2016 Smart fortwo cabrio

The new smart fortwo cabrio

Stuttgart – The countdown has started for the new fortwo cabrio, a particularly iconic variant of the new model series. The open-top two- seater will have its world premiere in September at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. The new smart cabrio will launch in the Únited States in early summer of 2016.

Three cars in one: at the touch of a button the new smart cabrio is transformed from a closed two-seater into a car with a large sliding canvas sunroof, or a full-fledged cabriolet with the soft top completely open. This enables the fresh air driving experience to be adapted to the weather or the driver's mood. This flexibility offered by the 'tritop' folding soft top and the removable roof bars is a special feature – and not just in this segment. At the same time, the new smart cabrio is the only true cabriolet in its vehicle class.

'Our new smart cabrio really exudes the 'joy of life' in the city – which is what our brand stands for,' says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. 'I am sure that we will delight our present 220,000 cabrio customers and win lots of new fans with this successful lifestyle icon.'

The new smart cabrio (length/width/height: 8.8/5.4/5.1ft) is clearly recognizable as a member of the new smart generation. The third model also embodies the smart design philosophy of FÚN.ctional design, defined by two poles - the heart and mind. The design idiom is clear, purist and very progressive. This includes the typical silhouette with ultra-short overhangs, the clear lines, shapes and surfaces and, of course, the tridion safety cell. With the grill in a fading honeycomb design and the rhombic headlamps, the face is unmistakably smart. The B-pillar is narrower than on the closed variant and the styling of the tridion safety cell is more progressive, giving the smart fortwo cabrio an even sportier and more forward-focused look.

Prospective customers can choose between three different colors for the 'tritop' fabric soft top: blue denim (jeans look), red or black. The headlining is always grey. The removable roof bars that can be stowed in a compartment in the tailgate come in the tridion color.

Soft top: opens within twelve seconds
When the sun peeps out from behind the clouds, smart fortwo cabrio drivers can react quickly: the fabric soft top can be opened fully automatically in twelve seconds – even when driving at top speed. With the 3-button key the soft top can also be opened from outside the car by remote control.

Removing the side roof bars enables a full-blown cabrio experience. The roof bars can be stowed on the inside of the tailgate. This stowage compartment in the tailgate also offers additional stowage space for small items.

With an area of 19.4sq-ft the 'tritop' fabric soft top is approximately four percent larger than its predecessor. The outer covering is made of a particularly lightfast polyacrylic fabric and the inside features a polyester/cotton mix. There is a rubber layer in the middle. The soft top has a total thickness of 0.8 inches. The rear windscreen is heated and is made of glass.

Safety: occupant protection space validated in roof-drop test


In addition, the cabrio has been specifically reinforced in decisive places in comparison to the coupe. The modifications include a large steel cross under the vehicle, two torsional bulkheads under the vehicle at the front and rear and an inner tube in the A-pillars made of high strength hot-formed steel.

As well as meeting the requirements of mandatory crash tests, the new smart fortwo cabrio – with a safety concept that includes the tridion safety cell typical of the brand for efficient energy absorption – also passes additional Mercedes-Benz crash tests that often have much stricter requirements. This includes the 'roof-drop' test. Here the body falls at a slight angle from a height of 50 centimeters onto the roof structure and the vehicle hits one of the two A-pillars.

Advanced assistance systems which were previously the reserve of higher classes of vehicle help to prevent accidents. These include the latest- generation ESP® with Crosswind Assist and hill start assist (standard) and forward collision warning (optional).

Turbocharged engine, two transmissions, four lines

The new cabrio will be available with the same state-of-the-art three- cylinder engine as the coupe, rated at 89 hp. This engine can be combined with the five-speed manual transmission or the fully automatic twinamic dual clutch transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Needless to say, the smart fortwo cabrio has the agility typical of the brand – with the 22.8ft (from curb to curb) and 24ft (from wall to wall) turning circle, turning maneuvers are extremely simple.

In addition to the four lines pure (standard), passion, prime and proxy, customers can choose from a large range of safety and comfort features. The high-quality and charming interior of the smart fortwo cabrio corresponds to that of the closed variant with standard features including a smart radio with Bluetooth® technology, automatic climate control, power windows, power steering, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, alarm system, and LED Daytime Running Lamps integrated into the headlights. A wind deflector is available as an option. The interior styling is sure to delight and is characterized by a 'dynamic loop' as a signature feature throughout the interior - emotional sweeping lines which feature on the dashboard and doors, for example.

Source - Smart