Smart's Forvision Conceptualizes the Next-Generation of the Fortwo

[quirky1 1]

Smart's Forvision Conceptualizes the Next-Generation of the Fortwo

Daimler's Smart unit will be represented at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September by a new concept study named Forvision that does two things for the brand: it previews the new design direction for the Fortwo and it hints at the technology being readied for the firm's future models.

The Forvision is Smart's second concept model after the sportier, roofless Forspeed that debuted in Geneva this past March to feature the brand's new styling language that brings the original Fortwo's design into the 21st century.

Smart worked together with BASF, the world's largest chemical company, for the development of several advanced technologies used on the Forvision.

Among other highlights are the revolutionary plastic wheels that each weigh about 3kg (6.6 pounds) less than an aluminum rim, and the carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy resin used in the construction of the passenger compartment and the doors, which weight savings of up to 50 percent compared to steel and 30 percent compared to aluminum.

The concept model features an electric drivetrain, with the solar roof providing additional energy to feed the battery.

So, when will see the actual, production version of third generation of the Fortwo? The German automaker is expected to roll out the new model sometime next year.

It will be based on a new rear-wheel drive platform architecture that has been developed in cooperation with the Nissan-Renault Alliance and, according to a joint statement made last year, it will also be used on the next Renault Twingo.

[Photo gallery available in article]

[joe_supreme 0]

Looking good.

I found these pictures on Czech website.

Just keep clicking on arrow to enjoy them.

Cheers to all my friends.

Joe

http://www.auto.cz/smart-forvision-61307/f...d=4e5f3af2325fa

[joe_supreme 0]

I feel like a donkey for not opening link in quirky's post.Well for those of you who don't remember Dr. Alzheimer's first name,here is my warning.That's how it starts!!Now you know why I feel like a donkey.Keep smiling. We have "survived" our first winter in Portugal without FROST, ICE or SNOW.Not once under zero C.Joe

[Leadwing 565]

For those of you who don't remember Dr. Alzheimer's first nameKeep smiling.

Dr. Alzheimer's first name was Alois.

[Francesco 71]

This concept is downright groovy! It reminds me of the far-out Detroit concepts from the 60s! Big thumbs-up to the creative team at smart for thinking WAY outside the box.

[MikeT 744]

Yes I like it too. Very nice.

[spdrcln 0]

I love it :-) ....my wife doesn't. I think it is exactly what is needed in a smart redesign, it looks like a smart but seems like aerodynamics might actually have been a concern this time! I bet 100mpg US would be easy to get with just the old diesel engine in it.

[Francesco 71]

Yeah, but it's not meant to represent a real car; very few concepts make it to the dealership floor virtually unchanged. I can only think of one or two, and they are expensive sports cars. How does that honeycomb design on the roof have any sort of solar capability? It's just designers being let loose, and it is fun. The fact that this study instantly screams, "smart fortwo!" is a very good thing. It means that a future fortwo won't be a clone of something else à la Aygo/C1/107. Hell even the MINIs don't look like a MINI anymore. Talk about fuggly!

I do have one puzzler WRT this concept. Why does it need a key? Notice the extraneous black thing on the console... a key? You can get push-button start and keyless entry on Korean econoboxen nowadays, why would such a far-out design include a key?

[Huronlad 186]

The Gizmag article talks more about the roof.

I really like sparse interior, the plastic wheels and the design of the seats. A small, keyless fob and push button start would be a good replacement for the giant smart key/fob.

[MikeT 744]

I'd rather see the handsfree system that our 2006 Renault Scénic had. That was cool. No fob, just a card that opens the doors upon touch. Merc calls it "Keyless Go" and charges an arm and a leg for it.....

[brd 35]

Overall it looks great.Maybe its just the angle of the pictures but it appears to me that there is less storage space in the trunk which would not be good.I don't care too much for the stubby front snout and the door sculpting but if they both improve the aerodynamics then great!I would guess that the solar panel roof is only for the electric powertrain model and not the gas & diesel versions but perhaps they will retain that look [but not the functionality] for the latter two.

[spdrcln 0]

Yeah, clearly it's not going to be exactly like the concept, but I think the slightly raked back windshield alone would be a huge improvement. Though at least some of the car's safety comes from the roundness of the cage...hopefully it's no less safe. Plus I need to see the cabriolet :-)

[quirky1 1]

I would guess that the solar panel roof is only for the electric powertrain model and not the gas & diesel versions...

A solar roof would have benefits for a non-electric vehicle as well. According to information on this car2go page:

One of the ways car2go is reducing fuel consumption and emissions is through the use of solar cells on the roof of all its car share vehicles. With power of 100 Watt, it is the most powerful solar roof to be fitted as standard in a car, and it is fully integrated in the on-board electrics. The solar energy produced in this way is used to supply power to the telematics, and also to continually charge the car's battery. This allows the alternator to be decoupled while driving and the fuel consumption can be reduced. In addition, if the vehicle is parked in the sun, solar energy is used to power the ventilation system, which can reduce the temperature in the interior. This not only adds to the comfort when a customer gets into the car in summer, but also reduces the burden on the environment, because the air-conditioning system needs to expend considerably less energy to cool the car down, thus reducing fuel consumption.

