thesmartclub ltd since 2000
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‘4site’ : Issue 23
2012
thesmartclub ltd since 2000
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 23
2012
thesmartclub ltd since 2000
Club News
Editorial
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!!
Welcome to Issue 23 of thesmartclub’s smart magazine ‘4site’. Wow – it’s been an amazing few months since Issue 22 previewed the smart times Event in Antwerp, Belgium and also previewed The smart Festival at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge in the UK. You can read full reviews of both these events in this issue plus a review of thesmartclub’s amazing success and outright victory on the London to Athens International Endurance Rally!
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:
thesmartclub ltd, PO Box 28549 Edinburgh, EH4 5WB, UK
Our Membership saving!
Card
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smart
Now in its 8th 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 Store and, better still, benefit from significant discounts on our Major Events prices.
But first we have a few important pieces of news for you: We have some BIG changes planned for ‘4site’ Magazine in Issue 24 and beyond – a superb new dynamic look with powerful articles, reviews and local news. It will be a totally different magazine but will continue to be focussed on you, the smart owner and enthusiast, the best rd from Retailers and 3 party companies and will continue to support the online services provided by thesmartclub. To add to this, we are creating a dedicated area in the Magazine for Members’ cars – the mad and the ‘bad’, the good and the weird. It’s your chance to have your car and your story in ‘4site’ and you can get further details via thesmartclub web site or from Page 24 of this Issue. Finally, some IMPORTANT DATES for 2013. As our regulars will know, we normally have our annual visit to smartville, Hambach, France in mid to late May each year. We’ll still be having our amazing visit next year but please note that due to local holidays and logistics, the dates will st th now be 1 to 5 June 2013. As ever we expect places to fill quickly and Applications together with full Package details will go live end January 2013. Contact us with any questions meantime. Al Young, Chairman & Managing Director thesmartclub ltd
thesmartclub
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 used car purchased – contact thesmartclub
www.thesmartclub.com
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smart times 2012 - Antwerp nd
On the evening of Wednesday 22 August, a large number of Members of thesmartclub gathered for an overnight halt at Folkestone, UK prior to departing for the short cross channel hop and then drive to Antwerp, Belgium for the start of smart times 2012. Unusually for these UK participants, having landed in Calais on the rd morning of the 23 , the venue was only a few hours drive to the beautiful historic city of Antwerp rather than the somewhat lengthier drive to Riccione, Italy or Zell am See, Austria as seen in previous years.
Then, only about 20 metres away, the MercedesBenz service truck was parked within one of the halls to provide diagnostic and service facilities. We’re not certain if the guys working in this truck previously realised just how busy they’d be – there seemed to be a constant queue for their expert services and it was a spectacular sight to see the cars being efficiently checked and serviced throughout the weekend. This really was something that was very welcome, exceptionally well organised and well planned. So having ensured the car side of things was all organised, attendees then walked through the halls to the main Registration Desk – an amazing sight. Rows and rows of ‘smart’ bags containing the welcome pack ‘goodies’ and relevant passes. A number of official smart, BRABUS and third party traders has already setup their trade and sales stands within the halls and these were supported by additional trade stands outside next to the beach area offering a wide range of smart parts, services and smart related products. Throughout the day, a number of beach volleyball competitions were underway supporting to the beach themed atmosphere – all this situated within the Waagnatie venue.
The Antwerp venue for smart times was the amazing Hangar 29 Waagnatie premises on Rijnkaii, situated in the old docklands area of the city. This venue hosts multiple concerts, shows and functions throughout the year and offers two massive old warehouses, dedicated parking facilities and even a simulated sandy beach with wooden bench seating, beach bars and a wide range of snack and catering facilities. The two main warehouses are separated by a large partition that was opened up for smart times 2012 ensuring that smart car owners and enthusiasts from around the world had use of the entire venue. The majority of city Hotels had been taken over by smart owners and this ensured that the bustling streets of the city were constantly filled with smart traffic as the drivers shuttled between hotel, venue and sightseeing. Thursday afternoon saw a large number of cars arriving at Hangar 29 and this year, participants were greeted with half a hall dedicated to a very welcome and highly efficient ‘hand car wash’ to ensure that the cars looked their best for the forthcoming days.
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In previous years, the Thursday has always been a reasonably ‘quiet’ day prior to the major ‘build up’ and formal opening to smart times on the Friday – what amazed everyone was the huge number of cars and people arriving on the Thursday and that sent a strong message to everyone that, as predicted, this was going to be a superbly well attended smart times event. Friday morning dawned and, even early that day, more and more cars started to arrive. Whilst the car wash and service truck facilities continued to be as busy as ever, a number of additional
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features launched inside and outside the main halls. A large ‘slot car’ race track was established where model fortwos could race against each other around a challenging course and a kids play area had been established with a wide range of toys and kids’ activities.
display, thesmartclub’s BRABUS forfour that competed in the 2011 Britcar 24 hour race and thesmartclub Rally Roadster all ready for it’s participation in the 2012 London to Athens International Endurance Rally only a few days after smart times 2012.
To the end of one of the halls, next to the Registration Desk, a special ‘Club Bar’ opened offering smart clubs from around the world a chance to not only meet and grab a drink but a chance to personalise and customise this area with club logos – the end result was a spectacular array of colours, brands, club names and club promotions – a great idea. To compliment this further, just outside the Club Bar area, a ‘Wall of Fans’ was established. Here, anyone could hand their camera or smartphone to the team at the ‘wall’ where the staff would select your chosen picture, print it immediately and then you could stick that picture plus a message onto the ‘Wall of Fans’. Again, this area was busy all weekend.
Back inside the Halls, and new for 2012, was a large scale version of a very old computer game. The smart ‘eball’ used the basis of the original tennis game ‘pong’ from 1972. In 2012, the smart version used two edrive fortwos, each driven by anyone who wished to participate in the challenge. Of course, 2012 saw the launch of the smart ebike (see ‘4site’ Magazine, Issue 22) and what better place to try out this amazing innovation that at smart times. There were hundreds of ebikes available and smart had organised a number of ‘city tours’ over the weekend, the first of which took place on Friday afternoon. It allowed the ‘riders’ to experience the ebike along a guided route that not only showed what the ebike was capable of in terms of enjoyment and innovative cycling, it also provided a great opportunity to see the sights of the historic city of Antwerp. In addition to the Mercedes-Benz service truck occupying part of Hall ‘2’, The smart Racing Club and smarts4you Racing also had a major presence with a wide range of 4two cup cars on
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Each car was in a dedicated lane with a laser being fired at the rear of each edrive fortwo – this laser then calculated the distance the car was moving back and forth within the lane and that, in
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turn controlled the equivalent of the on screen bat or ‘racket’ that would attempt to hit the ball across the onscreen court. Such a great idea and so popular all weekend. And so, Friday night approached for the official opening of smart times 2012. The opening party is always a highlight of any smart times event.
This year was made special by the fact that 2012 th celebrated the 10 Anniversary of the smart crossblade. Dr Annette Winkler opened smart times 2012 by welcoming on stage a large number of crossblade owners, all of whom had made the journey to Antwerp in their crossblade and all of whom had dedicated parking set aside for their iconic cars. The music for the evening is always equally innovative at smart times events and this year was no exception with the group on stage comprising totally of employees from the smart factory in Hambach, France.
on stage singing superbly and we look forward to seeing her and the team again on our next visit to the smart facilities in Hambach. After a Friday night of partying, it was an easy start to the Saturday morning and as with all smart times events, the gradual build-up to another highlight of these events, namely the ‘corso’ run – a chance for participants to drive their beloved smart cars along a route in formation, also giving the opportunity to see another side of the country in which the event is taking place.
