Smart is about to release its latest invention at the Geneva Motor Show, the topless Forspeed electric vehicle. The Forspeed is meant to be a sexier version of the recently unveiled Fortwo and features an aircraft-like wind deflector instead of a conventional windscreen. The car tops out at 75 miles per hour and revs to 37 MPH in 5.5 seconds, not as speedy as its name suggests but we have to say the design is definitely swifter-looking than its Smart predecessors.
In order to beef up the not-so-quick engine, Smart has included a couple of new gadgets. There is a boost button in the center console that immediately provides the vehicle with an extra 5 kW of power for a short period of time and the 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the car to give an immediate boost to the wheels when you press go.
The fully charged battery will carry you for 83 miles before you have to juice up but it will quickly charge from no-juice to 80% in 45 minutes. The car also features solar panels which send electricity to the on-board electrical system helping the battery last longer on the road. Beware however if you make your home in inclement weather areas because this sporty lil’ vehicle is not a convertible, it’s seriously topless and has no front windows. The car is protected by a stretch cover that you can put on if it starts to rain — but no worries, it is equipped with a weatherproof interior and drains just in case you forget.
+ Read more about the Forspeed Electric
Via Fast Company
Photos courtesy of Daimler
I kinda like the original design better.