Design Review: Smart For-US concept

First seen NAIAS 2012
Design studio Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios, Sindelfingen, Germany
Type 2-seat pickup
Dimensions (L | W | H) 3,547 | 1,506 | 1,701 mm
Wheel size 18-inch

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Daimler’s Smart brand has bombed in the US market since its introduction in 2008. That first year proved modestly successful, with 25,000 units sold but since then sales have fallen off a cliff, with just 5,927 shifted in 2010.

Seeing the ForTwo dicing with big-foot pickups and Hummer limos in Vegas, it’s easy to see why something has been lost in translation. Yet, after years of neglect, Smart has finally been given some attention by Daimler.

Following on from the ForSpeed and ForVision concepts, the triptych is complete with the For-US concept. More importantly this car is a clear intention to make Smart work in the States. Its format crosses over city car, sports car, pickup and SUV, creating a unique proposition that references cars as varied as the Volkswagen Buggy Up concept and Bertone Fiat X1/9.

1. Tridion safety shell
Satin grey Tridion is key to For-Us' identification as a Smart. In profile the gloss white features pop out in contrast and are carefully managed to directly reference the ForTwo despite very different proportions.

2. Reduced white space
Distance between elements reduced as far as possible, increasing the feeling of compactness. Leading door shutlines bowed as close as possible to the front wheels. These are larger to fill the front fenders that feature grey arch flats, further reducing white space.

3. Plan shape
S-shaped plan profile exaggerated by angle of lower mask graphics, pulling the fenders even further forward. But does a small EV really need to gobble up such huge amounts of air? Does this portray the right image for eco-friendly Smart? Perhaps not.

4. Fragmented intakes
Groups of hexagonal perforations spread like pixilated freckles across its nose and behind its doors. Their 'digital' aesthetic – reminiscent of computer case vents – is perfectly judged.

5. Three-spokes
Three-spoke wheels now a Smart trademark, here with wheel centers that double as tools to release the wheel nuts when removed.

6. Soft-roader
Ruggedness, Smart-style served up by well defined but appropriately playful lower rocker surfacing.

By Owen Ready