The parking started from early on the Saturday morning and even with overflow parking available, the expectations that this was going to be a superbly attended event were not wrong and soon, car parks were full – this presented no problems as contingency plans were in place and it was amazing to see so many cars ready to set off for the drive. The corso run itself had a start time of 14:00hrs that day and Julia BrÜderbauer and her team had done a superb job preparing and rehearsing the route in advance of that start. Whilst the cars were lining up for the start, another ebike city tour took place with more beach volleyball competitions and all the activities underway throughout the day.
From the musicians to backing signers, the group were only formed in December 2011 for a special Christmas function that year and were so good, that they were invited to perform in front of a huge audience at smart times 2012. It was a daunting prospect for them but wow, they were great! Very polished and very professional performance from all involved. From thesmartclub’s perspective, we were also delighted to see our good friend Sylvia Wilhelm
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Then, at 14:00, the horns sounded and the ‘follow me’ car led off a procession of cars around a route that took in some of the amazing dockland and container storage areas. Included in this route was a large area where the participating cars would drive along a route that spelt out the word ‘smart’ when viewed from the air! There were so many cars that there was something of a traffic jam further back up the route but that did not detract from an amazing if somewhat, at times surreal, route and views.
Part of the route took participants through a container storage ‘city’ where a route had been cleared that even included a tunnel made from containers – this area was like something from a science fiction movie with tower blocks, buildings and bridges all constructed from containers. An amazing experience. Some three hours later, after a mid point ‘pit stop’ where smart were providing refreshments, the cars returned to the Hangar 29 venue. Some participants stayed here whilst others returned to their Hotels in preparation for the Saturday night party. An enormous BBQ had been setup along the edge of the dock area with a wonderful range of food. The party on the Saturday night is always another superb night with music, partying and dancing but importantly, it also provides the platform for announcing where next year’s smart times event will take place. As announced in Riccione, Italy in 2011, the format for venue selection was changing this year with potential host countries applying to host smart times 2012 and the ‘short list’ being presented to the smart community who would, in turn, vote for the winning country. 2013 had been narrowed down to two cities namely, Hamburg in Germany or Lucerne in Switzerland.
handed out to everyone where one could cast a vote and place the completed voting cards in one of two smart fortwos in front of the main stage . Dr Annette Winkler invited on stage representatives from both countries to say a few words before the results of the votes were announced. For the first time in the history of smart times, the prospective host country did not know whether they were to be selected for next year’s smart times event until after the votes were announced. The result ceremony commenced and the large screen at the back of the stage contained a large bar chart with two rising columns representing the voting results – one for Hamburg, the other for Lucerne. The voting results for each city increased and the bars rose up the chart as did the volume and impact of the music I it was neck and neck for a while and then, after an agonising 30 seconds of identical voting counts, the bar for Lucerne gradually nudged ahead of Hamburg. The crowd cheered and screamed as the bar continued to rise until after a further 15 seconds, Lucerne was clearly ahead and the screen showed a total of 438 votes for Lucerne and 285 votes for Hamburg. Lucerne, Switzerland was a clear winner and is the host city for smart times 2013!
smart times 2012 was a superb event where 1,594 smart fans from 27 countries came to Antwerp for the world's largest gathering of the smart community. We set a new world record with the longest ever smart parade on Saturday with 1,114 vehicles in the corso run. Importantly, all the CO2 emissions produced from driving during the big four-day event will be compensated by reforestation. Together with the international non-profit organisation WeForest, smart will plant 5,200 trees in Kenya. Our thanks go to all involved in making smart times 2012 so successful and we look forward to seeing everyone again in Lucerne, Switzerland in August 2013.
Throughout the day, voting cards had been
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The smart Festival 2012 This year saw The smart Festival return to Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge, Surrey welcoming an enormous number of smart car owners and enthusiasts to the prestigious venue. Held slightly later in the year than previous th years, 6 October always had the chance of somewhat inclement weather I indeed, in all previous years, we’ve been incredibly lucky in having gorgeous sunshine during the Festival and we were hopeful that in 2012, we could repeat that luck.
Dressed’, ‘Most Modified’ and ‘Best Kept’ and, when cars arrived at the venue, competitors were directed to a dedicated parking and display area such that the crowds could vote for the th winner in each category. Plus, as it was the 10 Anniversary of the smart crossblade, crossblade owners were also directed to a special parking and display area next to thesmartclub’s marquee and administration area.
th
Friday 5 October was a different story ensuring that the rain we had experienced in the UK for the preceding four days, continued during the afternoon that day. thesmartclub, third party traders and the organisers worked at a frantic pace during the Friday morning to establish the display areas, marquees and attractions when, at around 3pm, the heavens opened and it th rained continually until 5am on Saturday 6 I. And then, with another round of good luck, the clouds vanished, the rain stopped and out came the sunshine! And this year, adding to the major presence the Festival can generate, gigantic outlines of each smart model were attached to the front glass sections of MB World.
Upon arrival each car was handed a ‘goodie bag’ containing a range of event related merchandise plus a generous wallet of vouchers that could be used towards the purchase of food and refreshments from the many and varied food retailers within the venue. Building up to the official opening of the Festival, there were test drive available for the smart ed and the new smart ebike with over 600 people taking up this opportunity throughout the day. The opening of the Festival was marked with two world class skateboarders, Killian Martin & Alfredo Urbon who put on an incredible display including a demonstration when the two skaters shared the one board! This was followed by the launch of the smart iceshine being unveiled made all the more spectacular by the car resting on a large slab of solid ice.
The gates to the venue opened at 8am and within 30 minutes, the first smart cars started driving down the approach road to MercedesBenz world even although the official opening time for the festivities was 11am. A large number of Retailers across the UK had agreed to act as ‘meeting points’ for attendees gathering for a breakfast prior to forming a ‘tube’ for the drive to Weybridge. As with previous Festivals, there was the customary Competition categories of ‘Best
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The Festival is all about interaction with the smart owners and enthusiasts and this year saw a new innovation of ‘musical smarts’ ‘ – yes, the concept similar to musical chairs replacing the chair with a new fortwo (even a BRABUS tailor made I). Objective simple enough – take six fortwos and twelve people. As the music plays the people run around the parked line of cars until such time as the music stops where each couple find a fortwo, open the doors and sit in the car of their choice. So what’s the challenge? One of the cars is locked. The couple without a car leave the area and the remaining 10 people
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then commence again the challenge and again another smart is secretly locked meaning only 8 seats are available. The game continues until the winning couple sit in the last remaining unlocked smart. It was the first time that this challenge had been created and it was, without doubt, a great success
fortunate enough to have blazing sunshine all day with no rain – this was also an advantage to those performers participating in displays next to the trading area including some amazing ‘slacklining’ (the opposite to a tightrope!) involving some great displays of balance and precision along a rope loosely tied between two supports.
The afternoon saw two demonstration sessions by smarts4you Racing and The smart Racing Club involving the BRABUS race forfour, a number of 4two cup race cars and thesmartclub’s Rally Roadster driving at pace around the Mercedes-Benz World test track in front of a highly enthusiastic crowd.
The party was niftily helped along its way thanks to compere and comedian Danny Hornigold, the pro freestyle skaters, musicians and a beatboxer all getting in on the act.
Throughout the day, of course, the judging was underway for the three competition categories with a truly diverse and eclectic mix of cars and, indeed, owners, immersing themselves in the spirit of the day and the competitions!
