thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Welcome to Issue 12 of your international smart magazine ‘4site’. It’s amazing how quickly the months pass by and we are already amidst the major events for 2009. A hugely successful visit in May to smartville in France to see the birthplace of smart followed by a visit to BRABUS, Bottrop and smart Oberhausen has already got the year off to a flying start. You can also find out about the superb smart Centre at smart Oberhausen within this issue of ‘4site’. So what’s coming up?
In this quarter’s issue of ‘4site: Club News How to join thesmartclub Our Membership Card Park & Go
Events Review Shoreditch, London Hambach & BRABUS Brooklands Social Evening
Local Meetings Supplier Features Optigear
August sees one of the world’s largest gathering of smart cars in Zell-am-See Austria – what’s more our 2008 visit to smart times helped Mercedes-Benz Austria win a place in the latest Guinness World Records!
Features
The Austria Event is closely followed by the UK’s own huge smart Festival at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands. At the time this ‘4site’ magazine went to print in July, we already had over 400 people registered to attend!
Mods & Maintenance
James Gazey’s smart Fob watch
Forthcoming events The smart Festival smart times Austria Dye Penetration Testing
Dealership News smart of South Wales smart Centre Oberhausen smart of Truro Tayside Police / MB UK smart USA smart of Sheffield smart of Canada
Submit an Article News from smart
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Advertisers Mixed with these superb events, we are delighted to announce a VERY special offer from Daimler Insurance services UK Ltd – see page 10 for an overview and see the main Advertisement and details of the offer on the inside back cover! It’s certainly turning out to be a huge smart filled year - thank you for your continued support Al Young Chairman & Managing Director thesmartclub ltd
www.thesmartclub.com
Al’s Autos Anton Digital Daimler Insurance Services UK Ltd Kahn Design Smart Birmingham smart Brooklands smart Manchester Smart Car Specialist Smart Car Superstore Smarts-R-Us Smart-Tow.com Wellsmart
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August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Club News How to join thesmartclub Joining thesmartclub could not be easier and we have a number of options available to you.
Online If you have access to the internet, simply log on to our web site at www.thesmartclub.com and click the ‘Join the Club’ menu option. Here you will find two options, one giving web only access, the other giving you web access plus four copies of ‘4site’ and a Privilege Card!!
Offline (postal) We are very aware that many people do not have regular access to internet services and, as such, we offer an ‘offline’ membership service. You receive a copy of ‘4site’ delivered to your door each quarter, Event information and application forms by post and automatic entitlement to our ‘Privilege Card’. Of course, you also benefit from full telephone and fax support. Simply write to us at:
NEW: Members of thesmartclub can save Money on Airport Car Parking by booking with Park and Go You can make savings of up to 60% compared to the drive-up rates, when you pre-book your airport car parking online with Park and Go. You can use the secure online booking facility to prebook your parking at over 70 car parks at all major airports across the UK. When your booking is complete you will receive easy to follow directions via email straight away. thesmartclub members who hold thesmartclub Privilege Card can save a further 10% off the cost off their airport car parking by entering a discount code when making a booking. Contact thesmartclub for full details!
thesmartclub ltd, PO Box 28549 Edinburgh, EH4 5WB, UK
Our Membership Card – smart saving!
Now in its 7th year, our ‘Privilege Card’ continues to go from strength to strength bringing you discounts on servicing and parts from multiple smart centres in addition to significant discounts from third party organisations. Plus you receive discounted pricing in thesmartclub’s Online Shop and better still, benefit from significant discounts on our Major Event prices. Full Membership of thesmartclub includes a Privilege Card as part of the ‘Pack’ and we also have a number of UK smart Dealerships providing Membership Packs with every new and use car purchased – contact thesmartclub for more details!
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
and restarting again when the brake pedal is released.
Events: Review Shoreditch
The new diesel model (cdi) boasting the lowest CO2 emissions of any production car currently on the road.
On 10th June 2009, despite tube strikes and London chaos, thesmartclub Members made the journey to Rochelle School, Shoreditch where a fleet of smart cars awaited their arrival.
The electric drive smart which is currently undergoing a 4-year UK market trial. With its own charger on board you could get home and plug it directly into any UK mains 3 pin plug socket to recharge it! Admittedly you were given a ‘Daimler passenger’ to drive this smart but it was still a unique opportunity. As promised we also got to see the new shape smart ed concept from the Paris Autoshow 2008. Pitt Moos, the Product Manager for the Smart EV, gave us an informative insight into the car itself, from the product development up to the present day.
In the May 2009 edition of ‘4site’ (page 12), it mentioned the offer of “a superb and unique opportunity for members of thesmartclub in conjunction with smart and members of the media” and it did not disappoint. Those that attended felt it was a privilege to be allowed to participate in such an ‘exclusive’ event. How often is it you are given a London route map, comprising a 10 minute 1.5 mile route, and told to go and drive any one of the cars available?! The aim of the event was to unveil the new ‘smart eco driving’, building on smart’s green driving credentials. Their aim for the future being to teach motorists how to drive in the greenest and most economical way, thereby saving money and cutting back on CO2 emissions. It was mentioned that Mercedes-Benz World may even hold green driving courses later this summer. We were all made to feel most welcome, the evening event and hospitality was well organised with drinks and food available and a chance to design your own smart panels. Those attending on behalf of Daimler were very friendly and informative, despite it being a long day for them, and only too happy to provide any information that was asked for on the smart brand. Everyone was given the chance to try out the new Smart fortwo models, namely: The Micro-hybrid drive (mhd) with its automatic stop/start system, switching off the engine when the car is not in motion,
www.thesmartclub.com
With space age sounds coming from the car (supposedly so you could hear it coming!) Pitt Moos also gave us some ideas of what may be developed in the future!
