Gone are the days when electric vehicles were developed solely for the purpose of finding alternative energy solutions to contribute to the automotive industry’s efforts to lessen the carbon footprint. Case in point, even Smart is gearing up for sportier experiences with its upcoming ForSpeed concept.
Set for its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show later this year, the ForSpeed concept also introduces the design theme for the next generation of ForTwo and soon-to-be revived ForFour models. Although clearly unique, it “is still recognisable as a Smart”, Mercedes’s head of design Steffen Kohl told Auto Express in an interview.
With overall packaging similar to that of the now discontinued ForTwo roadster, the ForSpeed’s exterior details include a high-gloss finish, with the exterior is finished in a high gloss, with integrated solar cells in the windscreen’s base, honeycomb grille, LED headlamps, and plug-in socket hidden under the Smart logo at the rear that feeds the Forspeed’s lithium-ion battery.
That battery, in turn, is the energy source for a 30kW electric motor mounted in the rear. This unit gives the ForSpeed an operating range of 135 km and top speed of 120 km/h. An extra 5 kW can be liberated by a flick of the overboost switch on the car’s quirky facia.
Inside, the Forspeed boasts a leather-trimmed steering wheel gear knob and door pulls, as well a nifty smart phone dock display on the passenger’s side of the cabin. Smart’s CEO, Dr. Annette Winkler has ruled the ForSpeed out as a production model, but has confirmed that certain elements of the concept will make their way into future products…hopefully more exciting all-new ForTwo and ForFour models due in 2014.