/FM radio with CD player.

Standard Equipment

Engine/ drivetrain
1.0 L, 70 HP, 3 cylinder engine
5 speed automated manual transmission
Paddle shifters

Wheels / tires

9-spokes alloy wheels (15″) with front tires: 155/60 R15; rear tires 175/55 R15
Tire pressure control system

Exterior

Panorama roof (sun screen included)
Projector beam halogen headlights
Side indicators in yellow
Exterior mirror cap in tridion color

Interior

3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with steering wheel shift paddles (incl. leather gear knob)
Basic seat with weight detection and seatbelt recognition
Flat folding passenger seat with backrest adjustment
Storage areas beside the steering wheel and in both doors
Coin holder
Dome light
Mirror in passenger sun visor

Storage

Lockable glove compartment

Audio

smart radio (AM/FM, single CD; incl. 2 speakers, aux input jack for external audio player e.g. mp3)

Safety

Full-size driver and passenger airbags
Head/Neck side airbags
esp – electronic stability program with hill start assist
Anti-lock braking system (abs) with electronic brake force distribution
Hydraulic dual-circuit brake system
Integral safety seats
Seat belts with belt tensioner and belt-force limiter
Drive lock – auto-activation of the central locking when driving
Top Tether for child restraint system
Panic button on key
Tire repair kit

Functional / electrical equipment

Air conditioning with automatic temperature control (incl. dust, pollen filter)
Power windows with one-touch lowering function
Electronic and heated side mirrors
Central locking system with remote control
Instrument cluster with multifunctional display (fuel-level indicator, coolant-level indicator, residual fuel indicator, service interval indicator, trip mileage indicator, clock) Outside temperature indicator
Turn indicators with lane changer function
Front windshield wiper with speed-dependent interval wiping and wiper-/wash function
Intermittent rear windshield wiper with wiper-/wash function
Electric rear window defroster
Electric tailgate release
Locking gas cap
12-volt socket, with cover
Factory installed options

Metallic paint – $225
Silver metallic tridion safety cell – $175
Alarm system – $160
Power steering – $450
Heated seats – $220
Fog lamps – $110
Additional instruments (clock and rev counter) – $120
smart premium radio (AM/FM, mp3-compatible 6 disc CD changer;
incl. 2 speakers [radio 10]) – $150

Option packages

smart premium sound system – $350
- smart premium radio (AM/FM, mp3-compatible 6 disc CD changer [radio 10])
- smart sound system (2 tweeters, 2 mid range, and subwoofer)

Comfort Package – $850
- Power steering
- Leather seats
- Heated seats
- Rain and light sensor
- Auto-off headlamps with exit delay

*Excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options

All specifications are based on product information available at the time of printing. Specifications and equipment will differ for vehicles sold in the United Statesand Puerto Rico. smart USAreserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in colors, materials, equipment, specifications, and models

fortwo passion cabriolet (starting at $16,590)

The passion cabriolet has all the features of the passion coupe plus an upgraded radio and sound system that includes an mp3 compatible in-dash 6 CD changer. The main difference lies in the soft top with a heated rear glass window that is fully automatic and can be infinitely adjusted to any position while driving at any speed. For the full cabriolet experience, simply remove the side roof bars – taken out in no time – and stow them in a special compartment in the tailgate.

Standard Equipment

Engine/ Drivetrain

1.0 L, 70 HP, 3 cylinder engine
5 speed automated manual transmission
Paddle shifters

Wheels/tires

9-spokes alloy wheels (15″) with front tires: 155/60 R15; rear tires 175/55 R15
Tire pressure control system

Exterior

Fully automatic convertible top with glass rear window
Projector beam halogen headlights
Side indicators in yellow
Exterior mirror cap in tridion color

Interior

3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with steering wheel shift paddles (incl. leather gear knob)
Basic seat with weight detection and seatbelt recognition
Flat folding passenger seat with backrest adjustment
Storage areas beside the steering wheel and in both doors
Coin holder
Dome light
Mirror in passenger sun visor

Storage

Lockable glove compartment

Audio

smart premium radio (AM/FM, mp3-compatible 6 disc CD changer; aux input jack for external audio player e.g. mp3)
smart sound system (2 tweeters, 2 mid range, subwoofer)

