Called the Forus, a name chosen to indicate its suitability for the pickup-loving U.S. market, the electric-powered, two-seater was conceived as part of plans to extend the scope of the Smart lineup. The US sales of Smart have dropped 16 percent to 4,498 units this year through November in an overall light vehicle market that has climbed 10 percent.
Employing styling cues established on the smaller Smart Forvision concept revealed in September at the Frankfurt motor show, the Forus uses an electrically powered cargo tray that extends by 11 inches at the rear to ease loading.
Traditional Smart elements include largely unadorned body panels and a two-tone color scheme. There's also a break from the brand's tradition, with borderline rugged elements to play up the pickup demeanor. There is a basic layout with a 35.4-inch long cargo tray inside with an integrated docking station. It will be used on the concept car bound for Detroit to provide electrical energy to two Smart e-bikes.
At 139.7 inches in length, 59.3 inches in width and 66.0 inches in height, the Forus is substantially longer and higher than the existing Fortwo.
It also rides on a wheelbase that was extended by 24.1 inches over that of Smart's signature two-seat city car at 97.6 inches, while the tracks were pushed out by two inches both front and rear, at 52.6 inches and 56.5 inches, respectively.
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