Those who remember the Suzuki Mighty Boy ute will probably find something nostalgic in smart's latest concept car, the 'for-us' pick-up.
Not unlike the diminutive three-cylinder Suzuki from the 1980s, the for-us is ridiculously small but - definitely unlike the Suzuki - is not taken all that seriously by its makers.
Revealed at the North American International Auto Show, the postage stamp-size two-seat ute drives the rear wheels via a 55kW electric motor (the Mighty Boy's half-litre engine developed 21kW) giving a top speed of around 120km/h. On a regular household power socket, charging time for the 17.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack is quoted at eight hours.
The smart for-us concept is fitted out to carry two smart ebikes in a cargo area accessed by an electrically-opened tailgate and a sliding rear floor. The company says the two bikes can be seen as range-extenders because they dock onto power supplies in the cargo area that keep them charged while the vehicle is being driven.
Proud of the potential of the for-us, smart says it could easily be adapted to four-wheel drive by the addition of two more motors powering the front wheels.
Ute toughness is enhanced by a ride height increase of 50mm, while wheelbase and tracks are greater than regular smarts. Further helping any off-road connotations, overhangs at front and rear are reduced, and the Michelin off-road tyres measure a meaty 235/55R18.
Funky features include as smartphone-actuated rearview mirror and an integrated rearview camera.
Commenting on the smart for-us, CEO, Dr. Annette Winkler, says "We at smart love pick-ups - if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable. With the smart for-us a petrol station is no longer required!"
smart ebikes
The belt-drive smart ebikes featured in the tray of the for-us will be introduced to the market early this year and are described as hybrids as they utilise both pedal and electric power. Four levels of electric power can be selected depending on the muscle power of the rider.
As a gesture to regular bicycle users, the ebikes incorporate a USB interface enabling "various mobile devices" to be connected. The range is quoted at "more than 100 kilometres."
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