Smart Hybrid & Elettric Drive

Some days ago many big music stars like Madonna, Police, Shakira and Smashing Pumpkins performed at the 2007 Live Earth, the international music-environmental kermesse wanted by the America ex – vice president Al Gore, and whoce aim is that of focusing on the problem of environment safeguard and alerting people to how fight against pollution. The problem is there, there are no doubts about it. And it concern everybody, in particular all drivers, which should start thinking seriousely about it, when they decide to buy a new car. The new Smart Fortwo goes into this direction, supporting a simple and clear idea: with Smart you save fuel and you pollute less. Smart unveiled four high-tech derivatives of its Fortwo minicar, at least two of which are headed for production: there are three proposals by Smart: Smart Hybrid Drive (HD), Smart Micro Hybrid Drive (MHD) and Smart Electric Drive (ED). Smart Hybrid Drive (HD) This hybrid concept car allows an important reduction in terms of consumptions and emissions, aorund 12% in comparison with the diesel and fuel version. The Fortwo hybrid diesel concept that combines an 800cc three-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Combined output is 72 hp, with 118 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is a sensational 97 miles per gallon. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes a leisurely 15.8 seconds, with top speed limited to 84 mph. Smart Micro Hybrid Drive (MHD) Another solution is the Fortwo with micro hybrid drive (MHD). Smart says the system will be in production by the end of the year in both coupe and cabrio versions “in all markets.” Developed in cooperation with Valeo and Gates, the system employs a belt-driven starter/generator and switches the engine off when idling at stoplights to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Equipped with an automated manual transmission, the 1.0-liter three-cylinder gas engine delivers 71 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque. The Fortwo MHD returns fuel economy of 66 mpg and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 13.3 seconds. Top speed is 90 mph. Smart Electric Drive (ED) The third proposal is the Smart Electric Drive, equipped with a electromagnetic engine of 41 hp, with a 41-hp electric motor mounted in the rear, powered by an advanced sodium-nickel-chloride battery pack. The car has a range of just over 70 miles on a full charge, and the battery is said to last 10 years.