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Perhaps it's the high cost of fuel or the difficulty to find parking, but the arrival of the Smart car has some New Yorkers very excited. The compact car first made its debut in New York at the MoMA, but should be in showrooms in late January. Mercedes Benz parent company Daimler says that over 30,000 people have paid the $99 to reserve one of the $15,000 cars and The Post says many of the Smart cars are coming to NYC. One city resident even put the deposit down without driving the car, "I haven't even driven one, yet I am putting in a reservation. It's all somewhat irrational, but I had to have it."
At 8.8' long, the car can fit into some of the city's tightest parking spaces, but one popular way of parking the Smart car is actually illegal in New York. Because the car is only 5.1' wide, it is sometimes parked perpendicular to the curb. Parking like that, except in designated areas, is illegal in New York City.
Officially called the smart fortwo, the Smart car has a top-speed of 90 mph and 40/45 miles per gallon for the city/highway (the mpg figures drop to 33/40 with new the EPA's 2008 consumption figures) and is available in both coupe and convertible models. From the look of the smart USA dealership map, there will be a location in NYC come January.
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so cute!
I would stay clear of 18 wheelers especially on the Bronx River Pkway weekday mornings....
Cute is the key... Though these new smart cars will be sold in America in mass in 2008, their older brother has been with us about 20 months. In 2003, an auto converter became frustrated by Mercedes' refusal to bring the smart car to the US since 1998. He went to the Department of Transportation and EPA and asked for permission to change the European models to meet US safety and emissions standards. After three years of work, he was granted that approval and began selling the Euro Design smart cars in April, 2006. Just two months later, Mercedes announced that they had changed their minds and would introduce an Americanized smart car in 2008. They will be distributed through Penske Automotive Group. The 1000 converted models are now almost all on the streets across the country, but their selling prices are significantly higher than the 2008 models. Though the entry level smarts will be offered in 2008 at $12,000 according to their press releases, the currently available higher end converted smarts are at $26,900. The high cost of conversion, as well as the shipping and import costs from Europe forced this higher price.
Still, each of the owners of these cars have shared their common feedback... there is no car, at any price, that will attract the positive attention from passers-by, than the smart car. It is not the miles/gallon. It is certainly not the price with the converted models. It is the unique style and design, so different from any car on the road, that makes this car magical. As magical as the only prior car in history to bring these smiles to this country... the fifties Beetle. The new ones in 2008 will share this attraction with their older, but littler brother. Converted smarts are 8'-3". The new ones are 7" longer. Current ones have Mercedes engines. New ones have Mitsubishi's and are more powerful. The looks, however, will cause the same smiles. Get ready for this phenomenon, America. When you see one in person, you'll understand. There is no way to understand it until then. Smart cars will change America, one smile at a time. Over 30,000 folks have put down $99 to get in line for the new smarts. To add your name to the list, go to their website: www.smartUSA.com. Get ready to smile. Smart cars will change America, one smile at a time. Ron Gaus, aSmartCar.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkjZtfgqC2w
smart car vs hummer H1 furnitures shopping
it's just a fad just like the new, now old volkswagen beetle in 98 and the mini cooper in 2002. people were like "ooh and ahh" and then they had to drive in the snow and rain and were scared shitless on the highways by the trucks and SUVS. this car would only be perfect in manhattan and manhattan only. If you plan to take it anywhere that goes above 40 miles per hour, then god be with you.
Just wait until some one steals one of those "cute" cars by putting it on his back and running away...
This isn't a bad idea for the city, but I have trouble imagining this on a highway. Its like a little golf cart. I saw this in Europe.. maybe it makes more sense there.
I discussed these cars with a bunch of Italians years ago -- they viewed them not as a primary vehicle but more of an expensive accessory. They would use them for driving in the city, not for driving outside or between cities. So, seems like a nice little toy if you can afford it.
Why do I want one of these again? To avoid the subway? As an alternative to a scooter?
Ha! That's exactly why I signed up for one... as an alternative to my scooter for longer weekend trips outside the city. I've driven them in Europe, they're deceptively roomy inside.
Those bashing the safety of the Smart Car haven't done their homework. With a tridion safety cell and front and side airbags, this is safer than many bigger cars currently on the road, including those SUVs that flip when turning at low speeds.
I can't wait for mine!