Smart fortwo concept trailers prove fortwo will tow the line
In what appears to be way of addressing the lack of trunk space in the new Smart fortwo, DCX has released a few sketches showing the Smart accessorized to appeal to that overly-pursued active lifestyle consumer.
The three drawings (two of which are posted after the jump) include the above boat trailer, a motorcycle hauler and a traveling living space; complete with sink, stove, storage and bed.
While all are intriguing, Smart doesn't intend to build these trailers anytime soon. We certainly like the idea, but are a bit worried about getting stuck behind one on our way up to Tahoe.
[Source: TCC]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Rick Lyon 9:46AM (3/23/2007)
Nice renderings. But ah, rather than a boat, what about 2 more people? I don't have a boat or bathroom sized portable bed camper, but I do have two kids. I'd rather not tow them, so how about a four seater? 4 door? 5 door hatchback?
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Tim UF 10:01AM (3/23/2007)
Rick Lyon, There is a 4door smart car, called the smart forfour. Are they bringing it to our side of the atlantic? Who knows?
i'm guessing anything heavier than a small jetski or a teardrop camper would just kill this little car's drivetrain. Even something that small, id want extra oil coolers all over the tranny and engine, plus integrated brakes on the trailer, because brakes calibrated for a vehicle under 2000 lbs liekly would have a tough time stopping a trailer from speed.
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Juan 10:02AM (3/23/2007)
Does the trailer have its own engine?
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Nick 10:02AM (3/23/2007)
I wouldn't put 4 people in this thing- 2 might survive a good crash, but 4 is too many.
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Sam 10:06AM (3/23/2007)
Smart Cars can tow about 500 lbs, IIRC. Even a jet ski or minibike is going to tax that. A camping trailer? Hell no. If you want to tow a small camping trailer, get a Jeep Liberty.
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Gale 10:23AM (3/23/2007)
Yeah, the first thing I think of when I'm shopping for a Smart is TOWING CAPACITY. Come on
In a time when companies are laying off thousands and improving efficiency down to the tiniest nuts and bolts, a project like this clearly illustrates why some automakers are in trouble. They paid some guy six figures to sketch a cartoon that makes no real-world sense.
This kind of cerebral circle jerk has nothing to do with making the car better, building the brand or anything of value, really. It makes me sad.
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Ben 10:34AM (3/23/2007)
People who buy 'Smarts' would know better.
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moogy 10:48AM (3/23/2007)
The smart needs a 4 seater..."ForFour". Then you could think about putting a trailer
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Casey 11:41AM (3/23/2007)
They used to have a ForFour in Europe. It was discontinued along with the Smart Roadster sportscar. It was basically a rebadged Mitsubishi Mirage 4 door hatch.
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Vega 11:11AM (3/23/2007)
OK, the ForFour did exist, it shared a platform with the European Mitsubishi Colt. Due to insufficient sales, the car was discontinued.
Here's how it looks like:
http://www.edmunds.com/media/advice/specialreports/smart.invasion/Forfour.500.jpg
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RickDom 1:29PM (3/23/2007)
I think it might work out better if the motorcycle tows the smart.
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JohnAngelo 1:42PM (3/23/2007)
How does it work if the engine in the motorcycle has more power than the engine in the car?
Maybe another chain connecting the trailer to bike...?
Keep both running to get up them hills!
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Rick Lyon 12:56PM (3/23/2007)
Tim UF- I had no idea a 4 door version existed. That would be interesting.
Seems it's linked above and was discontinued. I'd think about it in US, where too small won't sell well, but small enough to still handle tank SUVs would.
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Casey 11:47AM (3/23/2007)
My bad. I meant Colt. Not Mirage...
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Casey 1:13PM (3/23/2007)
The trailers would be a great addition to the "Smartuki",:) but definitely not the anemic stock fortwo.
Man, I love that Smartuki. ~200hp and still gets ~35-40mpg.
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L3 12:14PM (3/23/2007)
I offer the opportunity for you to agree that your headline was a pun and not just a cliche. The correct version of the cliche is 'toe the line.'
Cheers.
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S. Kelley 2:19PM (3/23/2007)
# 15 only in Soviet Russia.
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Kevin 2:34PM (3/23/2007)
Say your average SUV driver or big truck driver plows into this car. What would be left.
Heck I drive a Ridgeline and I could basically be on this car in a 10 mph crash and I would be like what was that.
I would only drive this car on the golf course. Or you would be saying ooooh that SMARTS, if you really got hit in a accident, if you would be alive at all.
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Jason 3:36PM (3/23/2007)
A trailer simply for storage would be a great addition to a Honda Fit or similar car. You would have the function of a Volvo wagon when you need it without having to haul it around when you do not.
Lack of storage space is what keeps me from purchasing a Fit-sized car.
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Yago Bal 7:15PM (3/24/2007)
#18
Since "safe cars" are just a mith in the US, I think the SUV would end up in bad shape.
Did you ever compare EuroNCAP tests to NHTSA tests?
A smart (4 stars EuroNCAP) is safer than a Chrysler Voyager (5 stars NHTSA -maximum result; 1,5 stars EuroNCAP -out of a maximum of 5). The second star was slashed to indicate a "high risk of serious or fatal injury".
It's really criminal...
And even more criminal is people believing and spreading that kind of lies... The smart fortwo is probably safer than any US car.
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