You can tell just by looking at the Smart Forstars Concept that Smart is diving out of the box with their recent concept offerings. Just like the For-Us Concept that we saw at Geneva, the Forstars Concept is a take on a future urban sports utility coupe that has a chance to appeal to a wide market.
Combining
a new style that’s far removed from the conservative nature of Smart
with cutting edge technology that we don’t normally see on a Smart, the
Forstars Concept is the kind of concept that we’d love to see Smart
build as a production model in the future.
Power’s not that much, but Smart has never been one to rely on an excess of horsepower, so it’s not that much of a big deal. In any case, the Forstars Concept is headed to the 2012 Paris Motor Show, at which we’ll see and know more about it.
Exterior
In what could arguably be the sharpest-looking Smart
concept we’ve seen in the company’s history, the Forstars Concept takes
the things we love about the Smart profile and adds a few wrinkles to
the overall design, resulting in a concept that could sit well with the
customers.
The front profile is striking, to say the
least. It’s highlighted by new rhombic headlights with outer rings that
illuminate the indicators and daytime running lamps that appear to push
outwards. This comes courtesy of an obscenely large number of LEDs.
Notice also the presence of what Smart describes as "eyebrows" above the
front headlamps that really puts a face to the Forstars Concept.
The
concept’s squatting stance also gives it a coupe-like look that’s
borrowed from the Smart For-Us concept while also adding sportiness and
edge to the concept design. Likewise, the transparent red sun visor
above the windscreen is a welcome addition as is the charging socket for
the high-voltage battery that can be found inside the right-hand tail
light.
Alluding to the For-Us, the Forstars also has
convex and sensuously shaped body surfaces with the large brand emblem
proudly sported on the grille. Unique to the Forstars Concept is the
presence of an actual video projector that has been integrated into the
grille.
The Forstars Concept also has a tailgate that
slides down in a parallel position, with the cargo floor retracting by
280 mm. Lest we forget the concept’s unique "Alubeam Rouge" paint
finish that’s perfectly complemented by a set of 21" three-spoke wheels
wrapped in Michelin sports tires.
Interior
For all the cutting edge highlights of the Forstars’
exterior, its interior is entirely measured, with a prevailing method of
designing it with a combination of style and function. Just like the
exterior, the interior was dressed in "Alubeam Rouge" combined with
Mother-of-Pearl White and brushed aluminum.
The two
seat wheels have been covered with a soft fabric throw, providing a
hammock-like seating feel to it with touches of graphic elements and red
tones that exudes a dynamic look. The seats have also been trimmed with
high-quality white bag leather and added touches of exquisite white
piping. Perforated leather in the door paneling are also part of the
overall interior presentation, providing a sophisticated contrast to the
post-modern look of the cabin.
As for the dash,
Smart took the minimalist approach on the Forstars Concept with the
two-spoke steering wheel, the control and display elements oriented
exclusively to the driver. Where the rear-view mirror typically is,
Smart instead placed a smartphone accommodated in a holder at the top of
the windscreen. What this does is allow the driver, courtesy of the
smartphone and assisted by an integrated video camera, to see the rear
while also serving as a media source and controlling the projector.
Performance
With the engine of the Forstars Concept, Smart enlisted the assistance of German tuner Brabus and the latter’s Fortwo BRABUS electric drive.
What that means is that the Forstars Concept carries a 30-kW
magneto-elecric engine that produces 82 horsepower and 100 lb/ft of
torque, good enough to hit a top speed of 81 mph with a lithium-ion
battery that carries a capacity of 17.6 kWh.
Is There A Production Future For The Forstars Concept?
Smart has made no intentions regarding the production
future of the Forstars Concept, but it’s surely something that we’d love
to see out in showrooms. Hopefully, Smart listens to the expected
production clamoring for this sports utility coupe
concept.
Coupe-like stance is sweet to look at
Interior looks fresh
Video projector on the hood!
Still a concept
Dash looks bare
Will it translate as a production model without the concept features? PHOTOS
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