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United Auto Group, now called Penske Auto Group and smart USA then said the Pure fortwo version would cost less than $15,000. Later Mr. Penske CEO of Penske Auto Group Inc., said "No incentives will be offered on the car, which will start at about $11,000.00."
The new Smart Pure car’s extra width gives this, the hottest Smart Fortwo to date. This makes the 2008 Smart Pure seem much larger, and the bigger stock tires helps make the Smart appear wider. The wheelbase has increased a little over 2 inches and the track width by one half inch.
The designers have succeeded in retaining the Smart Fortwo’s distinctive silhouette, while giving the car a more masculine character. Clarity and modernity continue to play a decisive role in the unique shape of this vehicle.
Roger Penske said…"only 5% of customers (waiting list) have signed up for the less expensive Pure vehicle. No wonder when air conditioning, power windows and alloy wheels are optional and the cost for these options is about $3,000. You do the math. Your better off ordering the Passion!
The Smart Pure is nothing more than a lost leader! Lets be real the Pure fortwo cost the same to ship here as the Passion has a lower gross and less profit for the financing department.
The Smart Pure's bargain basement priced got the publics attention and will get people into the dealerships. Loss leaders are an important part of some marketing and sales strategies, but not always good for the buying public.
Budget-conscious car buyers, who can actually buy a Pure are going to love the car. At under $12,000, the Smart Fortwo is going to be one of the lowest-priced cars in America. The fuel efficiency of the Smart car is an incredible. The first U.S. Smart car dealerships have already been announced, sales and service will be handled by Smart USA, a division of the Penske Automotive Group.
The basic Smart Pure model will now start at under $12,000; standard equipment includes a 5-speed transmission, remote locking management, leather steering wheel, and a radio-ready console. All models are equipped with a new 3-cylinder engine, 5 speed transmission and puts out 71-horsepower.
A two-year, 24,000-mile warranty covers the drivetrain and most other components and trails most competitors by at least a year. The redesigned ForTwo has not yet been crash-tested by U.S. auto safety regulators.
Another interesting thing is the Smart Pure Fortwo always comes off the assembly line first. Why is this? Because there less expensive or easier to make? We’ve ask the question several times, why are there no Pulse versions available here?
The Penske Auto Group and smart USA now have 45,000 Smart reservations, 20,000 cars more than their total allotment for 2008.
Resale value for the Pure will be terrible!
The Pure come packed with standard safety features that are usually reserved for luxury vehicles. This includes the protective "tridion safety cell", electronic stability program (esp), anti-lock braking system (abs), and four airbags, to name a few
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The Smart ForTwo’s Passion - so aptly-named, this dynamic, elegant expression of a car is ready to roll.
A responsive Smart car, the Passion offers you the choice of three different interior fabric, each with a special fabric design. You can choose the Passion in a coupe or a cabriolet.
There’s an extensive array of features for the Passion-ate driver: a panoramic roof made of polycarbonate, twelve-spoke alloy wheels, air conditioning, a compact disc player, power windows, remote keyless entry, temperature control, the automatic soft-touch gear system programmed, and the comfort of a steering wheel stretched in supple leather.
The Passion is a gorgeous feat of engineering combined with a luxury that’s befits the savvy tastes of the Smart driver.
The top of the line Smart Passion coupe, starts at $13,590, includes a vista view top, alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning , 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with CD player, all are standard.
The new Mitsubishi three cylinder engines will come in 3 versions that deliver 61 hp, 71 hp or 84 hp. Even, the hp of the Smart Fortwo cdi (Common-rail Diesel Injection) will be increased by ten percent, to 45 hp.
The engine has a pioneering technique called "stop & go" that decreases the engines revs at red lights, similar to a hybrid giving you even more fuel mileage. The engine is the same type as the turbo-charged engine that was to be used in Mitsubishi Motors new concept mini car. There are even alternative drives on the drawing board.
All engines are combined with an automated manual five-speed transmission from Getrag, replacing the pervious laborious six-speed mode. Getrag Corporate Group is the systems supplier and integration partner for transmission and drive train systems. They are the largest independent manufacturer of transmissions in the world.
The redesigned ForTwo has not yet been crash-tested by U.S. safety regulators.