There was a record-breaking 5,212 visitors to the Mercedes-Benz World venue of the day of The smart Festival this year that included 1500 smart cars. In addition to the events and demonstrations outside the main entrance to the Mercedes-Benz World building, Steve Deeks was hosting a technical forum inside the venue that covered a range of smart related topics. Plus, amidst the trading and vendor areas up from thesmartclub’s marquee, there was the smart eball game (as seen at smart times in Antwerp) and this was working superbly well given that it was outside rather than inside a building.
Throughout the entire day, the crowds were
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Our thanks go to all those who made this years’ event such a success, everyone in thesmartclub and The smart Racing Club Events teams, smart, Mobile Promotions, Lautstark GmbH, those responsible for the weather(!), and, of course, to everyone who travelled considerable distances to attend the event, including some of our great friends from Continental Europe and China – it was great to meet up at another smart event so soon after smart times! Our thanks also go to Tony Williams for him permission to use a number of his images in this article.
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Product Review
As our regular readers will recall, thesmartclub receives products for evaluation and review throughout the year. Many of these products never pass our ‘evaluation’ phase but others really can make a difference to the smart community. Members and enthusiasts who visit Europe and/or smart times events will have seen a number of innovative small trailers attached to the rear of smart forfours or, at times, fortwos (even although the latter have never been designed for towing). A UK Company Watsonian-Squire Ltd recently approached thesmartclub with details of their innovative D21 trailer. This small unit has become increasing popular with the motorcycle world but is equally suited to the smaller car too. Squire pioneered the development of trailers for high performance motorcycles in the 1980's and Worldwide sales have firmly established Squire as the recognised leader in this field. In 2002 the Company established a World Record speed for a motorcycle towing a trailer of 139.5 mph. It's exceptional handling makes this the ideal choice for drivers who enjoy performance. The result of painstaking R&D, the D21 has large diameter cast alloy wheels, variable rate coiled spring suspension. Capacity is 21 cubic feet. It's sleek aerodynamic appearance compliments supermini style cars and it's lockable too.
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thesmartclub was fortunate enough to have been provided with a D21 trailer for evaluation earlier this year. One of the things that impressed us most was it’s seemingly ‘simple’ design compared with it’s strength, stability and rugged construction. Watsonian-Squire offer a range of trailer sizes based around the different volumes . Although we had the D21 model that came as standard with that variable rate coil spring suspension, a range of other versions are available including the ‘entry level’ D10 with 10 cubic feet (283 litres) of space. Whilst it’s the baby brother of the trailer family it boasts the same great stability and ease of use. Then there’s a couple of intermediate versions comprising the D18 with 18 cubic feet (510 litres) of space and it’s ‘top end’ companion, the D18SE that includes spoiler, grab rails, alloy wheels, gas strut an flow-coated interior. It is also worth noting that the D18 can be supplied with an extension kit option that doubles the capacity to an impressive total of 36 cubic feet (1020 litres).
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Pricing is competitive too given the quality and heritage of these units. The ‘top of the range’ D21 that we tested is available for ÂŁ2495 including VAT whilst prices for the entry level D10 unit start at only ÂŁ1295, again, including VAT. Better still, as a Privilege Card holding Member of thesmartclub you can benefit from a 5% discount on the above prices across the entire trailer range!
For further information about the trailers you can visit the Watsonian Squire web site at www.watsonian-squire.com or contact the company directly by phoning them on +44(0)-1386-700907
Early ‘4site’ Magazines and Newsletters Whilst ‘4site’ smart Magazine continues to be the world’s only regular colour magazine for smart car owners and enthusiasts, to many of our Readers, ‘4site’ is a fairly ‘new’ concept. Of course, Members of thesmartclub receive their copies automatically but what about any previous issues you’ve missed? Way back in June 2004 (!) ‘4site’ started out as a 5 page Newsletter – its purpose then was much the same as now namely to bring Members news and information that supported thesmartclub web site. Since then, we’ve increased capacity in the publication 6 fold and distribution is now worldwide. The great news is that you can get EVERY previous issue of ‘4site online’. Simply log onto thesmartclub web site (thesmartclub.com) and select ‘News and Event’ then ‘4site Magazine’ from the menus.
smart of Wolverhampton
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S2smarts
Tune4Performance
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The smart Racing Club
‘4site’ : Issue 23
Daimler Insurance Services Ltd
2012
thesmartclub ltd since 2000
You and your smart
Dealership Special Offer thesmartclub is delighted to announce a range of very special offers available from smart of Coldstream and smart of Edinburgh celebrating the opening of the Coldstream Approved Repairer site. Both Coldstream and Edinburgh are offering the following superb deals: "A" service from ÂŁ145 "B" service from ÂŁ195 Air Con Service ÂŁ49 Wheel Alignment ÂŁ39.99 Front Brake Pads ÂŁ99 Front Brake Pads & Discs ÂŁ199 MOT ÂŁ40 All these offers include vat & fitting. PLUS, as a Member of thesmartclub, you can benefit from an ADDITIONAL 10% discount to the prices shown above. Contact details for smart of Edinburgh are shown opposite and you can contact smart of Coldstream on +44(01890-883272.
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2013 sees ‘4site’ take on a new look, format and many new features. This will include a section focusing on you, the smart owner or smart enthusiast. It’s your chance to have your story and your smart in ‘4site’ smart magazine. We know there are SO many people around the world who email us with their latest developments, modifications and changes from the serious mechanical and electrical changes right through to the smallest of internal changes – it what makes your car yours and we’d love you to share that with us. See page 24 for details on how to contact us!
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Regular Local Meetings If you regularly meet with a group of local smart owners and enthusiasts and you would like your meeting included in our future listings, please email: events.team@thesmartclub.com or telephone us on +44 (0) 845 299 0332 with details for inclusion in the next issue of our ‘4site’ magazine. For LATEST information and location details always check the Events section in our Online Forum (www.thesmartclub.com). East smart Cambridge meet nd 2 Monday of every month, Grantchester
St. Albans Meet 28 April and monthly thereafter, 19:30 - 22:30 at The Airfield, Lemsford Road, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Milton Keynes & Northampton smart meet nd Every 2 Monday, 7:30 pm onwards Check Meetings Section of thesmartclub MessageBoard, Navigation Pub, Stoke Bruerne
DAFT Mansfield meet st 1 Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm The Snipe Pub, Alfreton Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 1JE Shepperton meet 1st Wednesday of every month 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm: The Thames Court, Towpath, Shepperton, TW17 9LJ. East Kent smarties nd 2 Wednesday of every month, from 8:00 pm Dukes Head Pub, Sellindge, nr Ashford, Kent Greater Manchester & North Lands Meet th 4 Thursday of every month from 7:30pm, Wilton Hotel, just off M60 at Heaton Park Sussex Smarts Sunday breakfast Our Breakfast meet is every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month.10.00 am, Chalet Cafe, Cowfold, West Sussex. (approx half mile south of Cowfold on A281).
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@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
Or pick up a pen and paper and send to: thesmartclub ltd, PO Box 28549, Edinburgh, EH4 5WB, UK ‘4site’ is edited and produced by thesmartclub Ltd
Editor and Managing Director, Al Young +44-773-882-2042 editor@thesmartclub.com
www.thesmartclub.com
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News from smart South West smart reigns supreme
Smart ebike is ride on with Retailers
event
A rally for smart car drivers in the South West proved to be a right royal success with one owner in particular enjoying her own crowning glory. smart South West’s ‘arrive and drive’ event saw 80 owners converge in convoy on Seale Hayne near Newton Abbot after meeting for breakfast at their local retail outlet in Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton or Truro. A fancy dress competition invited participants to decorate their cars with the ‘Best of British’ theme – Julia Flaherty, from Abbotskerswell, winning first place for the regal livery created in jubilee year in honour of the royal family for her smart roadster.
