German microcar manufacturer ‘Smart’ will be shortly releasing its Forvision concept at the Frankfurt motor show. Smart is the automotive subsidiary of German car manufacturer Daimler. The styling and technology used in the car will also serve as a precursor for the next generation of ‘Fortwo’ city cars. While most technological innovations discussed below are in the development stage, others have a good chance of making it to production.
The green car
Forvision is going to be quite a breakthrough with its pro environment and innovations regarding energy consumption reduction. In collaboration with the chemical company BASF, the car is designed in such a way that it satisfies all its energy requirements through green sources. The roof consists of multiple solar cells that create enough energy to run all the multimedia components of the car. The seat coverings are made from a substance called ‘E textile’, which consists of heat conductive coatings. The car’s temperature is maintained in many ways, the stored solar energy is used to function the heating and cooling systems. The car is also fitted with insulating foams to keep the temperature pleasant throughout the year.
Third generation cars
The sketches released by Smart shows many design experiments that the company is planning for its third generation cars. Normal tires will be replaced by 3 kg lighter counterparts created entirely out of plastic. The sketches also confirm that the next generation Fortwo will continue with exposed tridion safety cell. The trademark features of Smart cars like high pair of seats (adjustable ones) and upright one box profile will be continued.
Recently, there was a tie up between Smart’s parent company Daimler and Franco. As a result of which Fortwo will be the first car to come preinstalled with a Mercedes Benz made rear engine.