The picture may not do the colour justice but it was in a unique ice cool green with a white and green interior to match and Brabus kit and wheels to add to the look. On behalf of all those who attended a big thank you to Daimler, and in particular Debbie Hull and Sheena Hamilton, for organising and allowing us to attend an event that would normally only be made available to the Press. Photos kindly supplied by Charlie Magee (charliemagee.com) Submitted by Amanda Randall
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Events: Review Hambach & BRABUS 2009 After what seemed like a really long wait, Hambach 2009 was suddenly upon us! We’d cleaned the cars, packed everything we needed into them and headed to Dover on Saturday May 16th to meet up with the other Smart pilgrims heading to Germany and France! When we arrived, we were greeted by the sight of the car park overflowing with Smarts of varying flavours – so much excitement that the trip was finally here! We checked in to the hotel, getting our polo shirts, car stickers and other important information from thesmartclub Events team who spend a huge amount of time organising everything to do with a complex trip such as this and making sure that it all runs like clockwork – no mean feat with so many different elements involved. There were some new faces in the crowd this year which is always really nice to see. I went on my own on my first trip to Hambach in 2007, but even though I didn’t know anyone else who was going, I always think that this is one of the great things about this trip –they’re such a friendly bunch that there’s no need ever to feel left out and you can make firm friends. After an early night following dinner, we all met in the car park again at silly o’clock on the Sunday morning (about 6.30am!) in time to tube down to the ferry for the 8.00am crossing and breakfast on the boat. Our journey to Germany was a relaxed affair – for those who wanted to get there quickly the toll roads in France are quiet and wonderfully pothole-free; for those who wanted to wander down, the Aires on the French autoroutes provided much needed rest, leg stretching and food on the way. The new system of flashing lights in Al Young’s Control Car worked really well and as ever he and Fiona did a sterling job in herding us all down to Victor’s Hotel in Saarbrücken.
www.thesmartclub.com
The staff at Victors were as welcoming as ever and the hotel provided a very comfortable base from which to recover from the journey down and prepare for the first main event of this year’s trip on Monday 18th – the factory at Smartville, Hambach! We left the Communication Centre at Smartville for our tour around the factory, showing us all stages of the 451 fortwo being assembled, from the first place that you see the bare tridion to the final point where it drives off the line. This is a fascinating part of the visit – you walk so close to the production line that you can see everything in great detail! Our tour guide, Sabine, is very knowledgeable about Smart and Smartville and tells you everything that’s happening as you walk around. This year there was something very special in store for us – Ulrich Sihler and Stefan Marschall from Smart GmbH came to give us a presentation, along with a brand new promotional video! This was the first new video in many years and showed a potted history of Smart with many shots of the new fortwo 451. Ulrich was a very enthusiastic presenter and was quite evidently a huge fan of our favourite cars. At 12.15pm on Tuesday cars headed off to the Tulip Inn in Bottrop, either direct, via the Nurburgring Circuit or via the scenic route into the German countryside. Despite random roadworks and diversions, everyone eventually arrived at the Tulip Inn in Bottrop by 7.15pm and could finally breathe a sigh of relief at getting to another very nice hotel. The following day, Wednesday, was our trip to BRABUS. The factory itself was in two parts – Smart BRABUS and the other BRABUS building where many different brands of car were being given the upgrade treatment. Firstly we all congregated in the Smart BRABUS car
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Park where we were to meet the guys from Optigear – a company dedicated to creating special aftermarket additions for Smarts, and who were all big Roadster fans. We went into the main showroom and saw what many of us had never before seen in reality – the V6 Roadster biturbo! The BRABUS guys were kind enough to switch this fantastic machine on for us. Eventually it growled into life and spat out a load of carbon all over their nice clean floor... it made an amazing sound and I’m sure that any one of us would have loved just a little spin around the car park! There were also many BRABUS versions of 450 and 451s as well as a Roadster with a manual gearbox and an all-black Ultimate 112. The tour of BRABUS showed us all of the main workshops and testing areas, and our guides were really accommodating and more than happy to answer any of our questions. We then moved on to the larger BRABUS factory along the road where there was a greater selection of marques getting the BRABUS treatment. We even saw an armoured car there with two-inch thick toughened glass which, we were told, could stop a rocket attack! Particularly notable in the showroom was a McLaren Saloon car in a matt grey paint finish with a gaspinducing price tag of around €300,000! After some little shopping time in the showroom, it was time for the Optigear guys to take us on a roadtrip around the Bottrop area to finish at a local restaurant in the country. This was the first time they had organised a tube for so many cars and as I’m sure many of us know from experience, it is NOT an easy thing to do! The guys did an incredible job with print outs of the route for us all and they dotted themselves through the tube to make sure that we all arrived in good order at the Lakeside Inn, an Americanthemed bar. The weather, the location and the food went down a storm and all of their hard-work and hospitality was greatly appreciated by us all. After we’d rested nicely it was time to head off to Oberhausen Smart Centre (the location of the first ever Smart Tower) for more shopping! They had stayed open especially for us and even kindly provided refreshments...and I’m sure that if the time had not been a bit tight one of us would have been returning home with a gorgeous little aqua orange fortwo that we couldn’t take our eyes off in the car park!
www.thesmartclub.com
After this we headed back to the hotel in Bottrop to freshen up for our final evening and get an early night in before heading back home the next day, Thursday. As we were starting from Bottrop, the route back home would take us through the Netherlands and Belgium. However, this particular Thursday was a Bank Holiday in Germany and it’s rather comforting to know that the Germans have similar Bank Holiday queues on motorways! We hit more roadworks on the way out of Germany, but some of us managed to take a very scenic diversion and pick up the motorway further along. This was going well...until Antwerp, where everything ground to a halt. Again, some took a chance with a diversion through Antwerp, but then got caught up in a bicycle race which had closed the whole city and were moved on by police waving large guns in their direction! We picked everyone up again at a service station outside Antwerp where we stopped for a bite to eat and then started out again, only to hit more traffic in Belgium! Faced with being later and later for the ferry, what to stoic Smart drivers do? You play I-Spy over the radios for an entertaining 40 minutes, of course! We were eventually late for the ferry, as were many, many other drivers that day owing to the traffic problems, but thanks to Al phoning through to SeaFrance, they allowed us to get other crossings without a penalty and we all made very good time back across the Channel. Again, we’ve had a marvellous trip and a very memorable one for all the right reasons! We’ll definitely be hoping to get our names down for Hambach 2010 for a very special year, and can only recommend that you try and get on the trip – you definitely won’t regret it! Submitted by Helen Cooke
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
everyone’s names!) the offer of a 50% discounted air conditioning recharge was made which Brooklands will honour until 31st August 2009 for those who attended.
Events: Review Smart Brooklands Social Evening The first Brooklands quarterly meet took place, in association with thesmartclub ltd, on 2nd July 2009. This was the first meeting of its kind and the staff of smart Brooklands made everyone feel welcome from the minute they arrived.