Customers are now enjoying the iconic smart brand on two wheels as well as four following the arrival of the smart ebike at Retailers. The appearance, performance and an introductory 0% finance offer have encouraged customers to visit smart showrooms to saddle up for a test ride on the pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle), which incorporates an aluminium frame and a 200 watt BionX electric motor in the rear wheel hub that switches on once one of the four power levels of assistance is chosen and pedalling commences. Depending on the selection and how the rider cycles, a charge from the ebike’s lithium-ion battery can deliver a range of up to 62 miles. smart of Lincoln As well as LED lights and a USB interface that enables owners to charge their mobile device on the move, smart of Lincoln’s Karl Wainwright said that the ebike boasted a wealth of features that would not only appeal to riders but set it apart from other electric bikes on the market.
Crowning gloryI Julia Flaherty and partner Alan Pask with the best dressed car at the smart South West ‘arrive and drive’ event
Whilst not everyone received a prize, all were treated to a barbecue at Seale Hayne as well as live music from the Soul Commitments band. “We have been staging get-togethers for the region’s smart owners for more than a decade now and this was the biggest and best yet,� said Mike Wickins, Managing Director for MercedesBenz and smart South West. “We were delighted that drivers from as far afield as north Somerset and Cornwall were able to join us for this event,� he added. “With our retailers offering some unprecedented opportunities to drive away a new or approved used smart car right now, we hope to have even more owners in attendance in 2013.�
“It’s the first bike of its kind to incorporate a carbon toothed belt, which means that oil stains are a thing of the past and there are no more worries about snagging trousers in the chain,� he explained. “You don’t need to lug the bike indoors to charge it as the battery simply unlocks and lifts out to allow you to charge it anywhere you want. What’s more, the built-in lights ensure that there is no reason to be caught out in the dark because you have left them on top of the fridge from last winter.�
For details on the latest smart offers, please contact your nearest smart South West retailer or visit www.smartsouthwest.co.uk
www.thesmartclub.com
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In addition to the ebike’s practicality, it would appear that its aesthetics were also proving to be appealing amongst potential purchasers around the country. smart of Poole “Since the smart e-bike arrived in August, we’ve sold several and organised numerous test rides,� reported smart of Poole’s Neil Jackson.
“Our smart consultant has supervised a number of test "rides" on our showroom model around the site and, once we get our demonstrators, she will be contacting customers who have expressed an interest to arrange longer demonstrations on the streets of Bolton.�
“Customers not only love its look and style but are taken aback by the ease of riding, especially uphill when many have commented that it actually feels like they are going downhill.�
thesmartclub is grateful to Scott Fenn of Impact PR for the above smart News submissions
Similar sentiments were echoed by Jo Collins at smart of Bristol, who added: “Even just from looking at it, customers have commented just how much ‘smarter’ the ebike looks to other electric bikes – they think it looks much more modern and funky and the option to spec it is a good selling point too.�
Some of your questions answered by smart about the smart ebike I When and where will the smart ebike go on sale? The ebike has been available from May 2012. Our focus is on the European and North American Market. As the ebike is a new addition to the smart portfolio it will initially be available exclusively from smart dealers Where can I have the ebike repaired or serviced? At your smart dealership. Our dealers are trained to ensure that they are the right point of contact for your smart ebike. However, many components and completely maintenance-free, for example the belt drive and the rear wheel hub motor.
smart of Bolton “The introduction of the ebike into our showroom has certainly created a talking point amongst visitors due to its design and technology,� continued Peter Barlow, General Manager, smart of Bolton.
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Is there just one model or are there different versions? There will be two colour combinations from launch. As regards size, the ebike has a unisex frame construction. Thanks to different variants for the handlebars and seatpost it can be adjusted to fit riders of different heights – keeping it simple in the typically smart manner
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New fortwo iceshine & ebike at smart of West Midlands As we approach the Christmas season there is a choice of exciting gifts at smart of Wolverhampton. In addition to big savings and 0% finance on all used cars, we have a selection of pre-registered cars with delivery miles from just ÂŁ7,995, that's a whopping saving of over ÂŁ2000 and also benefitting from 0%. The exciting and enticing smart fortwo edition iceshine, the latest in a long line of limited edition smart models, is certainly one very cool car. Available now as a coupĂŠ or cabrio, the fresh styling and extensive specification of this special smart are set to impress this winter. The smart fortwo edition iceshine comes in striking azure blue with a white tridion safety cell that is complemented by new 3-double-spoke, 15â€? white alloy wheels and white mirror caps. LED daytime running lights enhance an impressive specification that also features air conditioning, a panoramic roof (tritop fabric soft top in black for the cabrio), electric windows and a luggage compartment cover. smart of Wolverhampton, General Manager, Matthew Harris, commented: “The smart fortwo iceshine edition combines stunning looks with a high specification and will appeal to drivers wishing to customise their smart to create a highly individual car. He added: â€?The smart ebike is a natural progression from the innovative smart electric drive and underlines our commitment to original and efficient transport. The smart ebike could play a massive future role in our urban mobility and we’re giving customers a great opportunity to be at the forefront of this new cutting edge technology.â€? The smart ebike is priced at ÂŁ2,495 and comes complete with a two-year warranty. To find out more or arrange a test drive, please call 01902 276961 or visit www.draytongroup.co.uk
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www.thesmartclub.com
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Which personal (e.g. age, driving licence) and legal (e.g. helmet, tax) requirements must be met to ride the ebike? The ebike offers the carefreeness and freedom of a bicycle – these were the decisive reasons for us to develop pedelec. As the law regards it as a bicycle there is no age restriction and no driving licence is needed either. With regard to wearing a helmet the bicycle regulations for the countries concerned apply. For example in Germany there is no obligation to wear a helmet. And best of all: the ebike is not subject to any tax or insurance. What is pedelec? Pedelec stands for Pedal Electric Cycle. A sensor detects pedalling and activates a motor to provide additional electric assistance (and only when pedalling). The electric motor assists propulsion up to a maximum speed of 16 mph – it is only possible to travel faster with pure muscle power. Pedelecs are regarded as bicycles in Germany and other countries of the EU, which means that they enjoy the freedom afforded to bicycles, for example they can use bicycle lanes. Compared with this there are “electric bicycles� that had a drive that also works independently of pedalling What is the power, range, position and speed of the electric motors on the ebike? The pedal power booster is a 200 watt brushless wheel hub motor that us integrated in the rear wheel. With more than 420Wh the performance of the battery represents a new benchmark in this segment. Depending on the power level selected, the manner of cycling and the topography a battery charge can last for more than 62 miles. Is there a gear shift mechanism and how is the electrical assistance activated? Is pure electric propulsion possible? As long as the electrical assistance is active there is no need for a gear shift mechanism. The rider can choose between four levels of assistance by pressing a button on the control unit. The fourth and strongest level provides maximum pushing power. As the electric drive only assists the rider, the rider must always pedal. The electric motor stops providing assistance when a speed of 16mph is reached although higher speeds can be achieved with more muscle power. If the rider does not want to use the electrical assistance at all, the ebike has an integrated three-speed gear hub (from SRAM).