The 2008 Smart Fortwo will be available for sale in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2008 and will come in two models and three trim levels.
The redesigned 2008 Smart Passion Fortwo is truly a metro car for our crowded metropolitan areas. This eye-catching and energetic 2008 Passion ForTwo is innovative and is well-designed transportation.
The rear on the coupe has a separately opening upper glass and a useful lower-half tailgate. This design allows the ForTwo to be loaded even in the tightest of parking situations. We searched Madrid for several tight spots where no one else could find parking; the truncated length of the car allowed us to park perpendicular to the curb, and legally so.
The all new Passion Fortwo has improved handling and better equipped for the United States than the exiting ForTwo model.
The American has embraced the Smart ForTwo for many years. The new Fortwo is larger and better adapted for the American driver, and we hope it captures the hearts and imagination of environmentally friendly and those who fancy something different.
Because of reduced operating cost and streamlining expenses the ground-breaking 2008 Smart Passion Fortwo will cost less to make than its forerunner. Material costs alone are 12 percent lower than the original model introduced in 1998. The production process has been optimized.
Roll with the Passion.
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Americans have always loved their cars -- the rush of freedom, unending possibilities laid out like the road before us.
The Smart For-Two Cabriolet offers all the rewards of a Smart Passion Coupe, in addition to unbounded sun and refreshing air.
Smart ForTwo Cabriolet displays a gorgeous range of versatility. Take in the sun or moon through the panoramic roof, or you can retract the roof while driving. Should you want to remove the roof altogether, simply take off the side rails and store them behind your seat. The rear window, made of a soft plastic, folds easily upon command.
The Smart ForTwo Cabriolet only comes in two the Passion model, a luscious combination of elegance and power. Imbued with a feisty engine, a Ferrari-style, paddle-shift gear box and a host of other options we know Smart drivers are passionate about including air conditioning, a compact disc player, power windows, remote keyless entry and a leather steering wheel.
The Passion excels with 71 horsepower while the Brabus surges an even more potent 101 horsepower. The factory Brabus looms as one of the most notorious custom Smarts in the marketplace; it contains all the features and extras found on the Passion and then ups the ante on style with custom wheels, tires and Brabus body moldings.
No matter how hip the Smart ForTwo appears, it never compromises its rigorous commitment to high-fuel efficiency and low emissions. It is the complete package for the avant-guard. Now the newest generation Smart Fortwo is on sale in Europe and very soon DaimlerChrysler will soon be offering the Smart car, for the first time ever, in the United States! In June of 2007, Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler AG and head of Mercedes Car Group announced that the Smart Fortwo would navigate the U.S. market through an exclusive distribution agreement with Roger Penske's UnitedAuto Group. The 2008 Smart Cabriolet Passion offers changeable body panels available in six colors and more optional equipment. The 2008 Smart Cabriolet boasts an interior design like no other. These top-of-the-line models offer the comfort and convenience of leather seats and trim, even a leather-wrapped steering wheel, all incredibly posh and comfortable, offering only the best quality materials and accessories for Smart drivers. Smart styling and design didn't happen by accident. Its appearance is typically German: almost flawless, with attention to every detail having been thoroughly studied and to make your commute easier. You can see, in some ways that the Smart is truly a little Mercedes
As always, with any Smart car you never compromise the rigorous standard set for high-fuel efficiency and low emissions.
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With an overall length of just 8ft 2in, a shade over 5ft high, this vehicle will always get a second and third look. Everything else on the road weighs more (1655lbs) than a Smart.
A 698-cc, three-cylinder 61 HP gas engine powers the Smart. The For-Two's are available with two power ratings, 51 hp and 61 hp, instead of the previous years that had 44 hp and 54 hp.
The Smart is, of course, a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car and has an aluminum three-cylinder engine.
The Passion’s ForTwo Coupe
- 61hp
- Glass roof
- Horizontally folding passenger seat back
- Sunblind for glass roof
- Interior light on vertical console and roof
- Cockpit clock and tachometer
- 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with steering wheel gear shift
- SMART features…
- Performance: 0 to 62 mph…. Acceleration 15.5 seconds
- Maximum Speed…. 84 mph regulated control
- Fuel Capacity 7.26 gallons
- Combined Fuel Consumption 60.1 mpg
- Front Seat Belt Pre-Tensioners
- Driver Airbag
- Passenger Standard
- Standard Immobilized Central Locking
- Standard Radio/Cassette
- Wheel Drive RWD
The Passion model comes with air-conditioning as standard.