This was an opportunity for smart owners and enthusiasts to get together as well as an opportunity to get advice from the smart Brooklands’ experts at the same time. People came from far and wide to attend this event and it was great to meet up with old friends and to make new ones.
The Smart Brooklands Sales Team were also on hand to assist anyone who had queries regarding any of the range of smarts available for purchase. I’m sure they also learned new things from smart enthusiasts to add to their extensive knowledge! The Boutique was kept open for the evening to allow smartclub members to purchase a range of items, including smartware, at discounted prices.
The smart Brooklands Technicians were on hand to assist with any queries members had and several cars were put on the Brooklands ramps for investigation under the body as well as in the engines! They were only too pleased to provide information and technical assistance to anyone who needed it.
The Parts/Spares Department searched their shelves and cupboards for smart accessories, parts and panels for the old and new style smarts. Items were often sold at ‘make me an offer’ prices and at silly money from a bran tub style box! There were accessories available that weren’t always so readily available and even a Roadster door appeared for sale, and promptly sold and disappeared!
A heavily discounted air conditioning recharge was offered to those attending the event but unfortunately the service team staff were disappointed as they did not get as many cars through as they had hoped. However for those present (and they have
Congratulations to Helen Cooke who won the Brooklands Prize Draw which included a basket of smart products, smart models and clothing.
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Smart Car Insurance thesmartclub is delighted to announce a new arrangement with Daimler Insurance Services UK Ltd.
As their first smart meet Brooklands handled everything very professionally including laying on food and drinks for us all and the staff were still smiling at the end of the evening after what was a very long day for them all. Watch this space of any future meetings at Smart Brooklands. If you have never been it is well worth the visit, there are not many Smart Meetings that can boast such an amazing venue. Submitted by Amanda Randall
www.thesmartclub.com
See the INSIDE REAR COVER of this issue of ‘4site’ or check thesmartclub’s web site for full details. With 24/7 UK Accident Recovery and guaranteed repairs at an Approved smart Retailer, there’s never been a better time to get a quote and take out a Policy. PLUS, you’ll get 10% of your premiums and FREE FULL Membership of thesmartclub for one year! Full Terms &Conditions are available from Daimler Insurance Services Ltd. with additional information on the inside rear cover of this Magazine.
Call 0845 600 3429 and quote ‘SCLUB’
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Regular Local Meetings If you regularly meet with a group of local smart owners and enthusiasts (wherever that is in the world) and you would like your meeting included in our future listings, please email events.team@thesmartclub.com or telephone us on +44-845-299-0332 with details for inclusion in the next issue of our ‘4site’ magazine.
Milton Keynes smart meet Every 2nd Monday, 7.30 p.m. onwards Check Meetings Section of thesmartclub MessageBoard Navigation Pub, Stoke Bruerne DAFT Mansfield meet 1st Wednesday of every month at 7.00ish p.m. The Snipe Pub, Alfreton Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 1JE
Local Meetings Shepperton meet 1st Wednesday of every month 1930hrs to 2200hrs: The Thames Court, Towpath, Shepperton, TW17 9LJ.
East smart Cambridge meet 2nd Monday of every month Grantchester St. Albans Meet 4th Thursday of every month from 7:30pm The Three Horseshoes, 612 Hatfield Road Smallford, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0HP
East Kent smarties 2nd Wednesday of every month, from 8.00 p.m. Dukes Head Pub, Sellindge, nr Ashford, Kent
Essex smarties meet 2nd Tuesday of every month, 7.30 to 8.00 p.m. The Essex Cricketers, Notley Green, Great Notley, Braintree, Essex, CM7 7WW
NWsmarties meet 3rd Thursday of every month from 6.30pm The Riverside, Warrington Road, Acton Bridge, Northwich, Cheshire Please note that as many of the above meetings are outside of the direct control of thesmartclub, details and dates may change.
Contact thesmartclub We have a wide range of contact options available to you enabling you to have questions answered: Email Enquiries General: admin@thesmartclub.com Membership: membership@thesmartclub.com Privilege Card: privilege@thesmartclub.com Events: events.team@thesmartclub.com Technical (car related): technical@thesmartclub.com Technical (web related): webmaster@thesmartclub.com Advertising: advertising@thesmartclub.com Club Merchandise: distribution@thesmartclub.com Phone +44 (0) 845 299 0332
Fax +44 (0) 131 312 6167
Post thesmartclub ltd PO Box 28549 Edinburgh EH4 5WB UK
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Optilug
Supplier Feature
We recently featured (Issue 11) a push button application to open the Roadster bonnet where the button was located on the car itself.
As many of our Readers across Europe will be aware, Optigear (Germany) launched their first product (innovative replacement paddles) at the 2008 smart times Event. Since then, the Optigear Company has gone from strength to strength and continues to bring technically advanced products to the market for owners of the smart Roadster. The latest are products are ‘Optitop’ and ‘Optilug’.
The Optilug system goes one step further and allows you remote opening of your Roadster bonnet by pressing the buttons on your existing key fob. It takes only 3 seconds to pop the bonnet and as Roadster owners will know, when one is carrying goods back to the car, to lay them down top open the car door, open the glove box and then pop the bonnet is not exactly convenient. The Optilug system neatly addresses this problem. Again, the component parts arrive well packaged and the build quality of the parts is outstanding.
Optitop The ‘Optitop’ system is available for all smart Roadster and Roadster Coupe models and the system enables the automatic closing of all windows and the closing of the roof by simply pressing the buttons on your smart keyfob. Press the buttons again and the roof and windows open. The concept is simplicity itself. The component parts arrive in a well packaged and protected box containing simple to follow instructions, the main control unit and the relevant connecting cables and connectors. Pressing the buttons on the key fog operates an actuator that pops the bonnet and all without the need to open doors or gloveboxes. A slightly more complex installation than the Optitop but again, straight forward enough for those with some degree of automotive DIY skills. Once the actuator unit is mounted and engaged with the existing bonnet release catch, the remaining wiring is very simple. The beauty of both Optitop and Optilug systems are that they use your existing key fob buttons and associated security. The prototype unit received by thesmartclub was well constructed although the control unit main connector appeared to have a somewhat ‘rushed’ hole cut for the connector although we are certain that this is (a) because of the prototype nature of the product and the desire to meet the August Issue of ‘4site’ publication! It’s a reasonably simple DIY installation for anyone with experience of adding electrical accessories to their car.
www.thesmartclub.com
Optigear will be at smart times 2009 in Zell am See (21 – 23 August) and they will also be at The smart Festival UK (12 September). You can find out more about the full range of Optigear products at www.optigear.de and we will be reviewing these products (and others from the Optigear range) in our ‘Product Review’ section is future issue of ‘4site’.