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Which battery is fitted? The battery is a compact state-of-the-art lithiumion battery from BionX. With more than 420Wh it is one of the most powerful batteries in the competitive environment How is the ebike recharged? The ebike offers on and off board charging for maximum flexibility: the battery can ne charged right on the ebike or it can be charged separately, for example at an indoor socket. Thanks to the exclusive smart ebike battery housing it can easily be removed, charged and then inserted How long does it take to charge the ebike? It takes four to five hours to fully charge the ebike and three hours to charge it to 80%, depending on the temperature and discharge level Is recuperation possible? Yes, when the left brake is operated. Furthermore, the rider can adjust this function manually on the control and display console – perfect for coasting down long hills so that the rider does not have to keep the left brake lightly pressed the whole time What accessories are available for the ebike? The range of accessories includes a versatile cradle for smartphones and in addition to a luggage rack there will also be further stowage options. For example, trendy and practical bags in the smart design tailored to the rack system and currently being developed. We are also planning further smart accessories for the rider and ebike. Which functions can be controlled via the iPhone? Among other things it is planned that information on the charge status and range can be called up. Further functions will include maps, trip computer, training mode etc. But it will only be possible to connect an iPhone to the ebike – a USB port is a standard feature. In combination with the versatile cradle, it is possible to safely connect a number of smart phones with the ebike and charge them.
For further technical Q&As or additional information about the smart ebike, contact thesmartclub directly or visit our Online Forum dedicated to the ebike via our web site at www.thesmartclub.com . We can also provide you with details of your nearest smart Retailer.
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beyond the statutory requirements, they have also proved themselves in everyday practice. The same goes for the smart fortwo.
ADAC crash test - Small cars: only the smart fortwo protects against life-threatening injuries th Stuttgart: Sept 19 2012 The standard EuroNCAP crash test simulates a frontal collision with a vehicle of the same weight. In contrast, for the first time the ADAC had four smaller models crash into a barrier vehicle equivalent to a lower-end mid-sized car. Further, in this first compatibility crash test the unequally matched parties to the accident collided with an offset of 50 percent. This is because, according to the ADAC, in an accident it is usually vehicles of different weights that collide, usually with a degree of lateral offset.
The safety concept of the smart fortwo is as follows: •
•
The horrifying outcome of the crash test is that life-threatening injuries in the chest region are commonplace in smaller vehicles. Only the smart fortwo protected its driver from such injuries – despite being the smallest and lightest vehicle in the test.
•
•
•
According to the ADAC, the reasons for the alarming test results lie partly in the fact that the short crumple zone of smaller vehicles cannot absorb sufficient energy and the forces unleashed during an accident are often not conducted to the corresponding energyabsorbing components. The smart fortwo owes its good crash test result to an innovative construction based on examinations of actual accident scenarios conducted by Mercedes-Benz Cars as opposed to focusing solely on the requirements of EU and American laws. Collisions with other vehicles in different constellations were therefore also taken into account during the development phase of the smart fortwo. Because the constructional crashsafety provisions and restraint systems of all vehicles of Mercedes-Benz Cars satisfy such strict, internal standards that in part go way
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•
•
The tridion safety cell protects its occupants like the hard shell around a nut. Its structure is additionally reinforced with high-strength and ultrahigh-strength steel at strategically important points (more than 50 percent). . The tridion safety cell’s longitudinal and transverse members activate the crumple zone of the other vehicle involved in the accident and distribute the impact energy evenly over the car’s body. And in case of a collision, the wheels also take on the function of crumple zones. When this happens, the front wheels are supported by the side members. The rear-mounted engine enables a larger crumple zone at the front and acts as a shock-absorbing unit that absorbs the impact energy in a rebound. Thanks to the sandwich-type construction of the tridion safety cell, the passengers are usually somewhat above the direct danger zone in the event of a side impact. Further, in the case of a side impact, the other vehicle almost always hits an axle that can absorb impact energy due to the relatively short wheelbase. All interior trims have been optimised to prevent injuries to occupants. And the soft foam-backed lower instrument panel (knee pad) offers protection for the passengers' knees and lower legs. The door structure is reinforced by high-strength sheet metal at key points.
Other standard safety features in the smart fortwo are ESP with ABS and brake assist (BAS), wide track width, seat belts with belt tensioner and belt-force limiter, safety seats with integral seat belts, airbags. The result of the latest ADAC crash test was summed up by the popular German newspaper “Bild�: “Only the smart is truly smart.�
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smart BRABUS electric drive: ordering starts 27 September: More e-power! Stuttgart: Sept 27 2012 Electric driving pleasure Ă la smart plus an extra portion of driving dynamics. That's the smart BRABUS electric drive that can be ordered from 27 September. Its powerful electric drive is based on the technology of the new smart fortwo electric drive, but it delivers more of everything. For example, peak power output of 60 kW and maximum torque of 135 Nm which, in conjunction with a more agile response to the accelerator pedal in the sports programme, provides for noticeably better acceleration. The bundle of power achieves the sprint from 0 to 60 km/h that is relevant in inner cities in just 4.4 seconds.
BRABUS dashboard instruments (battery charge indicator and power indicator), and the BRABUS sports steering wheel with rocker switches for manual battery recuperation (incl. sport programme). A special rear apron insert with double reflectors rounds off the sporty look.
BRABUS is offering the "electric green style package" as an option. The tridion safety cell, door mirror caps and BRABUS front flaps come in electric green, the radiator grille is painted in the bodypanel colour, and interior accent trim parts and contrast components also come in electric green.
"The smart BRABUS electric drive is our sports car with a green heart", says smart boss Dr Annette Winkler. "Electric driving in the city is more fun than ever with short bundle of power." The same applies outside city limits: the smart BRABUS electric drive sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds and with a top speed of 130 km/h it is also a little faster than the basic model. And despite the enhanced performance it has the same range of 145 kilometres (NEDC). Dynamic and distinctive appearance The smart BRABUS electric drive also has a particularly dynamic look. Like the BRABUS Xclusive vehicles, the smart BRABUS electric drive is available all in black, white or silver. Dark BRABUS headlamps, BRABUS "Monoblock VII" alloy wheels (16" at the front and 17" at the rear) and BRABUS Xclusive aerodynamic body styling parts complete the sporty look. Numerous BRABUS Xclusive components accentuate the exceptional position of the electric two-seater. These include the instrument panel and interior door trims in leather optic, leather seats, stainless steel sports pedals with rubber nubs, BRABUS hand-brake handle,
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All electric smart customers can also opt to make their vehicles even more individual and can choose from an almost unlimited range of colour and material combinations offered in the smart BRABUS tailor made programme. "Like all smart BRABUS vehicles this smart also follows our philosophy of more style, more power and more exclusiveness", says Bodo Buschmann, CEO of the Bottrop customiser BRABUS. "Our smart electric drive version appeals to customers who attach importance to environmental friendliness and also want even more sportiness and exclusiveness." Electric power from any socket With the optional rapid charging function the empty battery of the smart BRABUS electric drive can be fully recharged in just an hour. Charging at a wallbox takes around six hours in most countries and seven hours with electricity from a domestic socket. smart will offer wallboxes in future in cooperation with SPX, one of the world's leading suppliers of technology solutions in the fields of energy and automotive as a global installation and service partner, and with KEBA, a specialist for innovative E-charging infrastructure and wallboxes.
