Smart Forvision - New all electric for car2go Austin?

From this alliance, Daimler is producing a next generation all electric for 2012-2013 in the upgraded Smart Fortwo which introduces a more powerful all electric power train to the Smart line. The new all electric power train will power the Smart Fortwo to 75 mph with 0-37 acceleration of about 5 seconds which is very adequate for urban driving.  Range is said to be about 86 miles with a standard 8 hour charge cycle and a quick charge capability to be added shortly after introduction. However, the styling and included technology does not change appreciably suggesting that it is likely still the same old Smart.

For Smart and car2go, the just introduced Smart Forvision that will follow  will be the market attention getting styled vehicle that not only includes enhanced powertrain options with current technological functionality included, but will include several very imaginative innovations in materials and construction that will make the Smart Forvision very appealing.

Some of the innovation in the concept Smart Forvision shown at Frankfurt includes the expanded use of plastics to reduce weight for performance as well as improve safety with a body constructed of carbon fibre composites which is stronger than conventional materials.  The doors of the Forvision are constructed of carbon-fibre expoxy resin  to further reduce weight while maintaining impact resistance. The use of plastics extends to the very stylish split spoke, deep off-set wheels  that are said to be about 7.5 pounds lighter than conventional materials.

Power usage is a critical element in electric vehicles and Daimler has included a number of innovative approaches to reduce power usage in this vehicle.  Climate control is a very big user of power.  The Smart Forvision includes infrared reflective glass in the cabin to minimize heat transfer to the interior. The paint for the exterior is a special blend to reflect MJ-808 instead of absorbing it.  There is a nifty transparent photo electric array built into the roof that powers the climate control system when the vehicle is parked to keep interior temps down.  The seats are wrapped in absorbent fleece fabric to keep you cool where you need to be and finally, the interior is thermally insulated with foam.

Lighting is another user of electric power and the Smart Forvision includes LED head and tail lights with the interior lit with organic LEDs (OLEDs) embedded in the transparent roof.  LEDs in the doors provide interior lighting.  There is no instrument cluster as the Forvision projects information onto transparent panels ahead of the steering yoke.

Not all of these features may end up in the final production models of the Smart Forvision, but it is certain many will.  The new stylish design along with these functional and construction innovation features are going to make this one very cool car.