Detroit motor show: Smart for-us
Smart has shown a curious half car/ half trolley that has made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
2012 Detroit motor show A-to-Z listing
This curious half-car/half trolley has made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Built by smart, the 'for-us' concept takes the US obsession for pickups and shrinks it dramatically. Oh, and its electric-powered.
A strict two seater with a rear deck area for two cycles, the for-us concept is longer and wider than a smart for-two. At 3547mm long and 1506mm wide it is approximately the same size as a Fiat 500. The for-us is pretty much the same width as a for-two but nearly 900mm longer. Track is 100mm wider.
A 55 kW magneto-electric motor drives the for-us, making it a zero (vehicle) emission car. Power comes from a 17.6kWh lithium-ion battery. This powerplant delivers 96lb ft, enough to push the for-us up to a very breezy 75mph.
smart describes the for-us concept as 'tongue-in-cheek' and adds 'that this is the right car for the young and young-at-heart.' We're not so sure. A pure sports car, electric or otherwise, in the small smart footprint remains a compelling idea even today. smart Roadster and Coupe production ceased in 2005 and while the for-us is not without some sparkle its unlikely to be remembered as one of the key concepts shown at NAIAS 2012.
