2016 Smart Fortwo Makes North American Debut
Daimler’s redesigned smart car made its North American debut in Manhattan on the eve of the New York Auto Show.
And where better to showcase this urban runabout than the Big Apple, where space is at a premium and parking spots can be tough to come by? The new fortwo should be better in every way than its predecessor, which has been excoriated for its poorly shifting automated-manual transmission.
That’s one of the 2016 model’s biggest improvements. Drivers now have a choice of gearbox. They can go with the car’s standard five-speed manual or they can opt for a dual-clutch automatic.
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The new smart is powered by a rear-mounted three-cylinder engine. It’s turbocharged and delivers 88 hp and 100 lb-ft of twist.
Beyond powertrain enhancements the new car should also feature improved comfort and better maneuverability despite a track width that’s been increased by 100 millimeters. Additionally it should be safer than before thanks to the greater use of high-strength steel.
The 2016 smart should go on sale in the U.S. this fall.
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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Boy, is that butt ugly . I had a 2008 for 4 years and 12k miles. It had a few minor and one major design flaw. But overall I liked it. Would not buy one of the new ones. Sorry Smart.
Doesn't beat my 2013 Matte Grey Smart Electric. I like Smarts but the new one im not really liking (design wise). Will definitely drive it so my perception will probably change and with the right cell/rim/color combo it might look better