THE RULE-BREAKER

The new smart for-us translates the practical loading concept of a pickup to the reality of 21^st century urban traffic. It will celebrate its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit 14 - 22 January 2012.

With its exterior dimensions (length/width/height: 3547/1506/1701mm) it could almost go unnoticed on the loading area of a typical pickup, and it also anything but ordinary under the body. Compared with the series-produced fortwo, the longer wheelbase (2480mm/plus 613mm) and the track that has been widened by 50mm on each side emphasise the robust look of the study. At the same time the extremely short overhangs at the front and rear make it exceedingly compact.

It has plenty of room for two people and space for two smart ebikes behind them. Thanks to the docking station on the cargo area of the smart for-us their batteries are always charged, and smart for-us drivers can also reach destinations that are out of bounds for cars – for example traffic-calmed zones in the city or isolated park trails.

The tailboard at the rear of the smart for-us is electrically driven. When it opens first of all the cargo floor including tailboard retracts by 280mm, then the tailgate slides down in a parallel position. The 900mm cargo area is then extremely easy accessible.

The interior is characterised by contrasts. Like in the smart forvision, the whole cockpit boasts aerodynamic styling for interior ventilation. In place of a conventional rear-view mirror the smart for-us features a smartphone accommodated in a holder on top of the instrument panel support. The driver can see what is happening on the road behind with the help of an integrated video camera.

The electric drive of the smart for-us is based on the innovative drive concept of the smart fortwo electric drive, which will be launched in the spring of 2012. Thanks to the 55kW magneto-electric motor the smart for-us is agile and lively to drive. With 130Nm of torque it boasts powerful, lag-free acceleration. The maximum speed exceeds 120km/h. The lithium-ion battery has capacity of 17.6 kWh.

smart CEO Dr. Annette Winkler says "We at smart love pick-ups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable. With the smart for-us a petrol station is no longer required!”