Smart Forspeed concept (2011)

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Smart Forspeed concept (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

By Mark Hamilton

First Official Pictures

22 February 2011 11:38

Remember the Smart Crossblade? Smart has produced another chop-top Fortwo - the Forspeed EV concept due to bow in at next week's 2011 Geneva motor show.

Smart Forspeed concept: the lowdown

The Forspeed apes the 2002 Crossblade, a roofless, doorless concept that was the perfect city runabout... in a world where it never rained, roads were smooth and the weather was perpetually warm. So not the UK, then.

The new 2011 Smart Forspeed does have doors, along with the usual speedster styling accoutrements (cut-down wind deflector screen, streamlined roll-over hoop fairings). There is a fabric tonneau cover for weather protection when parked, or driver-only excursions. The front lights hint at the next-generation Fortwo, but the remainder is reserved for the delight of motor show visitors.

What powers the Smart Forspeed? With a name like that, it deserves a V8!

Nope. The Forspeed is electric, using a 30kW electric motor with an additional 5kW boost mode available via a centre-console switch. The electric motor draws power from an 16.5kWh lithium-ion power cell, which offers 84 miles of range.

Charging is via a 220V port located between the rear light clusters, and Smart claims the Forspeed can be charged to 80% in 45 minutes. There's also a clever use of solar cells in the wind deflector, to assist in charging the inevitable built-in smartphone.

Performance is claimed at top speed of 75mph, and 0-37mph in 5.5 seconds. Fairly modest stats, so those speedster cues may be just a touch misleading.