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Features James Gazey’s Smart Pulse Hill Climb car James Gazey’s Smart Pulse is now in its third stage of development as a serious competition hill climb car. Over the past couple of seasons James has been persevering with his car that he converted to run a Brabus Roadster engine that was remapped to produce 108bhp. The original six-speed sequential shift manual transmission was retained, while the brakes and suspension were all upgraded. James calls his Smart ‘Froglet’ as it’s small, French, and jumps about a lot! He felt that the car had been developed to its full potential with this drivetrain set-up, so for the 2009 season it was back to the workshop and all change! His car now runs with a 2.0 litre Toyota MR2 engine, essentially the same as used in the Celica and is coupled to an MR2 gearbox. Retaining the fuel injection and Toyota management system, further tweaking is possible if required, but right now the power output is up to 220bhp, more than enough for the Smart to lift the front wheels off the ground by several inches when he launches at the start of a hill climb!
“Changing the engine has transformed the Smart into a completely different car,” explains James. “If I try to launch at the start line a tad too enthusiastically, then the front wheels will lift off the ground. Even on second gear change the wheels can hop, which is not always ideal or a good scheme, especially if you are trying to go around a corner at the same time! Everybody was installing bike engines in cars, but I wanted an engine for hill climbing, and bike engines haven’t got any torque, but loads of top end power. I also didn’t fancy sitting close to chains flailing around my ears! If you go and look at the Toyota MR2, the engine sits at the right angle as it does in the Smart. The gear change cables come out at the right end of the gearbox. So instead of trying to convert an engine that would normally sit at the front of a car, the MR2 engine makes a lot of sense. The engine installation retains the original front mounted radiator and utilises a manually operated fan.” The Smart front suspension set-up is pretty standard, apart from lowered stiffened springs and the angle of the anti-dive of the bottom arm has been altered, so the car doesn’t dip its nose violently. A Smart Roadster anti-roll bar has also been fitted. The original rear coil springs have been dispensed with and in their place are coilovers that are positioned further back, in order for more accurate control, and the fact that the original positioning interfered with the mounting of the gearbox.
The car is pulling almost 1.0G off the start line and top speed is around 130-140mph. Installing the engine in the Smart wasn’t exactly a breeze, with much thought going into the build. However, according to James, the actual ‘cutting’ and ‘shutting’ in reality wasn’t too difficult. The Smart is now fitted with a clutch pedal and modified cable and other associated Toyota electrical wiring.. The last engine installation with the Brabus Roadster unit ran sans any air cleaner, but James felt it necessary to fit a small filter to deal with any dirt thrown up by the rear wheels.
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
The standard rear anti-roll bar has been retained. However, the next development on the car is to play around with the roll bars which James thinks should be 50% stiffer. Retardation has been adequately catered for by fitting uprated drilled and vented discs at the front, but the original drums at the rear remain. The Smart sits on 16-inch Roadster Strikeline alloy wheels, 7.5-inches at the front and 8.0-inches at the rear, which are shod with Avon slick tyres. “With 220bhp on tap, when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal, that’s doing a lot of braking for you,” says James. “It was not necessary to fit disc brakes to the rear, then the car would be over braked. So far I’ve only had the car out four times in competition on hill climbs. It’s a pretty steep learning curve, the total amount of time behind the wheel is less than seven minutes. The car isn’t road legal, so the only opportunity to drive it, is on the practice and timed runs at a hill climb event. After I return from a run, I sit back and analyse what happened and what I need to do to make the car better for the next run. Things can get very frantic out there once the green light goes on!” James certainly has built himself quite a radically modified car with an amazing engine installation.
Fob Watch We all, as fun loving enthusiasts, love a gadget. So whilst I sat thinking, what will I do next to my roadster and fiddling with my car keys, a thought popped in there, as all good ideas do! I thought the term Smart stands for, as we all know, Swatch, Mercedes plus the term Art all put together to form the word Smart, which we all know and love. Having returned from the Hambach and Brabus trip in May we had a great time meeting with Optigear Team who modified my key fob, such that the fob was removed from the key. Therefore - we have the Car, but where is the watch? That is when I thought of the fob watch. I looked at my keying fob and ran to my workshop and began. With a little tweak here and there I came up with the gadget to end all gadgets : the fob watch!
From such an imaginative mind, steely determination to succeed and have great fun in the process, I’m sure we’ve not heard the last from this Midland’s based Smart enthusiast, more power to your elbow, or should that be engine? Way to go James! Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, Worcs, 30/31 May 2009: Run 1 – 40.04 secs , Run 2 - 40.43 secs Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Gotherington, Glos: Run 1 – 59.13 secs, Run 2 – 57.90 secs The Smart runs in Class F/G Sports Libre Cars up to 2.0 litre
Submitted by Paul Bussey
www.thesmartclub.com
We all use or mobile phones for our time keeping these days, so why not wear your car key where its as safe as a expensive time piece! As I said before I love a good Gadget! Live And Lets Smart. Submitted by Adam Pickett
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
LOCATION DETAILS:
Forthcoming Events
Mercedes-Benz World is just a few minutes from Junction 10 of the M25. Follow the A3 towards London taking the first exit and turn left at the roundabout onto the A245 (signposted to Weybridge). Continue along the A245 for approximately 1.5 miles. At the second roundabout turn right onto Sopwith Drive. Continue straight over two roundabouts, you have arrived at Mercedes-Benz World.
The smart Festival 12th September 2009
Alternatively it is less that 1 mile from Weybridge station, on the London Waterloo and Woking Line.
The UK’s LARGEST smart car gathering! Following the outstanding success of the 'Destination Brooklands 2008' event thesmartclub, in association with Mercedes-Benz and smart, is delighted to advise that we will hold 'The smart Festival' on 12th September 2009. This year, the event will be even bigger, better and even more international. The change of name from 'Destination Brooklands' to 'The smart Festival' reflects the popularity, the theme, the fun and the hugely vast 'smart' related attractions of this, one of Europe's largest gathering of smart car owners and enthusiasts. As always, we have taken into consideration, and value greatly, the feedback hundreds of Members and visitors provided following last year's event and this year, we aim to improve your enjoyment of this Event even more.