The 2006 ForTwo is a 2nd generation Smart and improvements from past years include the following:
- ESP - Electronic Stability Program this control technology helps drivers maintain control in unstable driving situations
- HBA - Hydraulic Brake Assist
- CBC-Cornering Brake Control… When you brake in a turn, CBC assures the most advantageous distribution of the brake force over the wheels. Keeping your Smart on the right track
- ASC - Acceleration Skid Control…This prevents loss of traction by braking the wheel with the greatest traction slip. This is equivalent to the function of a differential lock.
- HSA - Hill Start Assist…With HSA you will never have to apply the handbrake again when pulling away on a slope. After lifting your foot from the brake pedal, the wheels remain braked for 0.7 seconds. This gives you enough time to unhurriedly move your foot to the accelerator without the car rolling backwards.
Soft-tip...Allows you to change gears without the need for a clutch. The 6-speed transmission changes up or down when you apply a gentle tap on the shift lever.
- Chassis features...Rack-and-pinion steering with steering shock absorber.
- DeDion rear axle with suspension arm, stabilizers, coil springs and shock absorbers
The DeDion axle is regarded as a halfway house between a live axle and independent rear suspension (IRS). It gives non-independent wheels and always keeps them vertical to the road like a live axle but at the same time driving torque reactions are separated from the wheel-locating duties, as is the case with IRS.
McPherson front axle comes with stabilizers and A-frame arm. McPherson suspension strut principle offers weight and packaging advantages compared with other chassis systems. Like, the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
Wheels and tires...
- Steel wheels front: 145/65 R 15; rear 175/55 R 15
Brakes...
- Dynamic handling control systems
- Electronic stability program with starting assistant
- Dual circuit brakes with brake booster and electronic power braking
- Anti-lock braking system with ABS electronic brake proportioning system
ABS brake systems have speed sensors that measure wheel speed and relay this information to an onboard electronic control unit. This unit calculates vehicle speed and during a lockup, signals a hydraulic actuator which in turn applies and releases the brakes as many as 10 times per second.
Exterior...
- Interchangeable body panels, Heat insulated glass green
- Radiator mask black, "Light white" body panel
- Solid roof, Tailgate divided into two sections, Interval switching
Interior...
- Interior light on vertical console and roof
- Horizontally folding passenger seat back
- Emergency activation switch for interior locking mechanism
- Storage net on right side of luggage compartment
- Storage box in doors
Cockpit...
- Service interval display
- Shift recommendation
- Interchangeable trims on control levers and instruments
- Fuel level display for tank contents
Audio...
- Provision for installation of a radio incl. rod antenna and 2 loudspeakers
Safety...
- Warning triangle, Indicators with Com-Fort touch control switching
- Safety belts with self-tensioning and belt Force limiters
- Integral safety seats with belt guide, full-size driver and passenger airbag
- Safety steering column, side indicators, yellow crash sensor for controlling warning crash, absorbing elements at front and rear, Tridion safety cell, esp®
- Child safety: Basic equipment for fitting a child seat recognition sensor deactivates airbag when child seat is fitted. Basic equipment for child seat quick-fixing device
- Smart scores an "acceptable" three out of five stars in independent tests in Europe.
Functions/Electrical Systems...
Rear windscreen heating, interior switch for tailgate unlocking
12-volt socket automatic headlight switch-off, electric windows air circulation/fresh air switch, central locking with radio remote control and immobilized 3 button comfort key. The sensors sound the alarm when your car is in danger of swerving.
Some cars may have optional features that are not standard equipment. Please ask the sellers what optional equipment the particular cars many have?
Optional Equipment and Prices...These prices are all in United States Dollar’s.
