So today I got the weirdest question ever with regards to the Smart. At the car wash this morning, this older gentleman saw me getting out of our 2008 Smart Fortwo and asked me how I liked it. "Meh," I replied with a shrug, not really wanting to get into it. "Is it fast?" he asked. That stopped me in my tracks. "Um, no but it would be cool if it had a more powerful engine," I said, and then I started to daydream about a faster, more powerful Smart; my dream Smart, if you will.
If I ruled the world...and had magical powers I'd make it a cross between a Mini S and an Evo MR. It would have a kick-ass engine but great fuel economy, awesome handling...and be invulnerable to crashes and being crashed into.
The Smart really does have go-kart potential. I can zip in and out of traffic with it now. Sure, a majority of L.A. drivers are slow, distracted drivers but still. Imagine if it had more power?
What would you do to make the Smart better? Besides erasing it from existence, that is.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor @ 18,488 miles
firstwagon says:
03:58 PM, 07/20/09
Easy ... bring back the diesel engine and give it a real manual transmission.
merkava5 says:
04:04 PM, 07/20/09
Proper suspension, for a start. Then an enormous turbo, and the 5-speed manual from a Miata. Oh, and I'm guessing the steering out of a Mini (man, it's good).
Of course, these kinds of luxuries (ha!) would drive the cost up, and who is going to pay 30K for a tiny car like the smart? :D Might as well just have the Mini S. Still a fun idea, though...
caroscuro says:
04:06 PM, 07/20/09
merkava5,
But it's for an alternate reality. We could make it cost only $5 or something if we wanted to.
cruiserhead1 says:
04:12 PM, 07/20/09
Smart w/ a Hayabusa engine good for wicked donuts and 200mph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSM_Xiw0F3U
fuhteng says:
04:32 PM, 07/20/09
Thank you cruiserhead1. That was the very first thing I thought of.
slickersdrip says:
04:54 PM, 07/20/09
cruiserhead1 took the words out of my mouth.
clarkma5 says:
04:54 PM, 07/20/09
Simple: Brabus Roadster V6 BiTurbo, just with a better transmission (they still used the stock sequential box).
adavis2493 says:
05:13 PM, 07/20/09
Isn't the Brabus Smart practically the same thing you are talking about?
What would I do?
1:Get rid of the black plastic accents.
2:Add sunroof
3:Drop the price a little.
4:Add an amazing warranty
johnnyr3 says:
04:21 AM, 07/21/09
+1 cruiserhead.
A high-po motorcycle motor would be just what the doctor ordered. One could probably still get close to 40mpg with a 'Busa motor in that rig.
chuckdaly says:
06:17 AM, 07/21/09
There are a few turbos available. This is the one I would get.
http://www.speedforceracing.com/index.php?categoryID=696
The lack of power exposes the flaws in the Tranny, add oomph and you forget about the transmission.
dougtheeng says:
06:31 AM, 07/21/09
diesel + real manual transmission = win.
izumi says:
11:16 AM, 07/21/09
A Smart AMG model...
epbrown says:
04:46 PM, 07/21/09
As a Smart owner, I'd say most of the suggestions so far are overkill, or seem focused on making the Smart something it isn't, rather than a better version of what it is. To accomplish the latter, I'd suggest only two changes: a traditional 5-speed manual transmission, and lower the price of a Smart Fortwo Pure to $9999. How can they make money at that price? Follow the MINI model - call the extras "Personalization Accessories" or some such crap and charge more for them.
hybris says:
06:38 PM, 07/21/09
In the world of "what if?" I would say
1. AWD
2. 6.6L Chevy small block
3. Twin-Turbo
4. The hold thing is made of Titanium, Carbon Fiber, and Ceramics.
In reality a optional diesel engine, traditional manual, and improve all round visibility, and give it a simple enough drive train that mere mortals can work on in their garage like the classic Beetles.
That last point I think if they did that they could find a large market and hop on to the DIY movement.
schildt says:
07:53 AM, 07/22/09
A piano falling on it?
singingdrvr says:
01:48 PM, 07/22/09
I like the convertible one a friend bought it and is a nice car for driving around however wearing my imagination hat I would like some changes
1)V6 BiTurbo (it was a very cool idea, don't know why they kept those as prototypes)
2)6 speed manual transmission (or a decent sequential transmission)
3)Better suspension
4)AWD
5)3 seats (like the Mclaren F1 with the driver's seat at the center but with foldable rear seats for cargo)
Either that or the Unimog based smart fourfun will suffice.