Electric SUV is fresh start for Smart New #1 has been created by Geely and Mercedes; gets 268bhp and 273-mile range
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he reinvention of 28-yearold Smart as a style-led electric mobility brand is officially under way, with the production version of the #1 (pronounced ‘hashtag one’) arriving to challenge a host of electric compact crossovers. This is the first new Smart car since Chinese group Geely became a 50% stakeholder, taking half of the company from Mercedes-Benz in 2019. It is also the first all-new car to wear a Smart badge since 2014 and described by the firm’s European CEO, Dirk Adelmann, as “the nucleus of all things to come”. The #1 is positioned as a premium-oriented crossover with dimensions and technical figures that line it up as a rival to the Renault Mégane E-Tech and Kia Niro EV. Importantly, however, Smart emphasises that a focus on maximising interior space results in a cabin comparable in size to that of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It’s the first Europe-bound EV to use Geely’s new EVspecific SEA architecture, which was initially deployed on the Chinese-market Zeekr 001 shooting brake and will soon provide the basis for an entry-level electric SUV from Volvo.
The German and Chinese firms sharing management of the Smart brand have already outlined their respective responsibilities: Geely will supply the fundamental architectures and Mercedes will take care of design.
The #1 is driven by a single motor on the rear axle supplying 268bhp and 253lb ft of torque, which send the 1820kg EV from 0-62mph in 6.7sec and on to 112mph. Autocar understands Smart bosses are also evaluating the
viability of a twin-motor layout. Certainly, the #1’s yet-tobe-homologated efficiency and range figures stack up agreeably against those of its competitors. Energy is stored in a 66kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt
battery pack that’s good for a maximum range of 273 miles, while 150kW rapid-charging capacity means a 10-80% top-up can be completed in less than half an hour. Smart’s focus on maximising range is evident in a design that
OFFICIAL PICTURES
Design language is all new; kick-up is nod to old safety cell
DeLorean name returns on American electric supercar THE STORIED DeLorean name is returning for a futuristic American electric supercar, which will take a completely
different design approach to the DMC-12 sports coupé of 1981-1982. Now confirmed for an
EV will look futuristic but reference DMC-12
unveiling on 18 August ahead of a debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance three days later, the DeLorean
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EVolved, as it is currently known, will be a highly modern proposition with what look to be only subtle nods to its famous namesake. Previews released by its creator hint at a rear end clearly designed with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency: the rear deck is tapered and houses louvres for directing airflow, the rear arches extend dramatically from the side of the car and there looks to be an extendable rear wing housed above the full-width light bar. Beyond that, Texas-based
MERCEDES SL GAINS 375BHP FOUR
ASTRA SIGNS OFF AT ELLESMERE PORT
The Mercedes SL is available with a four-cylinder engine for the first time since 1955. The new AMG SL 43 gets 375bhp, 354lb ft and a 0-62mph time of 4.9sec from a version of the 2.0-litre turbo unit that’s destined for the next C63.
The final British-built Vauxhall Astra has rolled off the line at Ellesmere Port, ending 60 years of combustion car production at the plant. Stellantis will now repurpose the site to build electric vans and MPVs for Citroën, Opel, Peugeot and Vauxhall.
16 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 13 APRIL 2022
DeLorean hasn’t given any more clues as to the design of its first new model since obtaining the rights to the defunct marque, beyond earlier confirming it will have gullwing doors and a light-up V-shape motif across the front. It has also yet to confirm the supercar’s production name, saving this for its unveiling. DeLorean previously suggested that the new car will place more of a focus on luxury than did the original DMC. Design house Italdesign,