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Always know how far you can go: smart BRABUS vehicle homepage As with the smart fortwo electric drive, the smart drive app can also be supplemented with functions tailored to the smart BRABUS electric drive. The current state-of-charge and the SmartCharging charge configuration can be controlled and managed via a web portal from a home computer, a tablet pc or with a modern smartphone. What's more, the vehicle homepage offers every smart fortwo electric drive customer a chance to visualise the range on an interactive map with 3D views. The nearest public charging stations can also be seen at a glance. If a desired destination is further away than the available range the vehicle homepage can be used to quickly check how long the battery still needs to be charged for to reach it. Among other factors, the depiction of the range considers the topography and the route profile. The intuitive graphic depiction that can be combined with 3D views and satellite images is a particularly attractive feature. Furthermore, the vehicle itself can also become active: information on the state of charge and range can be sent by email or Twitter message, for example. The driver is notified as soon as the desired range can be reached with the current charge. Intelligent charging The smart BRABUS electric drive can be connected to the internet at home via a standard powerline adapter (Homeplug AV) for SmartCharging. After entering the planned departure time in the vehicle or the web portal the vehicle will be fully charged in a battery-saving and economical way. Public charging is very straightforward. With Plug&Charge the vehicle identifies itself as soon as it is plugged into a compatible charging point and the charging process is settled automatically. Completely carbon-neutral and zero-emission motoring with renewable energy In Germany all new smart fortwo electric drives (BRABUS and standard model) will be completely carbon-neutral. Daimler will additionally provide as much "green" electricity as all new smart fortwo electric drives and smart BRABUS electric drives sold in Germany consume – without support measures from the Renewable Energy Act.
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smart forstars: An amazing drive-in cinema experience Stuttgart: Sept 27 2012 The smart forstars will be premiered at the Paris Motor Show 2012. The show in the trendy French capital is a local affair for smart as the brand's production facility is located in Hambach, Lorraine. The colour of the expressive coupÊ is also a reference to the venue of the world premiere. It is painted in the extravagant colour "alubeam rouge" that creates an appealing contrast to the matt metallic titanium colour of the tridion safety cell. And thanks to the 60 kW magneto-electric motor from the new smart BRABUS electric drive, the zero-emission smart forstars is agile and lively. smart boss Dr Annette Winkler says: "The smart is Europe's most inexpensive seriesproduced electric car. Not only is it emissionfree and fast, it is also possible to conveniently set the perfect interior temperature in advance with a smartphone, and it is simple to charge at a domestic socket. What's more, with its powerful battery and integrated projector the smart forstars can transform any grey backyard into an animated open-air cinema." The compact smart forstars (length/width/height: 3550/1710/1505 mm) is therefore not only a mobility concept with ample space for two people and a generous cargo area under the glass tailgate, it is also a communication concept that needs no more than a free house wall for a spontaneous cinematic experience. The media player of the projector integrated in the front bonnet is Ž Ž operated via Bluetooth from an iPhone . A high-quality sound system with additional loudspeakers in the ventilation openings behind the doors enables the drive-in cinema experience to be perfected for friends as well. The exterior design: sassy and friendly with extremely short overhangs The smart forstars is immediately recognisable as a member of the smart family, yet it also boasts striking new features – and not only its silhouette offers a look at smart's future design idiom. It greets the viewer with a saucy smile on its friendly yet assertive face. The rhombic design of the front and rear lamps is very striking. Outer rings illuminate the indicators and daytime running lamps with a
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large number of LEDs. The lamps seem to push outwards like arrows – like drips on the cockpit window of an aeroplane as it takes off.
The cargo on the 900 mm cargo area is then extremely easy to access. Shiny black trims that continue below the side skirts draw attention to the wheel cutouts. The smart forstars rolls on Michelin sports tyres measuring 245/35 ZR 21. The wing nut covers of the three-spoke wheels are an attractive detail. The sporty, sassy character of the smart forstars is also emphasised by a striking and technically very complex red alubeam finish. "Alubeam rouge" has a wet look that provides an exciting and very modern contrast to the matt and distinctly metallic appearance of the titanium-coloured tridion cell.
The "eyebrows" above the front headlamps are just one of many of the lovingly created new details. They give the headlamps a new Ushaped look. The transparent red sun visor above the windscreen takes up this idea and lends the coupÊ an even more squat road stance. The tail lights can even be opened. The charging socket for the high-voltage battery is found inside the right-hand tail light, whilst the left-hand one has space for a beverage can. The study has a longer wheelbase than the current smart fortwo (2470 mm/plus 603 mm) and a wider track (front 1475 mm/plus 193 mm, rear 1475 mm/plus 90 mm) and these also emphasise the confident look. At the same time the extremely short overhangs at the front and rear make it exceedingly compact. All four wheels have been positioned at the outer corners of the body – a typical smart feature.
The interior: stylish, uncomplicated and individual Sleek, taut surfaces in mother-of-pearl white combined with precisely designed technical functional elements in brushed aluminium – the interior is characterised by contrasts. The colour "alubeam rouge" that is also used as an accent colour in the interior creates a link to the exterior. Stylish, uncomplicated, highly functional and easy to individualise – the two seats in the concept car are typically smart. The seat shells, which are open in the middle, are covered with a soft fabric throw giving them a hammock-like seating feel. The graphic elements and different red tones of the covers indicate a progression and thus underline the dynamism and the very trendy aspect of the vehicle.
The smart forstars shares the main features of its body with the smart for-us, which caused quite a stir at the Detroit Motor Show at the beginning of the year. The smart forstars, too, features convex and sensuously shaped body surfaces. The large brand emblem is proudly sported on the grille, and the front has a pronounced threedimensional design. Where rally cars have an air scoop on the bonnet, on the smart forstars a video projector is integrated here as an ironic highlight. There is a convex glass coupĂŠ roof above the passengers' heads. It joins seamlessly with the glass cover over the cargo area which opens upwards. Like the smart for-us, the lower tailboard at the rear can also be opened electrically. To start with, the tailgate slides down in a parallel position, then the cargo floor including tailboard retracts by 280 mm.
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As the covers can be removed in next to no time, simple individualisation with other throws is conceivable. Practical: when the seat cover on the passenger side is removed, long items can be loaded through the seat of the smart forstars. The seats are trimmed with highquality white bag leather with exquisite white piping.
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Perforated leather in the door panelling forms a further sophisticated contrast and emphasises the high quality of the materials used. Like the smart forvision and the smart for-us, the whole cockpit boasts aerodynamic styling for interior ventilation. The control and display elements are oriented to the driver. Just as the cockpit module divides the instrument panel, the two-spoke steering wheel is open at the top.
In place of a conventional rear-view mirror the smart forstars features a smartphone accommodated in a holder at the top of the windscreen. The driver can see what is happening on the road behind with the help of an integrated video camera. The smartphone also serves as a media source and controls the projector.
Stowage compartments to the left and right of the high-quality cargo area fitted with aluminium rails offer additional stowage space. Electric drive – driving fun with zero local emissions The electric drive of the smart forstars is based on the innovative drive concept of the smart fortwo BRABUS electric drive. With 135 Newton metres of torque it boasts powerful, lag-free acceleration and can overtake other vehicles with the greatest of ease. The vehicle has a top speed of more than 130 km/h and the lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 17.6 kWh.
