Skip advert
Advertisement

Detroit motor show: Smart for-us

Smart has shown a curious half car/ half trolley that has made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

2012 Detroit motor show A-to-Z listing

This curious half-car/half trolley has made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Built by smart, the 'for-us' concept takes the US obsession for pickups and shrinks it dramatically. Oh, and its electric-powered.

A strict two seater with a rear deck area for two cycles, the for-us concept is longer and wider than a smart for-two. At 3547mm long and 1506mm wide it is approximately the same size as a Fiat 500. The for-us is pretty much the same width as a for-two but nearly 900mm longer. Track is 100mm wider.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A 55 kW magneto-electric motor drives the for-us, making it a zero (vehicle) emission car.   Power comes from a 17.6kWh lithium-ion battery. This powerplant delivers 96lb ft, enough to push the for-us up to a very breezy 75mph.

smart describes the for-us concept as 'tongue-in-cheek' and adds 'that this is the right car for the young and young-at-heart.' We're not so sure. A pure sports car, electric or otherwise, in the small smart footprint remains a compelling idea even today. smart Roadster and Coupe production ceased in 2005 and while the for-us is not without some sparkle its unlikely to be remembered as one of the key concepts shown at NAIAS 2012.

2012 Detroit motor show A-to-Z listing

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

This is why youngsters aren't interested in cars
Lamborghini Revuelto
Opinion

This is why youngsters aren't interested in cars

Youngsters not into cars any more? The remedy’s obvious, reckons Richard Porter
7 Feb 2025
New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era
Jaguar 2026 front
News

New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era

Jaguar’s new electric GT continues testing ahead its late-2025 reveal
7 Feb 2025
Best GT cars 2025 – the ultimate continent crossers
Best GT cars 2025
Best cars

Best GT cars 2025 – the ultimate continent crossers

The best GTs must marry the opulence, comfort, refinement and appointment of a luxury saloon, with the style, performance, engagement and sense of occ…
10 Feb 2025