COMPETITIONS We have listened to your feedback from the 2008 Event and there will again be THREE Competition Categories in this year's Event:
There will be a large increase in the number of 3rd party Traders (from across Europe) attending offering a wide range of services and products in addition to the attractions, features and competitions that make this such a key Event in the smart calendar. You can REGISTER for the Event and read the latest NEWS, TRADER details and FAQs at our dedicated web site:
www.thesmartfestival.com It’s sure to be THE UK event to attend. Gates open at 12:00hrs and The smart Festival closes 16:00hrs.
www.thesmartclub.com
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Most Modified: will cover internal and/or external modifications to any model of smart car. This includes performance, ICE, body styling etc.
Best Kept: is 'exactly what it says on the tin', namely superb condition internally and externally with superb attention to detail. Note that this is not strictly Concours as that would mean strict legislation on a wide range of requirements.
Best Dressed: always popular and reflects the artistic, flamboyant and sometimes eccentric dressing of panels and interiors especially for an Event of this nature.
‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
If you wish your car to be considered for one of the Competition Categories, please select the relevant option on the REGISTRATION Form. Competition Applicants will be subsequently contacted by a 3rd Party Organisation to request additional details and descriptions of their vehicle. Judging for the competition will be by voting form where everyone attending the event will be eligible to vote for their favourite smart in all three categories. So - the people decide the winners and this year, we are ensuring that the timing, format and announcements continue to improve on 2008. In addition to a wide range of activities available on the day, you also have the benefit of being located within Mercedes-Benz World itself and the superb collection of cars and merchandise available in the Mercedes Boutique. Plus, you will receive your ‘goody bag’ upon arrival at the venue – not only does the bag contain event and smart related info, you’ll also have your refreshment voucher inside! We have multiple START VENUES across the UK and Europe where you can meet prior to a group drive (yes, a smart tube) from Dealerships to the Event at Mercedes-Benz World. Start venue details are provided on The smart festival web site. Need MORE reason to attend? OK – how about this …. It’s 100% FREE of CHARGE! To REGISTER for the Event and ensure that you receive your Sticker Packs (due to be sent out mid August onwards) and all associated Event details please click the secure link at the foot of the main page at www.thesmartfestival.com Alternatively, for Members with no Internet access, you can phone thesmartclub directly on +44 845 299 0332. : You can also keep up to date re latest Event update status and more about thesmartclub on twitter (twitter.com/thesmartclub) If you have ANY questions, please email questions@thesmartfestival.com or phone thesmartclub on +44 845 299 0332
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smart times 2009 Nun ist es offiziell: Der smart times Corso 08 ist ein sensationeller „Guinness World Record“! Mit unschlagbaren 743 smart ist der letztjährige Corso die längste Parade einer einzelnen Automarke, die je auf der Welt aufgestellt wurde. Ein herzliches Dankeschön an die smart Community, die mit ihrem Engagement diesen Erfolg ermöglichte! Dabei nicht vergessen: der smart times Corso 09 startet wieder am 22. August in Zell am See! Der britische Pop-Newcomer Steve Appleton lieferte mit seinem Song „Inner City Lover“ die Musik zur aktuellen smart Kampagne. Zeitgleich mit dem Launch seines neuen Albums holen wir ihn zu den smart times 09! Bei der smart Party in der Burg Kaprun wird Steve mit seinem Live Gig das alte Gemäuer so richtig zum beben bringen! Mehr zur sensationellen Burg-Party verraten wir beim nächsten Newsletter. Aber Achtung: Falls nicht schon passiert, ist es unbedingt notwendig, sich über die Homepage für den Newsletter erneut anzumelden. Nur so könnt ihr weiterhin alle Infos zu smart times 09 bekommen! (Auch für bereits registrierte Newsletter-Abonnenten erforderlich). Wo kann ich die neuesten smart Modelle testen? Wann habe ich die Möglichkeit, eine rasante Runde in einem getunten smart von Brabus zu drehen? Wo kann ich mich für den tollsten smart Wettbewerb des Jahres registrieren? Und wann geht die smart Party in der Burg Kaprun eigentlich los? Diese und alle weiteren wichtigen Details und Highlights zu smart times 09 findest du ab sofort auf www.smarttimes.at. Auch die Event-Anmeldung zu smart times 09 ist heuer ganz unkompliziert online möglich. Damit seid ihr nicht nur beim größten smart Event des Jahres kostenlos dabei, sondern ihr sichert euch auch schon jetzt das begehrte smart times Welcome Bag mit tollen Überraschungen! Apropos Überraschungen: In Zell am See wird eine Weltneuheit für die smart Community gestartet… Mehr verraten wir noch nicht. Einfach euch hier anmelden!
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
smart times 2009 Now it's official: the smart times '08 Procession a sensational Guinness World Record! With an unbeatable 743 smarts, last year's procession was the longest parade with one single car brand in the world. A big thank you to the smart community, whose commitment made this possible! And don't forget: the smart times '09 Procession is being held on 22 August in Zell am See!
Our readers will recall our Review of the smart times 08 Event (‘4site’ Issue 9) and the part thesmartclub played in helping Mercedes-Benz Austria achieve a new world record during the 2008 Event in Zell am See. It’s a tremendous achievement by all concerned to succeed in gaining an official World Record and our thanks go to all the Members of thesmartclub were part of this award.
British pop newcomer Steve Appleton provides the music to the current smart campaign with his song: "Inner City Lover". And at the same time as the launch of his new album, we're bringing him to smart times '09. Steve will cause the walls to rumble during his live gig at the smart Party in Burg Kaprun! We'll share more information about the sensational Burg Party with you in the next newsletter. But please note: if you haven't already done so, it's essential that you visit the website and re-register for the newsletter. That's the only way that we'll be able to keep you up to-date with the latest information on smart times '09! (Also necessary for currently registered newsletter subscribers.) Where can I test the latest smart models? When will I have the opportunity to do a flying lap in a smart tuned by Brabus? Where can I sign up for the greatest smart competition of the year? And when is the smart party at Burg Kaprun taking place? These and all the other important details and highlights concerning smart times '09 are now available at www.smarttimes.at. This year, registration for smart times '09 can also be carried out easily online. With that, you will not only be part of the greatest smart event of the year free of charge, but you will also secure the coveted smart times Goody Bag, which comes with some fantastic surprises! Speaking of surprises: a world first will begin for the smart Community at Zell am See ... we won't say any more than that for the time being.