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Small cars: only the smart fortwo protects against lifethreatening injuries – Stuttgart: Sep 19 2012 When a small car collides with a larger one, the smaller vehicle draws the short straw. This is confirmed by the latest ADAC crash test. With one exception: in this David-and-Goliath clash the smart fortwo was the only small car able to prevent life-threatening injuries to the driver from severe trauma to the chest. The standard EuroNCAP crash test simulates a frontal collision with a vehicle of the same weight. In contrast, for the first time the ADAC had four smaller models crash into a barrier vehicle equivalent to a lower-end mid-sized car. Further, in this first compatibility crash test the unequally matched parties to the accident collided with an offset of 50 percent. This is because, according to the ADAC, in an accident it is usually vehicles of different weights that collide, usually with a degree of lateral offset. The horrifying outcome of the crash test is that life-threatening injuries in the chest region are commonplace in smaller vehicles. Only the smart fortwo protected its driver from such injuries – despite being the smallest and lightest vehicle in the test. The smart fortwo owes its good crash test result to an innovative construction based on examinations of actual accident scenarios conducted by Mercedes-Benz Cars as opposed to focusing solely on the requirements of EU and American laws. Collisions with other vehicles in different constellations were therefore also taken into account during the development phase of the smart fortwo. Because the constructional crash-safety provisions and restraint systems of all vehicles of Mercedes-Benz Cars satisfy such strict, internal standards that in part go way beyond the statutory requirements, they have also proved themselves in everyday practice. The same goes for the smart fortwo. However, it is not only the smart fortwo driver who benefits: due to its low weight it has little impact on the other vehicle involved in the accident and causes a minimum of damage. The result of the latest ADAC crash test was summed up by the popular German newspaper “Bild�: “Only the smart is truly smart. �More and more buyers agree with this opinion.
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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 per 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.
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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 Š thesmartclub 2012 and global Daimler media Š 2012 Daimler AG. All rights reserved. The submit button Š Kiankhoon, email image Š Tomislav Stajduhar, party people image Poznyakov, girl writing Š 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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The 2012 London to Athens International Endurance Rally 21 countries, 12 days I our smart Roadster beats the Big Boys! 1st Overall, 1st in Class, 1st Team As many of our Readers and Members will know, thesmartclub has run its International Endurance Rally smart Roadster for many years now and, following its inaugural success in the Monte Carlo Rally st rd back in 2005 (where we achieved a 1 in class and impressive 3 overall), the car has been modified and tweaked over the intervening period. During that time it has successfully completed a number of international Endurance Rallies and two, six-hour endurance races at Mallory Park circuit in the UK. This year, the Guild of Motor Endurance had created a monster of an event I. London to Athens, covering 21 countries in 12 days. Better still, having arrived in Athens, the route actually continued up the coast and actually finished in a small northern Italian town on day 12. This event was going to be tough on car and crew I and our wee smart Roadster was up against the some tough competition including Jaguar, Lotus, Porsche and Caterham. And so it was that over a period of around six months, our Roadster was prepared as best we could for the event and that included a less than subtle change from our old red panels and black tridion of the Roadster, over to a complete body wrap in our corporate orange. OK it may not make the car any quicker but it certainly changed the looks of the car and the team at Totally Dynamic in Leeds did an amazing job wrapping the car in a very short space of time prior to the event that was scheduled to start at Ace CafĂŠ, London on st September 1 . The bulk of mechanical, safety and electrical preparations that were carried out in Edinburgh (with testing and final diagnostics carried out by the team at smart of Edinburgh) ensured that the car was as ready as it could be for an endurance event rather than an ‘out and out sprint race’ as the ultimate objective was to make it to the finish. Next objective if we did that was to achieve a top 10 finish if at all possible. With all such endurance events, it’s not until the co-driver is presented with the Roadbook (consisting of hundreds of pages of ‘tulip’ diagrams), that one has any indication where the route may take us. st The start of this 12 day extravaganza was at 7pm on the evening of 1 September at Ace CafĂŠ and there was consensus amongst the competitors and crew that the event would see us on a short few nd stages down to Dover with an overnight halt followed by an early start on the morning of 2 September after a good night’s sleep. How wrong we wereI We were car Number 2 and as such, scheduled to depart the start at 19:02hrs. Having received the roadbook, Fiona who was co-driving, realised that we seemed to be heading south rather than south east and the stages seemed to continue through France without much of a break. Indeed, this was where the Endurance aspect of the event had already started. The route (that promised to avoid ALL motorways during the 12 days) took us through the busy London traffic to head down via timed competitive sections to the ferry port of Newhaven where we would catch the 23:00hr ferry for the four hour overnight crossing to Dieppe, France. All crews made it to the ferry terminal safely, if somewhat tired, and we made the most of grabbing what sleep we could on the crossing, firmly aware that we had a full day’s driving ahead of us the next day. At 04:00hrs French time, we arrived Dieppe and were ready to start Day 2 of the rally.
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Day 2 : Dieppe, France to Arnhem, Netherlands – 573.6km The first full competitive day took us through some beautiful roads around the north of France before entering Belgium and then pushing up into the Netherlands to arrive in Arnhem, Netherlands. Although somewhat weary, there was agreement amongst the crews competing that the route and stages had been good, target times were achievable and the overall mood was good if somewhat exhausted. That night, the organisers had checked us into a superb hotel in Arnhem that ensured both cars and crew rested properly before starting at 08:00hrs the next morning for Day 3.
Day 3 : Arnhem, Netherlands to Madgeburg, Germany – 555.5km
Our start time 0f 08:02hrs from Arnhem saw a fairly clear set of stages that took us through the beautiful roads through northern Germany, heading virtually due East all day with a final destination of Madgeburg. The car had been performing well and yet all along, the organisers were advising us that this really was a gentle introduction and the event would become tougher each day.
Day 4: Madgeburg, Germany to Klodzko, Poland – 650.6km Another early 08:02hrs start and we were off heading from the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin before heading south east into Poland. We’d been advised that the road conditions in Poland were somewhat worse than Germany and such warnings were well founded and whilst it did mean that there was a certain amount of caution exercised over some of the bumps and potholes, overall the pace was good although the timing and road conditions meant that meeting the target times was becoming more challenging! That said, by end Day 4, the majority of the field was still competing and our Roadster was continuing to run perfectly. Equally, there was no doubt that the stages and the route were becoming more challenging and the target times equally challenging. One of the additional challenges that competitors were facing was the limited time at the end of each day to service their cars and repair any damage encountered during the preceding day – this was adding to the ‘endurance’ aspect of the overall event. A good night’s rest in Poland was much appreciated prior to us setting of on Day 5.
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Day 5: Klodzko, Poland to Budapest, Hungary – 623.8km We all knew this was going to be a long day and, at 08:02hrs we set off from the start at Klodzko, Poland to head south to the Czech republic before crossing the border into Slovenia for a final overnight halt in Budapest, Hungary. The day started well and once in the Czech republic, with improved road conditions, we managed to grab back some time lost on the initial Polish roads. However, not long into the morning we overshot a junction and slid backwards into a (somewhat hidden) ditch. We were ‘beached’ with the nose of the Roadster in the air and some bodywork damage sustained to the offside skirt and rear panels. Ironically, there were no spectators or members of the public available and that would have been us stuck for some time had it not been for one of the Lotus competitors making the same ‘overshoot’ mistake. The ethos about the event is that teams help each other when at all possible and fortunately, the Lotus crew stopped and helped push our car out the ditch and back into the competition – we are most grateful! After a not inconsiderable amount of ‘duck tape’ at the lunch halt, the car was ‘good to go’ and we set off for the afternoon stages through Slovakia and into Budapest that evening. As it was, entering the buzzing Budapest metropolis during the never ending rush hour on the six lane city bypass and trying to find the finish Hotel was a challenge for virtually all competitors. The Organisers recognised this fact and waived the target times for the last stage of the day. A long day but still successful, keeping us in the Top 5. Day 6: Budapest, Hungary to Vestem, Romania – 601.5km Leaving Budapest we headed south east to meet and cross the border into Romania. Some amazing roads and beautiful scenery throughout Romania although the challenge of meeting donkey drawn carts on various sections of the road did make it somewhat interesting and challenging – that said, irrespective what village we passed through, every local villager was out in the street waving and cheering the competitors as they passed. It was a wonderful welcome to this country. Day 7: Vestem, Romania to Calafat, Romania – 553,8k Unusually, this day’s competition kept us within the one country’s borders sticking wit the Romanian roads. As we headed further south to the border town of Calafat, the road conditions deteriorated slightly and we suffered slight damage to a wheel rim although no punctures. It made some of the stage times challenging to achieve without dropping time but this was offset by the warm welcome we received from all Romanian villagers and spectators en route. The car was still performing superbly and whilst we would drop time against the ‘big boys’ on some of the long straight sections, the superb setup and handling of our smart Roadster ensured that we would not only catch, but at times, overtake our fellow competitors on the twisty mountain sections – some of these sections were scary with sheer drops, no road markings and no fences or walls I total faith in co driver and car was required at all times!
