The Smart #2 will have a range of 290 km, charge in 20 minutes, and a level of safety comparable to much larger cars.

Smart continues to reveal new details about its upcoming two-seater city car, the #2. This model, designed to fill the gap left by the Fortwo, will be officially unveiled at next month’s Paris Motor Show in October. However, the brand has already been sharing previews of the new model and detailing some of its technical specifications for several weeks now.

The German manufacturer has confirmed the use of a reinforced cell in the cabin (Tridion Cell Evo) to ensure high safety standards despite the vehicle’s compact exterior size. According to Smart, improvements in chassis stiffness and structural strength provide excellent protection not only when driving in urban areas but also on roads.

The Tridion Cell has been one of the most notable features of Smart biplaza models since its introduction in the late 1990s. Over 78% of the Tridion Cell Eco is made from high-strength steel, supplemented by a three-layer steel configuration and materials with a tensile strength of up to 1,800 MPa. The structure boasts a torsional stiffness of 39,000 Nm/°, enabling it to withstand loads on the roof exceeding four tons.

The Smart #2 will be equipped with a total of seven airbags, as well as a safety belt system that combines pyrotechnic pretensioning technology in the abdominal strap and a locking buckle in the event of a collision, thereby improving the restraint of the pelvis and lower limbs and reducing forward movement during impact.

The Smart #2 will be unveiled on October 12

"With the Smart #2, our R&D team has focused on testing the Tridion Cell Evo cell and the ECA platform under real-world conditions, from urban driving to extensive testing on European roads and highways. This effort ensures that the vehicle’s structure and design — aimed at safety and agility — are specifically tailored to European driving standards and conditions ahead of its market launch," says Dr. Tilo Schweers, vice president of R&D at Smart Europe.

The 35.8 kWh battery using CATL cells will provide a WLTP range of 290 km; additionally, it can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes. The vehicle will have rear-wheel drive and a multi-link suspension at the rear. Smart also mentions that its weight distribution will be 50/50. Its turning radius will be only 6.95 meters.

Preliminary leaks suggest that the Smart #2 will measure 2751 mm in length, 1669 mm in width, and 1555 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 1875 mm. Its curb weight will be 1130 kg. According to information released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, it will be equipped with an 82 HP (60 kW) engine that will enable it to reach a top speed of 140 km/h.

Source | Smart