For those of you who joined thesmartclub on that record breaking day, you will also remember that the sun vanished and the heavens opened with torrential rain – the poor weather that day makes this World Record achievement even more appealing!
thesmartclub will again be represented at the smart times 09 Event and we will be carrying a full review in Issue 13 of ‘4site’
www.thesmartclub.com
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www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 12
August 2009
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Mods & Maintenance! Task: Dye Penetrant Testing Supplied by: www.evilution.co.uk What is Dye Penetrant Testing (DPT)? It is 1 of 4 non-destructive testing (NDT) processes used by engineers and welders to visually inspect items for cracks and imperforations. This process relies on osmosis to draw the coloured dye into cracks, the excess dye is wiped clear and a developing spray is applied. This draws any of the dye back out of the crack and clearly displays it on the surface. I have just gained an NDT qualification and very quickly saw the opportunity for crack testing on the smart turbo manifold. DPT is the cheapest NDT process. Health & Safety & COSHH When using the 3 sprays from the DPT kit it is essential you wear goggles, work in a well ventilated area and ideally you should wear gloves. NEVER spray any of the 3 sprays onto a hot turbo or exhaust. Performing the dye penetrant test. You do not necessarily have to remove the turbo from the car but it would help to remove a few things from around it to make access easier. These are the 3 sprays you get with the dye penetrant testing kit: Cleaner, penetrant dye and contrast developer. These can be bought from most welding suppliers including online shops and Ebay.
Liberally spray the test area with the cleaner and use a lint free cloth to clean the area as best as you can. Spray the entire area again and allow the cleaner to evaporate. This clears out any cracks for the dye process. Shake the can of dye for a minute and spray the test area. Leave the dye there for 15 minutes to allow it to soak into any cracks.
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It is now time to remove the excess dye. Spray the cleaner onto a lint free cloth and wipe the excess dye off. There are 3 important things you must do: 1) Only wipe the dye off with the rag that has cleaner on it as a dry rag can pull the dye out of the cracks. 2) Always wipe in 1 direction to remove the dye, it doesn't matter which way but going in different directions can clear the dye out of the cracks and introduce dirt into any fault. 3) NEVER spray the cleaner directly onto the test area for this stage in the process, it will push all of the dye out of any cracks. With the excess dye removed, leave it for 5 minutes for any excess cleaner to clear.
Shake the can of developer for a minute, hold it approximately 10 inches away from the test piece and apply a light coat with several continuous passes. Exactly the same way as using a standard spray paint can. Leave for approximately 5 minutes for any trapped dye to be drawn to the surface. On castings such as the turbo, you will get speckling over the entire piece. However, what we are looking for is a distinct line as circled in the following picture. This denotes the presence of a sub surface crack.
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this easily removes the developer so all you need to do is wipe it over.
Mods & Maintenance! Over time, more dye will be drawn out depending on the depth of the crack. If the initial line becomes blotchy and wide, it is an indication that the crack runs quite deep.
This process can be used on anything that could crack, turbo manifold, suspension springs, con rods, cylinder head, valve stems, crank shaft, pistons etc. Once you have completed your test you should remove the developer, as the heat from an operational turbo will create a lot of smoke until the developer has burnt off. Take the can of cleaner and spray the test area at close range,
It is a handy process to know and could save you a lot of time and money in the future if you are rebuilding an engine or testing for fatigue on worn parts. For a range of information and online technical help and DIY advice and visit www.evilution.co.uk.
www.thesmartclub.com
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Dealership News
smart Centre Oberhausen
smart of South Wales
Following on from thesmartclub’s hugely successful visit to the Hambach ‘smartville’ facility in May and the subsequent visit to smart BRABUS in Bottrop, we were delighted to be invited to smart Centre Oberhausen.
Drive smart and win a world-beating car for a year smart South Wales is offering one lucky car buyer the chance to turn a simple test drive into a year-long motoring adventure. Anyone who takes a smart fortwo cdi test drive at the group’s Cardiff or Swansea retail outlets between 11th May and 30th September will be invited to take part in the unique Economy Drive competition. Those who take up the exclusive opportunity will follow a pre-determined route and whoever achieves the highest average mpg will win a smart fortwo cdi for a year.
Peter Schmitz and his team made everyone from thesmartclub welcome with a range of parts and accessories available for purchase plus a great range of refreshments and snacks proudly laid on for our arrival. And the retailers are expecting to see some pretty amazing results when customers ‘take it easy’ on the economy run. As well as being the lowest-emitting production diesel in the world with a CO2 output of only 88g/km, the advanced model is also the world’s most economical production car with combustion drive too, capable of returning 85.6mpg on the combined fuel economy cycle. Kimberley Evans, smart of Swansea’s Sales Executive is certainly looking forward to customers stepping up to the cdi challenge. “The competition’s really going to prove how frugal and cheap to run the three-cylinder cdi is,” said Kimberley. To book a smart cdi test drive please contact smart of Cardiff on 0845 125 8929 or smart of Swansea on 0845 125 8933.
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Amidst the range of cars on display we were surprised to find an immaculate 1999 City Coupe in Aqua Orange with custom floor mats – rare to find a car of that age in such good condition and coupled with pristine Aqua Orange panels, a must for any collector. We are also pleased to confirm that arrangements are being put in place to ensure that Members of thesmartclub can benefit from preferential pricing from this Dealership – full details will be in the next issue of ‘4site’. Meantime you can find Peter and his team at Centroallee 264, 46047,Oberhausen, Tel.: +49(0)208.824.900
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www.thesmartclub.com
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smart rocks in police role at T in the Park
Dealership News
A smart car proved to be a real smash hit for Tayside Police at this year’s T in the Park.
smart of Truro An innovative Cornish taxi firm is hailing the arrival of the new smart fortwo cdi after launching an environmentally-friendly, single passenger service that is thought to be a UK first. Portreath Cabs has just added the new smart diesel – purchased from Mercedes-Benz and smart of Truro - to its fleet to run alongside another of the iconic two-seaters as a private hire vehicle. The firm’s owner Conrad Hibell launched the company three months ago. “It struck me that it didn’t make commercial sense to send a seven-seater out to collect or pick up single fares,” said Conrad. “smarts are considered to be among the greenest cars on the road so running a dedicated, one-seater service with them is not only eco-friendly but enables us to offer cheaper tariffs to customers because of their size.”
