Mercedes Benz

Remember these patent design sketches, harking back to the Smart CrossBlade model of 2002, we revealed last month? Well, now they have become reality in the form of a new Smart concept model for the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in March: the ForspeED. This very fashionable, open-top 2-seater features an all-electric powertrain. The installed Li-Ion battery has a storage capacity of 16 kWh, which ensures an overall autonomy of up to 135 kilometers. Charging can be made from a 220 volt source and takes 45 minutes to fill around 80% of the battery. On the other hand, the electric motor generates a peak output of 30 kW, which is just enough to send the car from 0 up to 100 km/h in an impressive 5.5 seconds. The top speed communicated by the manufacturer reaches 120 km/h; moreover, the Smart ForspeED show car is equipped with a boost function - when a button on the center console is pressed, the electric unit offers an extra of 5 kW for a limited amount of time. Aesthetically, the little cabriolet sports a very appealing front fascia with its big, round LED headlights and the beautifully-sculpted air intakes and radiator grille. Moreover, the muscular stance of the front end and the side profile, boasting those huge wheels, is continued towards the rear area of the car, where we find a pair of impressive LED tail lamps and a very sporty apron. Inside, the ForspeED is minimalist, but carefully designed - the white-lime green colour scheme looks very chic and sexy. The shell-inspired seats with the belts attached to them together with the curvaceous lines of the dashboard will certain cause a lot of stir. As in the case of the eBike and eScooter, the Smart ForspeED can be interactively-controlled using the iPhone via the multimedia switch mounted in the instrument panel.

Check out more photos after the jump!