http://www.zapworld.com/cars/smartCar.asp Smart Car Introducing SMART, the car that redefines mobility. ZAP is proud to soon offer one of the most fuel-efficient, gas-powered cars on the planet. This new 60 Mile Per Gallon City Coupe has been designed as the car of the future with many "smart" features that address today's crowded urban traffic and rising energy prices. Don't be fooled by its charming, futuristic look, the SMART will surprise you with its handling, its stylish, roomy interior for 2 passengers, and its innovative design. After taking Europe by storm, ZAP is bringing the Americanized version that is a U.S. Compliant direct import automobile. Click here to choose your favorite color and join our Smart car list SMART VITALS 60-Miles Per Gallon Performance Handling Spacious Interior for Two Exchangeable Body Panels SMART-Safe Construction Automatic Transmission PERFORMANCE 60 hp, 3-cylinder, rear-mounted turbo engine sequential 6-speed transmission automatic or manual mode selectable 60 Miles Per Gallon, Unleaded Gasoline Tank Capacity: 8.7 gallons DIMENSIONS Weight: 1588 lbs Length: 8'2.5" Width: 4'11.5" Height: 5' DOT Approval VCP-27 Smart is manufactured and marketed in Europe by an unaffiliated party and made US/CA compliant by DMC. STANDARD FEATURES Anti-Lock Braking Rack and pinion Steering Exchangeable Body Panels Power Windows Power doorlocks OPTIONS Air Conditioning with Exterior Temp Indicator and Frost Warning Convertible Alloy Wheels Power Steering SAFETY/SECURITY See why SMART is so safe Tridion Hemispherical, Safety Shell, Steel Driver and Passenger Airbags Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) Skid Control Anti-Lock Braking System Reinforced Construction Raised Seat Position for Enhanced Visibility Remote Central Locking
I saw these when I went to Germany. I actually saw them being transported sideways on the back of flatbed trucks! Too small for me!
If I had a car that got more than twice the mileage of my daily driver, I'd want the same size fuel tank. If I get better mileage, why would I want to stop for gas just as often? Cute... If I worked in a big city, lived in it, and had to commute, but not on freeways, it might be nice.
A buddy of mine here has a green one. It takes a little getting used to. Lots of looks and stares. That auto/man trans is pretty neat. You can shift automatic or shift it manually and I if I remember correctly, you use the clutch only for take off. It shifts manually like a 4 wheeler with an automatic clutch. You'd think that a 60 hp engine would be a slug but it runs surprizingly well. He's had it for about 3-4 years or so. He paid I think around $14-$15G w/ shipping. He told me that when he went to Europe, there were dealers on the corner. Literally! They were vertical glass booths (like and old phone booth) with shelves and a car on each shelf. The booths were about 8x10 and stacked about 5 high with an # to call or an order form to mail in. The body panels are plastic and color molded so if you damage one, don't paint, just order the panel and install.
They're really popular in Europe, when there's an empty parking spot that's just to short for a normal car, you can stick the smart in sideways. I think they've been around since the late 90's. Then there are moped cars, which look the same as the samrt, but have a moped engine. Slow as hell, but you don't need a license to drive them.