Mercedes-Benz UK supplied a smart fortwo demonstrator in full police livery for officers to use at Balado, the force’s biggest policed event. Four hundred police officers and staff were on duty for the music festival, which attracted 85,000 people on each of the three days to watch world-class acts including from Kings of Leon, Blur, Pet Shop Boys and The Killers. The 71bhp fortwo passion coupé was used to transport logistics officers between various sites. As a CarbonNeutral festival, T in the Park employs various initiatives to minimise the impact on its surroundings such as low-energy light bulbs, a carefully-considered fuel system and a highly successful cup recycling scheme.
With an engine capacity of less than 1,500cc and featuring two doors instead of four, the smart did not conform to the usual private hire vehicle criteria required by Cornwall County Council. Conrad was invited to present his case and the car itself at a meeting of the Council’s Miscellaneous Licensing Committee. “One or two of the members took the opportunity to sit in the car and after considering the facts, including the vehicle’s ecological credentials, the committee was happy to pass the licence application.” Portreath Cabs’ smart cars are now serving customers living in towns and villages along the north Cornwall coast.
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“The fuel consumption and carbon footprint of vehicles is now high on the agenda of every police force in the country,” said Graham Strachan, Tayside Police’s Fleet Manager. “smart’s reputation for economy and low emissions is well-known so it was useful for us to have an opportunity to evaluate the car at T in the Park. The smart has gained an almost iconic status and the vehicles are highly visible,” he added. “With its police livery, the car became even more of a focal point and an excellent means of maintaining our presence throughout the festival.” Following its appearance at T in the Park, several other Scottish police forces are now going to trial the smart car. It will be loaned to the Lothian & Borders, Strathclyde, Fife and Central Scotland constabularies before returning to Tayside Police, who want to test the car in urban surroundings.
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Dealership News Smart USA On sale in the United States for just a year and a half, the smart fortwo is getting noticed! The entertainment industry has taken an interest in this unique vehicle with TV spots and movie debuts. Earlier this year the smart fortwo was in The Pink Panther 2, starring Steve Martin.
The smart fortwo was featured on national television, including ER, The Ellen Degeneres Show and the popular game show, Deal or No Deal. smart USA works with a product placement company, located in Los Angeles, California, that helps to secure the smart fortwo in starring roles on the big screen. In addition to the entertainment world, the smart fortwo is used by both major corporations and local companies to help advertise their businesses and promote products. Vehicles nationwide have been wrapped with company logos, slogans and products. smart USA has participated in several promotions to help companies raise product awareness. smart USA has partnered with such companies as Little Debbie Snack Foods, Red Baron Frozen Pizza, Purex (eco-friendly laundry detergent), Pepsi Co. and retail outlets such as Bed, Bath & Beyond and Staples and numerous others.
The car was truly one of the movie’s stars as it was Inspector Jacques Clouseau’s personal vehicle. The vehicle’s urban mobility was put to the test as Inspector Clouseau avoided many accidents because of the smart fortwo’s unique size. smart USA participated in a worldwide Pink Panther 2 sweepstake where one lucky winner in the USA won a smart fortwo by visiting smartusa.com and “finding the pink diamond.”
smart USA is launching a special financing program in line with a new government program, called Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) that has been launched in the United States. The program is very similar to a program in Germany that worked to put people in more environmentally friendly vehicles, such as the smart fortwo. The smart fortwo qualifies for the highest voucher level when an eligible trade in vehicle is brought into a smart USA dealership. The smart fortwo vehicle surely has a grand presence in the U.S. Over 33,000 vehicles have been sold to date and smart USA’s dealer body has been expanded to 78 smart centers in 36 states. Newly added markets include New Orleans, Louisiana, Nashville, Tennessee and Oxnard, California. Aside from The Pink Panther 2, the smart fortwo was featured in Angels and Demons, the second movie following The DaVinci Code, which also starred the car in an infamous getaway scene.
www.thesmartclub.com
For more information about smart USA please visit, www.smartusa.com.
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look for us as they travel around the city.”
Dealership News
Tony Dent, Corporate Sales Manager for Mercedes-Benz and smart of Sheffield, was delighted to have secured such a high-profile order for the new smart diesel.
smart of Sheffield Chamber makes smart move for greener and cheaper motoring A fleet of eight diesel smart cars is destined to prove ‘the business’ for Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, which has just taken delivery of one of the UK’s first corporate orders for the new fortwo cdi model. The cars will be used by the Sheffield Chamber’s Business Development Executives to visit the 2,700 member companies in the city and across South Yorkshire who call upon its advice, support and representation.
“It is fantastic for us to be associated with such a well-known organisation within the city’s business community and we hope that other local firms will follow their lead by considering the smart. “As an all-round company vehicle package, the smart fortwo cdi really does represent an excellent business decision – not only in terms of its low emissions and fuel consumption but because the car is 100 per cent tax deductible in the first year of ownership.”
smart of Sheffield supplied the coupé models after winning a competitive tender, which attracted bids from 20 local motor retailers – all Chamber members. The vehicles will be run on two-year leases and will replace the previous fleet of Toyota Yaris. Smart Electric Drive Opportunities The smart fortwo cdi’s unrivalled economical and environmental performance was a key factor in the Chamber’s purchasing decision. As the world’s most efficient production car, the model returns a staggering 85.6 miles per gallon (combined) and emits just 88g/km of CO2 meaning that no road fund licence is required. Stephen Mitchell, Sheffield Chamber corporate partnerships director said: “We are delighted that the cars are being provided locally and by a company which has strong ties to the Chamber.