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thesmartclub ltd since 2000
Day 8: Budapest, Hungary to Akritochen, Greece–561.0km This was an early 07:02hrs start as we had to cross the River Danube to enter Bulgaria for the first stages of the day. Ironically, despite having to purchase a ‘vignette’ (i.e. paying a fee to drive on the Bulgarian roads) the roads really were tough with potholes, ditches and cutouts in concrete and tarmac throughout the entire duration of the time in Bulgaria. The result from our perspective by the end of the day was four damaged wheels, a damaged steering rack and a puncture. Indeed, Bulgaria was really taking its toll on a number of competitors and whilst we had stopped to assist a Ginetta with electrical problems, fellow competitors also stopped to assist us when we had our puncture – this represented the true spirit of the event although it was unbelievably punishing on the cars. It was with a huge amount of relief that we finally crossed the border into Greece to travel the short distance to the finish hotel for an overnight halt.
Day 9: Akritochen, Greece to Florina, Greece – 610.5km A beautiful morning greeted us as we started Day 9 which, like Romania, would keep us within a country’s borders for the duration of the day. There were some stunning stages on superb smooth, fast roads with equally amazing scenery. One of the highlights was two timed sections up and then down Mount Olympus with a control at the summit. This was a run for the brave given the target times involved but yet again, our wee smart Roadster stuck to the mountain roads like glue and the braking system suffered absolutely no brake fade coming down through the tortuous bends. Elsewhere in the field however, there were a couple of serious accidents involving a Lotus Elise and a Sylva Striker. Whilst occupants of all vehicles involved escaped without major injury, the event Organisers decided that the competitive, timed element of this Rally would stop at the end of Day 9 in Florina with the remaining days to the formal finish in Italy being on a non timed basis through the prescribed route. Official results based on competition to the end of Day 9would be announced at the awards ceremony in Italy. Day 10: Florina, Greece to Knjazevac Park, Montenegro – 610.5km With the pressure of competitive timed stages removed but still with the challenge of completing the route to the finish in Italy, the remaining competitors started off crossing the border from Greece to head into Macedonia (FYROM) before regrouping to cross the border for the 3 hour drive across southern Kosovo. En route through Kosovo, we had agreed a ‘buddy system’ thus ensuring that no car would travel solo and half way through Kosovo, the Morgan we were shadowing suffered a front nearside puncture in the centre of a Kosovan town. Superbly, within minutes, over 30 Kosovans had gathered to help us, chat, take pictures and one kind local even popped into his shop and reappeared with a 17mm socket to assist the Morgan crew! Then, having crossed the Kosovan border there was a 10km crossing of ‘no mans land’ prior to entering Montenegro for the final run to the finish hotel that night.
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‘4site’ : Issue 23
2012
thesmartclub ltd since 2000
Day 11: Knjazevac Park, Montenegro to Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina – 465.0 km Departing again at 08:02 we travelled north out of Montenegro and crossed the border into Serbia for a short drive up to the next border into Bosnia. The scenery was stunning and road conditions improving meaning that, although not subject to any prospective time penalties, cars and crews could still reach the end of each stage within the original times set and as such, arrive at the finish venue prior to sunset. The finish in Bosnia was high in the mountains at a ski resort near the village of Travnik – a series of wooden chalets awaited the competitors as did a group of local Bosnians who immediately invited us to join them at their BBQ for some chicken and beer. Although the temptation was to stay around the fire with food and great company, the focus has to be on checking the cars in the time available prior to the Event’s final day of driving up to the finish in Italy. The time we had in hand allowed some precision engineering with a mallet and crowbar to be carried out on one of the wheels reshaping it into a more circular state and as such, hopefully minimising the risk of further punctures. Day 12: Knjazevac Park, Montenegro to Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina – 465.0 km Although the last day in the Rally, it was by no means the shortest nor the easiest. An early start saw us leaving the ski resort to continue north west through the mountains and into Croatia. Alas, there was no time to visit the beautiful Croation coast but instead, it was back into the mountains and across the border into Slovenia and around the city of Ljubljana. Of course, this would normally route one straight to the Italian border but the Organisers route pulled competitors north into Austria and through an amazing mountain pass with some tortuous angles of descent – by now it was dark, cold, wet and thick fog that made the prospect of arriving at the finish venue in Italy all the more appealing. And so, shortly after crossing from Austria into Italy we headed for the finish Hotel just outside Tarviso in the northern part of the country. We had made it. An amazing journey, not without its challenges but importantly, our small smart Roadster had performed flawlessly as did Fiona’s navigational skills. Although we were outperformed on the long straight sections by the more powerful competitors, we worked the Roadster hard for an average of 10 hours driving per day for the 12 days and the car never coughed once. It was a testament to the build and preparation of the car and the overall reliability and build quality of the original smart Roadster itself. Whilst years of development have been spent on the car safety systems, suspension, brakes and internal systems (electronics, seats, roll cage etc) the transmission and engine are standard. This is the same engine and gearbox that has competed in all the Endurance Rallies to date and the two six hour endurances races in previous years. With the focus on reliability and getting to the finish of this event, all after-market engine mapping had been removed meaning we were running a conventional 80bhp setup! The Awards Dinner that night saw us presented with the Awards for completing the event, for being st st 1 in Class (up to 1000cc), for being part of the 1 Team (Team Gorilla) and, most importantly, for st achieving a 1 Overall win. Our thanks go smart of Edinburgh for their work prior to this event, Visirun systems for their satellite data transmission and GPS facilities, Totally Dynamic (Leeds) for the panel wrap, Simtek Motorsport, Optigear and to Tony Williams of thesmartclub and The smart Racing Club’s Events team for constantly updating the online and social media sites throughout the event in relation to our progress. A full PDF document detailing the route is available on request from thesmartclub.
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 23
2012
thesmartclub ltd since 2000
In the next issue of 4site Magazine, we’ll be covering the final two rounds of the 4two cup series from Donington Park and Brands Hatch. In addition, we’ll have a review of the 24 hour race at Spa Francorchamps, Belgium th th that took place 26 and 28 October – this event, normally only open to the racing 2CVs (!) was opened up to permit a small number of the 4two cup smart fortwos to compete. Plus, as well as featuring Members of thesmartclub and their cars, we’ll have a dedicated section covering at least one of the 4two cup cars and its driver to give you an idea of what it’s like to drive, own and compete in a 4two cup race. If you already own a race car and wish to be considered for inclusion, simply email admin@thesmartclub.com for full details or see Page 24 for further contact details.
www.thesmartclub.com
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2012
thesmartclub ltd since 2000
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 23
2012
thesmartclub ltd since 2000
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 23
2012