The smart forstars electric concept will be premiered at the upcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show.
While the smart forvision concept was a solid indication of the next-generation fortwo, the two-seat forstars previews the exterior styling set for the next generation of Smart crossover models.
Forstars shares the same basic rear-engine/rear-wheel drive mechanical package as the for-us pick-up concept displayed at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
The smart forstars, too, features convex and sensuously shaped body surfaces. The large brand emblem is proudly sported on the grille, and the front has a pronounced three-dimensional design. Where rally cars have an air scoop on the bonnet, on the smart forstars a video projector is integrated here as an ironic highlight.
There is a convex glass coupe roof above the passengers’ heads. It joins seamlessly with the glass cover over the cargo area which opens upwards. Like the smart for-us, the lower tailboard at the rear can also be opened electrically.
Sleek, taut surfaces in mother-of-pearl white combined with precisely designed technical functional elements in brushed aluminum – the interior is characterized by contrasts. The colour “alubeam rouge” that is also used as an accent color in the interior creates a link to the exterior.
Stylish, uncomplicated, highly functional and easy to individualize – the two seats in the concept car are typically smart. The seat shells, which are open in the middle, are covered with a soft fabric throw giving them a hammock-like seating feel. The graphic elements and different red tones of the covers indicate a progression and thus underline the dynamism and the very trendy aspect of the vehicle.
As the covers can be removed in next to no time, simple individualization with other throws is conceivable. Practical: when the seat cover on the passenger side is removed, long items can be loaded through the seat of the smart forstars.
The seats are trimmed with high-quality white bag leather with exquisite white piping. Perforated leather in the door panelling forms a further sophisticated contrast and emphasizes the high quality of the materials used.
Like the smart forvision and the smart for-us, the whole cockpit boasts aerodynamic styling for interior ventilation. The control and display elements are oriented to the driver. Just as the cockpit module divides the instrument panel, the two-spoke steering wheel is open at the top.
In place of a conventional rear-view mirror the smart forstars features a smartphone accommodated in a holder at the top of the windscreen. The driver can see what is happening on the road behind with the help of an integrated video camera. The smartphone also serves as a media source and controls the projector.
Stowage compartments to the left and right of the high-quality cargo area fitted with aluminum rails offer additional stowage space.
The electric drive of the smart forstars is based on the innovative drive concept of the smart fortwo BRABUS electric drive. Compared to the production model of the smart electric drive the output of the magneto-electric motor has been increased to 60 kW, giving the smart forstars agile and lively performance. With 135 Newton meters of torque it boasts powerful, lag-free acceleration and can overtake other vehicles with the greatest of ease. The vehicle has a top speed of more than 130 km/h (80 mph) and the lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 17.6 kWh.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
