Auto Extreme

The 2008 Smart ForTwo has a Mitsubishi-built 1.0-liter three-cylinder making 71 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automated manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The Smart’s astonishingly large fifteen-inch wheels (front tires are 155/60 and 175/55 rear). It uses disc brakes in front and drum breaks in rear. All 2008 Smart models come standard with anti-lock brakes and full stability control.

Behind the seats is sufficient room for 7.7 cubic feet of cargo, but this is a tiny little car - it’s only 106 inches in length, 61 inches wide, and 61 inches high. To put that into perspective, the 1700-lb Smart not only weighs 900 lb less than a Mini Cooper, it’s 39.5 inches - that’s over three feet shorter!

Smart can go up to 90mph down the highway, but clearly this car is intended for around-town use. EPA fuel economy approximation haven’t been finalized, but Smart expects to see more than 40 mpg in mixed driving.

The 2007 Smart ForTwo will be out on the market in January of 2008, where it will be put up for sale from by U.S. dealerships, mostly satellites of existing Mercedes traders. The ForTwo will be available in three trim levels:

The Pure, which will start under $12,000, includes all of the Smart’s safety features (four airbags, ABS and ESP), remote central locking, a rear defroster, and not much more.

The Passion model will cost under $14,000, and adds a panorama glass roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and a CD stereo system.

The Passion Cabrio adds a convertible top and in-dash six-CD changer for another $3000.

Final pricing, equipment, and fuel economy estimates will be proclaimed closer to the vehicle’s launch.

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