Safety

Full-size driver and passenger airbags
Head/Neck side airbags
esp – electronic stability program with hill start assist
Anti-lock braking system (abs) with electronic brake force distribution
Hydraulic dual-circuit brake system
Integral safety seats
Seat belts with belt tensioner and belt-force limiter
Drive lock – auto-activation of the central locking when driving
Top Tether for child restraint system
Panic button on key
Tire repair kit

Functional/electrical equipment

Air conditioning with automatic temperature control (incl. dust, pollen filter)
Power windows with one-touch lowering function
Electronic and heated side mirrors
Central locking system with remote control
Instrument cluster with multifunctional display (fuel-level indicator, coolant-level indicator, residual fuel indicator, service interval indicator, trip mileage indicator, clock) Outside temperature indicator
Indicators with lane changer function
Front windshield wiper with speed-dependent interval wiping and wiper-/wash function
Electric rear window defroster
Electric tailgate release
Locking gas cap
12-volt socket, with cover
Factory installed options

Single options

Metallic paint – $225
Silver metallic tridion safety cell – $175
Alarm system – $160
Power steering – $450
Heated seats – $220
Fog lamps – $110
Additional instruments (clock and rev counter) – $120

Option packages

Comfort Package – $850
- Power steering
- Leather seats
- Heated seats
- Rain and light sensor
- Auto-off headlamps with exit delay

* Excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options

All specifications are based on product information available at the time of printing. Specifications and equipment will differ for vehicles sold in the United Statesand Puerto Rico. smart USAreserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in colors, materials, equipment, specifications, and models

The colors

The new smart fortwo features the two-color concept characteristic of this brand. All models come standard with a black tridion safety cell that can be upgraded to metallic silver at an additional cost. The changeable body panels are available in six colors – deep black, light yellow and crystal white are standard, while blue metallic, red metallic and silver metallic are offered for an additional charge.

The interior upholstery also offers a range of colors to compliment the exterior: plain grey for the pure, and design black, design red and design beige for the passion. Leather upgrades are available in the passion models in conjunction with an optional package.
In addition to all the features that come standard with the models of the new fortwo, a wide variety of additional options and accessories will be available to make the smart fortwo individual.

At the beginning of the 1990s, research showed that each car carried an average of only 1.2 people. Commuters stuck in rush-hour traffic can look around to confirm this claim.

In addition to increased urban congestion vehicles are driven, on average fewer than 18 miles per day. Vehicles are also parked 90 percent of the time. Finding a parking space can also be a challenge in many cities across the country. The smart fortwo offers a perfect solution to many challenges facing today’s cities while at the same time provides a unique transportation solution for others living outside of a city center.
Joint Venture with Swatch

In 1972 Mercedes-Benz developed the concept of a super compact automobile measuring less than 100 inches. However, at that time technical implementation of the concept was not possible because of the strict safety standards of Mercedes-Benz.

In 1989 Nicolas G. Hayek, the inventor of Swatch watches, announced that he wanted to bring a small city car onto the market. Hayek’s vision was to create a car that could be changed as easily as a Swatch watch. To this day smart owners interchange body panels easily creating a new look to their vehicle in a matter of hours. To realize this idea, Hayek searched for an experienced automotive partner. The joint venture founded in 1994 united the creative strength of Swatch with a hundred years of Mercedes-Benz engineerig experience. The cooperation led to a unique vehicle concept and to a new automotive brand: smart.
Three years after vehicle development work began in 1994, the smart fortwo made its world debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 1997. Production began in July 1998 in a new plant in Hambach, France.

The following October saw the new car being sold for the first time in nine European countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland). During the same year, smart became a wholly-owned subsidiary of what is now Daimler AG. The smart fortwo is now available in 36 countries. The USA will be the 37th country to sell the smart fortwo.

The concept and the features of the smart fortwo are ideal for the automotive landscape in the United States that is currently in a stage of brand awareness. The American consumers have become more accepting of smaller vehicles – they seek more fuel efficient options and seek out vehicles that are better for the environment.

During 2007, smart USA executed various non-traditional, experiential marketing tactics. A $99 reservation program began in March which allowed smart enthusiasts to place a reservation on a vehicle that would go into production in the fall. A 50-city road show brought the smart fortwo to reservation holders and enthusiasts across the country. Test drive events were conducted at various venues such as shopping centers, city festivals, Whole Foods Markets, parks and other highly visible areas.

smart was also the exclusive automotive partner of Live Earth, a benefit concert series held in 8 cities around the world on July 7, 2007, to create awareness of global warming and the its impact on the environment. New York City hosted the United States concert. In 2008 smart USA will continue to explore non-traditional, experiential marketing opportunities.