“It was a priority that the cars we chose displayed outstanding environmental credentials but were cheap to run too. However we also require them to be highly visible and, once liveried, the smarts will certainly provide a good
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Since 2007, we’ve been trialling 100 first generation smart electric drives with selected blue chip companies who are happy to meet our requirements to power the cars using only renewable energy sources. When we say zero emissions, we really mean it! Among the partners enrolled in the trial are e-on, Islington and Coventry Councils, Environment Agency, CarbonNeutral Company, EDF Energy, Amey and the Metropolitan Police Service. All this is in preparation for volume series production from 2012. We have opened applications for the 2010 trial and if interested, you can apply for these by completing our online form at www.thesmart.co.uk/ed. smart is inviting applications for up to 100 users to participate in ‘electric drive' research trials across the London South East and West Midlands regions, beginning 2010. The research will be conducted using second generation smart electric drive vehicles with new lithium-ion battery technology for a minimum of 12 months and leases will be subsidised by public funds. So there you have it: a zero emission vehicle that is 100% smart; a car that will save money and the environment.
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the added benefit of driving the only vehicle in the sub-compact class to include free maintenance for the first three years.
Dealership News Smart Canada smart Canada today announced that moving forward, free scheduled maintenance will now be included on every new smart fortwo model. This latest offer adds an additional advantage to the already long list of benefits that smart owners enjoy, and it covers scheduled maintenance on new smart fortwos for three years or 54,000 km, whichever comes first. As the two-time ecoENERGY for Vehicles award winner for being the most fuel-efficient car in the two-seater class, the smart fortwo already offers more than 15,000 Canadian owners class leading fuel efficiency. The recently announced Canadian Black Book award for “Best Retained Value” confirms the smart's strong resale value, and the addition of free scheduled maintenance means that smart fortwo owners will now have
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"The addition of no cost maintenance further strengthens the smart fortwo's already strong and compelling value proposition," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of MercedesBenz Canada. "The smart's compact dimensions provide a high degree of agility and manoeuvrability, and the vehicle’s advanced safety features, standard electronic stability program (esp®) and tridion safety cell reinforced with high-strength steel components ensure the highest level of safety for both the driver and passenger. With free scheduled maintenance added to the extensive list of standard comfort and convenience features, long service intervals, and available $2,000 smart mobility rebate, there has never been a better or more exciting time to visit your local smart centre to test drive the award winning smart fortwo."
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Submit an Article to ‘4site’ - We want to hear from you! With a truly international audience, ‘4site’ provides you with an ideal additional channel to tell smart owners and enthusiasts about your ‘smart’ filled holiday, vacation, modifications, tours, competitions and ‘smart’ lifestyle. We make it easy for you to submit articles to us, 24 hours/day, 7 days per week.
You can submit articles directly to us via a dedicated page on our web site.
You can email articles, images and graphics to us any time, any day.
Visit www.thesmartclub.com and select the ‘Forums & Info’ menu option, then ‘4site’ and ‘Submit an Article’.
Your text can be created in an email, pasted into an email or sent to us in any file format. Emails should sent to:
You can type your text directly into the page we provide or paste text you have created elsewhere.
We understand that not everyone has access to the internet or email services. You can send us typed or handwritten letters along with any pictures* and we’ll transcribe your text.
4site@thesmartclub.com Letters should be sent to: ‘4site’ magazine thesmartclub ltd PO Box 28549 Edinburgh EH4 5WB UK
Click ‘SUBMIT’ and you’re done!
We’ll acknowledge all submissions received and advise you when/if your article is being included. * Note that any pictures posted to us cannot be returned. ‘4site’ is an international magazine for smart car owners and enthusiasts – your magazine and your opportunity to share your smart life with others! " ‘4site’ magazine ‘4site’ is an independent quarterly magazine produced, published and distributed by thesmartclub ltd. The magazine is not for resale or commercial redistribution. All content © thesmartclub 2009 and global Daimler media © 2009 Daimler AG. All rights reserved. The submit button © Kiankhoon, email image © Tomislav Stajduhar, girl writing © Showface | Dreamstime.com. Front and rear magazine cover design and composition by Oliver Whittaker. thesmartclub is a brand of thesmartclub ltd, Company number SC259434, registered in Scotland, UK. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information given herein is accurate, no legal responsibility is accepted by thesmartclub ltd nor its associated third party companies for any errors, omissions or misleading statements. Views expressed in ‘4site’ are not necessarily those of thesmartclub ltd. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the firms whose advertisements appear within this publication however thesmartclub ltd cannot accept responsibility for the offers made by the advertisers even when making specific offers to Members of thesmartclub ltd.
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Stuttgart: 17th June
News from smart rd
Stuttgart: 23 July For model year 2010 the smart fortwo cdi has been given a clear power boost, yet it remains just as economical and environmentally friendly as before. In future the state-of-the-art threecylinder diesel engine will produce 21 percent more power and deliver approximately 18 percent more maximum torque. Although this extra power makes the popular two-seater car noticeably livelier, it does not affect its exemplary fuel consumption. As before, it consumes just 3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC). Furthermore, with CO2 emissions of 88 g/km it continues to assert its leading position as the CO2 champion. In addition, from model year 2010 all versions of the smart fortwo including the BRABUS variants will comply with the strict emission limits of the EU5 standard.
The 21 percent power increase is primarily realised through modified pistons in conjunction with adjusted injection and charge pressure parameters. Furthermore, thanks to the increased torque it was also possible to lengthen the gear ratios of the third and fourth gears by ten and eleven percent respectively, and to lower the shifting points in the automatic programme. This reduces the rpm level in speed ranges used particularly frequently – with benefits in terms of fuel consumption and noise level. The smart fortwo cdi is equipped with a closed diesel particulate filter and emissions are below the limit values laid down in the EU5 standard. New contrast components in shiny pearl black, which further upgrade the interior of the smart fortwo, and a new folding armrest available as an option, provide for increased comfort. Further optional equipment includes the smart hands-free system with a colour display and extensive multimedia functions.
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In co-operation with the pioneering concept store colette, from mid-June 2009 smart will be presenting the colette and smart collection, which has been created especially for the urban car brand. The collection consists of items ranging from shoes, a T-shirt, a scarf, jewellery and a bag – all created by five international designer labels and each produced in a limited edition of 150. The products are linked by the theme of "design meets sustainability".
colette, which opened in 1997 on Rue SaintHonoré in the sophisticated 1st arrondissement of Paris, is not like a conventional shop. Since it was established, colette has redefined shopping. Spread across three floors, it has everything that gets a design-lover's pulse racing – from exclusive fashion to books, cosmetics, music and electronic gadgets. colette doesn't just sell products from well-known brands: one of the things that make colette unique is its mix of products from established names and young designers and artists. On more than one occasion colette has been responsible for bringing fame to previously littleknown names.
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