- Comfort package …Drive Lock automatic central locking when driving,
- Comfort Windscreen Wiper, Electric power steering…$ 950.00
- Light package…$107.00
- Soft touch - automatic gear program with kick-down…$376.00
- Wheels/tires "Sport-line" light alloy wheels
- Front: 145/65 R 15; rear 175/55 R 15…$370.00
- Audio/navigation Smart navigation system, RDS tuner, CD player and Europe-wide GPS routing…$1,960.00
- Smart radio/CD, RDS, CD player, high power and CD changer controller…$179
- Safety Options
- Front fog lights…$241.00
- Side airbags…$304.00
- Rev counter and clock…$169.00
- Cruise control with speed limiter $241.00
- Electric power steering…$599.00
- Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors…$223.00
- Exterior temperature indicator and frost warning…$62.00
Interior
- All-weather floor mats…$23.00
- Cassette holder…$42.50
- CD holder…$42
- Cup holder…$42
- Divider between luggage space and passenger compartment…$191
- Luggage attachment…$17.00
- Luggage net…$56.00
- Non-lockable drawer under driver's seat…$95.00
- Velour floor mats…$50.40
Exterior
- Basic rack unit…$214.00
- Bicycle rack…$112.00
- Ski rack…$56.50
- Snow chains…$165.00
- Function & telematics Telephone console…$44.00
- Vehicle Dynamics
- Antitheft wheel locks…$57.00
- Wheel trims…$73.50
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The all new, better driving and safer 2008 Smart Fortwo has been christened a semi-exotic, having both an emotional allure, along with a logical influence. The catchphrase chronicles the entire legend, "The Smart Fortwo brand, where a powerful passion already exists, together with a dynamic pulse and a pure fascination for fun!"
The Smart is a deceptively large car. The big doors open on to comfy, full-size seats and the glass roof gives it an airy quality.
Smart ForTwo is one of the most fuel-efficient, gas-powered cars on the planet. The NEW 2008 Smart. The 2008 Smart Car Fortwo, not surprisingly, is one of the most sought after and desired vehicles to come to our shores in many years, not only one of the more futuristic looking vehicles available; it is literally an acclaimed work of design and art. They (smart GmbH) have replaced approximately 90 percent of the older Smart vehicle's parts.
However, the 2008 Fortwo’s engineers and automotive designers have preserved the cars classic and one of a kind identity.
This car always makes you smile! When it comes to the Smart, a little car can be green for both the consumers and the planet.
The American debut of this extra-tiny-micro-compact car next year may have long lasting effects on our entire country. Smart is schedule to arrive here in the first quarter of 08, with a MSRP of under $12,000 for the entire level pure model. This new Smart Fortwo will appeal to several components of the car buying segment and for several different reasons. Most metropolitan drivers will love this car for many reasons. Its nibble driving features, its fuel savings and its knockout design appeal. The Smart owners who plan to use the car as a moving billboard. Over 30 percent of all Smart cars in Europe are utilized for advertising purposes and have some form of wrapping. Young drivers with limited resources, but still looking for that trendy transporter, will be drawn to this car in a way we haven’t seen since the model T. The folks that need or those who simple want or can afford a third or forth car will be want RV people will also want to get on the smart band wagon. Roughly 80% of the time, a car remains inoperative, that is parked in your garage or somewhere else. During the other 20%, many of us drive about with nothing more than our brief case and a map in the back seat. The majority of drivers ride around with nothing more than a brief case and a cell phone. This is a great car for the percentage of us who do just this. Most cars are used in a city locality and usually only carry 1 to 2 people. So Smart removed the back seat and made a car with a minuscule trunk. It will fit 2 small bags. Smart is a tiny 2-seater that is penny wise, greener and makes plenty of sense. The passenger and luggage compartment is 20 percent larger. The body structure of the Smart Fortwo convertible shares 70 percent of its panels with the coupé. The changeable body panels are available in six colors.
The 2008 ForTwo is 7.7 inches longer and pinch wider however it is still the smallest car available and 3 feet shorter than the Mini cooper.
The car has a new, smoother 5-speed transmission built by Getrag, which it has need since the first car rolled off their assembly line. The new five-speed automated manual cuts shifting times in half. The gearbox also is equipped with a function that allows the driver to shift down two gears at once.
The Getrag Corporate produces transmission for all the leading automobile manufacturers. Customers include Volvo Car Corporation, Ford and Chrysler all use Getrag. The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 will come with one of their drive trains.
That’s pretty much the nuts and bolts concerning the 2008 Smart Fortwo.
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