Below are key facts and figures from smart USA’s 2007 marketing initiatives…

* Number of www.smartusa.com website visits – more than 3 million
* Number of registered smart “insiders” – over 95,000
* Average time spent on www.smartusa.com – 5 minutes, 30 seconds
* Number of reservation holders to date – over 30,000
* Number of states registering reservations – 50
* Number of cities visited on the smart USA “street smarts” road show – 50
* Target marketing groups – first time buyers, urban dwellers, baby boomers and empty nesters
* Number of consumer road show test drives – approximately 50,000
* Number of road show “street team” intercepts – approximately 30,000
* Percentage of road show attendees “that could see themselves driving a fortwo” – 90
* Percentage of road show attendees “wanting dealership follow-up” – 71
* Percentage of road show attendees “becoming insiders” – 77
* Why road show attendees would consider a smart – its design, functionality, price, green attributes, fun to drive and solutions to urban issues

smart has its own house

As smart prepares for the launch of the smart fortwo a unique “smart” environment has been created in Venice Beach, California, to express the brand in unconventional ways. Between October 11, 2007 and January 31, 2008, “smart house” will be open to the public as a temporary showroom in Venice Beach. The town villa, furnished in the style of a typical smart driver or “thought leader” is located in the trendy district of Los Angeles that is famous for its role as a trendsetter in culture, design, architecture and lifestyle.

smart house is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Visitors can experience the smart fortwo in a stylish atmosphere and take a test drive. The smart house will regularly host special events such as private concerts, exhibitions, photo shoots and project presentations.

smart dealerships

smart USA will open about 70 dealerships in 2008. Approximately two thirds of the dealerships will be “store in store” concepts with existing Mercedes-Benz dealerships. These stores will have a wall separating the brands and will have a separate entrance, sales and service staffs. The balance of the stores will be stand-alone facilities.

Consumers will experience a unique retail experience. Dealerships will share aspects of their European sister stores. A black faà§ade will wrap around the building and a large smart sign will be placed above the door. Inside the dealership the floor will be white tile and walls will also be white with yellow and black accents. All dealership staff will reflect the brand and embody the smart enthusiast’s forward thinking attitude. Staff will be certified as smart specialists and will have undergone extensive product knowledge training. All staff will have a focus on the smart customer service and satisfaction.

smart USA will open dealerships in the following United States metropolitan areas:
Birmingham, Alabama

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Phoenix, Arizona

Albany, New York
Los Angeles, California

Buffalo, New York
Sacremento, California

New York City, New York
San Diego, California

Charlotte, North Carolina
San Francisco, California

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
San Jose, California

Cleveland, Ohio
Denver, Colorado

Columbus, Ohio
Hartford, Connecticut

Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jacksonville, Florida

Portland, Oregon
Miami, Florida

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Orlando, Florida

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Tampa, Florida

Providence, Rhode Island
Atlanta, Georgia

Charleston, South Carolina
Chicago, Illinois

Knoxville, Tennessee
Indianapolis, Indiana

Austin, Texas
Kansas City, Kansas

Dallas, Texas
Louisville, Kentucky

Houston, Texas
Baltimore, Maryland

San Antonio, Texas
Boston, Massachusetts

Salt Lake City, Utah
Detroit, Michigan

Virginia Beach, Virginia
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Seattle, Washington
Jackson, Mississippi

Washington DC
St. Louis, Missouri

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Omaha, Nebraska

Las Vegas, Nevada

The smart fortwo is one of the most economical cars on the world’s roads today. And it is very ecological as an ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV). A state-of-the-art compact three-cylinder gasoline engine sits at the rear of the new smart fortwo. The engine capacity is 61 cubic inches, the output is 52 kW (70 hp).

The gasoline engine achieves an average of 40/45 miles to the gallon (city/highway) under 2007 provisions (EPA 2007). Beginning in 2008 the EPA will recalculate gas milage across the industry. The smart fortwo will achieve an average of 33/40 miles to the gallon (city/highway) according to 2008 regulations (EPA 2008).

The smart fortwo is also classified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) on account of its extremely low exhaust emissions. The catalytic converter is positioned close to the engine for a quick response. An electric pump blows fresh air into the exhaust port when the engine is cold to almost completely oxidize the carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) and render them harmless.
Low emissions, low consumption

To ensure adherence to the low emission and consumption values, even with different fuel qualities, the US versions have a lower compression ratio (10.0:1 instead of 11.4:1). This measure enables the engine to run closer to optimum combustion under a high load, resulting in low emissions and low consumption coupled with maximum driving fun.

