What's the news?
Smart has redesigned the for-us mini pick-up that it unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show to create the forstars coupé that will be unveiled in Paris. The funky forstars features an advanced electric propulsion system, a smartphone compatible interior and a film projector built into the bonnet.
Exterior
The lineage of the forstars is immediately traceable to the for-us pick-up that debuted in Detroit. Much of the look has been retained, but a convex glass roof now covers what would have been the load area of the for-us. Eyebrows over the headlights give the car an expressive look while the rear lights can be opened to reveal a charging socket for the battery pack hidden beneath one and space for a Coke can beneath the other. Seems a strange place to keep your refreshments...
The convex glass roof over the passenger compartment is what gives the forstars its name; it is so occupants can look up and see the stars, which is nice. The roof joins with a glass panel that covers the 90mm cargo area. Like the for-us the bottom section can be lowered electrically while the rest of the cover opens skywards.
Interior
Slightly larger than smart's current offering - and with a longer wheelbase - the forstars boasts a generous (for a car of its size) load space. All controls and displays are orientated towards the driver who sits in a 'hammock' style seat with interchangeable fabric that can be tailored to your mood.
Smartphone integration is the latest buzzword in the automotive industry and the forstars takes that concept to the extreme. The smart does not feature an integrated rear view mirror as it has been designed to us an iPhone (the new 5 presumably), connected to an integrated video camera in its place. The iPhone can also be used as a regular media source for the audio system and bonnet mounted projector. Yes, smart has designed the forstars to serve as its own drive-in movie theatre; all you need is a blank wall and some popcorn.
Mechanicals
The electric drive of the smart forstars is based on that of the smart fortwo BRABUS electric drive. To go with the sportier looks smart has cranked up the output to 60kW (80hp) and 135Nm of torque. Smart reckons the forstars has a top speed of 130km/h and with a capacity of 17.6kWh the lithium-ion battery should go days between charges. The forstars can be charged from a regular three-pin socket and the interior temperature set remotely via an associated smartphone app; perfect for those cold mornings.
Anything else?
The smart forstars is pure concept frivolity but with MINI humming and hawing over the Rocketman the opportunity to release a customisable, sporty city car is there for the taking. Lose the projector, rein in the styling and fit a conventional engine and smart could have a goer on its hands. Who would have thought that when the four-us was unveiled?