The sandwich tank made of multi-layer plastic (high density polyethylene) minimizes the fuel vapors escaping into the atmosphere. Emissions are below 0.5 grams of HC per day. The tank module has an active charcoal filter that returns fuel vapors to the tank.
The engine is mounted transversally in front of the rear axle, and is slanted at an angle of 45 degrees towards the rear. Gas exchange is controlled by four valves per combustion chamber. The variable spread angle of the camshafts is controlled electronically for better torque at low revolutions. The camshafts are driven via a maintenance-free chain.

Because the masses being moved are low, there is no need for a balancer shaft which would reduce the output of the engine and consumption efficiency.

Change gears without the need to press a clutch-pedal

The smart fortwo is fitted with an automated five-speed manual transmission as a standard feature. There is no need for a clutch pedal what sets the smart fortwo apart from other small cars. This is because the smart fortwo is desinged for metropolitan areas with stop-and-go-traffic and other characteristics of urban driving making this transmission ideal for a city environment.
Changing the gears does not longer than a conventional manual transmission. Even shift delays (interruptions in tractive power) are on the same level as with a manual gearbox. Nevertheless, the smart fortwo is even more convenient: Instead of stepping on a clutch pedal, one simply can change gears with the shift lever.

The gear shifter

The gear shifter in the smart fortwo reflects a standard American selector lever with Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive (PRND) clearly marked. In addition, from drive mode the gear lever can be moved into a second driving option that allows gears to be changed manually. The gear lever is moved forward to shift up or backward to shift down. The passion coupe and cabriolet models also come equipped with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that allow for gears to be changed while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

The automated manual transmission of the U.S. version of the smart fortwo is specially configured for use in the United States. First gear has a somewhat shorter ratio than the European versions to enable the smart fortwo to better demonstrate its spirited nature when pulling away at traffic lights. By contrast, fifth gear has a longer ratio for low revs and a low noise level when cruising.
Like an automatic transmission with a torque converter, the smart fortwo will also creep slowly when the driver removes his or her foot from the brake pedal in reverse or drive. This function facilitates parking or driving in stop-and-go traffic. In creep mode the car moves along at walking speed and can take uphill gradients of a five percent maximum. Creep mode is stopped as soon as the handbrake is engaged.

To improve comfort , the transmission has a kickdown function. This allows the driver to use the accelerator pedal to immediately shift down one or two gears at once, in both manual and automatic mode. In addition incorrect gear changing and over-revving are impossible in either mode because the electronics will only accept logical gear changes.

The parking lock (a standard feature) can only be released when the driver steps on the brake and presses the release button on the front of the selector lever. To ensure that the smart fortwo cannot roll away unintentionally, the ignition key can only be removed in transmission position “Park”.

To facilitate moving off on an uphill slope, the smart fortwo features Hill Start Assist (HSA). When the driver releases the brake pedal when the vehicle is stationary, HSA keeps the wheels braked for a short time. This gives the driver sufficient time to move his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator without the smart fortwo rolling backward. The brake is released as soon as the driver accelerates. HSA makes it easy to drive uphill without the assistance of the handbrake, even on steep slopes.

Environmentally-friendly production

The smart fortwo is produced at “smartville” in Hambach, France. System partners on site deliver the prefabricated modules directly to the production line.

Environmental protection is a high priority in Hambach. For example, only water-soluble paints are used for the smart’s three basic colors – black, white and yellow. Painting the tridion safety cell is done by the powder-coating process. This removes the need for solvents. The body panels with molded-in color, are fully recyclable.

Parts of the underbody and the inner wheelhouses are produced entirely from recyclates. In addition the instrument panel is made partly from the renewable raw material flax.

Protection of the environment is an integral part of all the company’s fields of activity. This does not only apply to the production facility in Hambach, France – it also applies to the smart fortwo itself, from the development and production of the vehicle to its operational period and later recycling.

For this reason, in October 2006, the German à–ko-Trend institute for environmental research certified the smart fortwo as offering a high degree of environment friendliness. In addition to fuel consumption and noise and pollutant emissions, ecological criteria from production, procurement, logistics and recycling to environmental management were all also included in the assessment.