[quirky1 1]

The car that runs itself

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 7:55

Smart is making a prediction about the direction of transport development in cities around the world.

Smart is not just thinking about improved aerodynamics and efficient engines. It has also joined with chemicals giant BASF in the use of forward-looking vehicle technologies. Their joint concept vehicle, Smart forvision, will be presented at the 2011 International Motor Show in Frankfurt.

Head of Smart Annette Winkler said:"With the forvision smart is doing justice to its role as Daimler's think tank for urban mobility. We are presenting numerous world premieres that make uncompromising electric mobility possible. With the clear objective of greatly increasing the zero-emission range we concerned ourselves with all factors that influence this on the vehicle.

"This resulted in completely new concepts and materials in the areas of insulation, reflection, lightweight design and energy management. In addition to transparent organic solar cells, transparent and energy-saving light-emitting diodes and infrared-reflective films and coatings, high-performance foams are used for insulation against cold and heat. smart is also setting new standards of lightweight design with the use of the first all-plastic wheels."

"In conjunction with smart's revolutionary DNA, we have designed a vehicle that is so unique that we can't wait to take it out of the research laboratory and onto the roads."

BASF Polymer Research boss Christian Fischer said: "Cars of the future need materials and technologies which reduce energy consumption whilst also increasing the range and level of comfort. Our innovations make a decisive contribution to this. We are proud to have developed a holistic concept for sustainable urban mobility in cooperation with smart. Together we are presenting a pioneering vehicle which is without parallel."

The combination of Smart's automotive expertise and BASF's material and system experience has created a vehicle for sustainable and holistic electric mobility of the future. Some of the materials used in the vehicle are still at a laboratory stage, while others have a realistic chance of entering series production.

Light and energy from above

Hexagonal transparent areas on the roof of the Smart forvision are an eye-catching feature – as the first light-transmitting roof that also generates energy. Transparent solar cells cover the entire roof surface. They are based on organic dyes embedded in a sandwich roof.

The transparent dyes of the solar cells are light-activated. Even in diffused light and poor light conditions they generate enough energy to power the multimedia components and the three fans that assist with climate management in the cabin.

If the vehicle is standing in the sun the ventilation is permanently operated with the help of these solar cells, keeping the car cool. This new photovoltaic technology opens up further efficiency potential and the energy generated can be used for further applications in the car.

There is an additional new feature under the solar cells: transparent OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) illuminate the vehicle interior when the door is opened or a button pressed. When switched off they allow for a clear view outside. This results in a glass roof effect during the daytime, whilst the areas are pleasantly illuminated without any dazzle at night. Thanks to a free choice of colours the new OLEDs do not only offer more design freedom, they also consume half as much energy as conventional energy-saving lamps.

Design: different, better, stylish

A world first in the Smart forvision leads to a considerable weight reduction and a unique design: the first all-plastic wheel suitable for high-volume production. In its current development status, the wheel developed by BASF from a new high-performance material results in a considerable weight saving of three kilograms per wheel.

Unlike conventional polyamide composite materials this new plastic has long reinforcing fibres which improve its mechanical properties. The result: excellent thermal and chemical stability, dynamic strength, toughness and good continuous operating characteristics. First intensive product tests at smart show the performance capability of the all-plastic wheel and confirm the potential for possible use in production vehicles.

In addition to the passenger cell, further components such as the doors are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin – a high-performance composite material. The use of such materials enables a weight saving of more than 50 percent to be achieved compared with steel, or 30 percent compared with aluminium. Thanks to short hardening times the resin systems from BASF are also suitable for producing larger volumes.

Efficient heating

The multifunctional, comfortable and lightweight seats in the smart forvision offer a unique combination of efficient temperature management and an energy-saving lightweight design. Here, several innovative products are combined with one another for the first time. A new, lightweight, self-supporting plastic seat shell forms the basis.

Numerous studies have shown that the body only absorbs heat efficiently through certain contact points. This is why "e-textiles" – thin fabrics with custom-tailored conductive coatings – replace conventional seat heating in the smart forvision. With direct heating close to the body in the middle and lower back area of the seats they provide for a pleasant feeling of warmth. The energy, space and weight-saving e-textile technology is also found in the armrests of the doors and ensures that body contact points sensitive to the cold are also warmed in this area.

The innovations continue with the seat foam, which provides for both comfort and weight savings. The material from BASF is around 10 to 20 percent lighter than other materials and enables different degrees of hardness to be realised in different areas of the upholstery in a single work operation – resulting in clear ergonomic advantages.

Superabsorbent containing fleece fabric integrated in the seat greatly enhances seating comfort through its passive climate control. Compared with conventional climate-controlled seats the lightweight seat in the smart forvision does not have the complexity and energy requirement of mechanical ventilation.

Heat stays outside

As a large amount of energy is needed to air condition and heat a vehicle, temperature management was a key focus area for the Smart and BASF researchers. A whole package of measures has been implemented in the Smart forvision to ensure more efficient air conditioning of the vehicle.

At the same time they make energy-intensive heating of the whole interior uneccessary.

A heat shield that has not been previously used for automotive applications consists of a new kind of infrared-reflective film from BASF applied in the windscreen and side windows, protecting the car interior from heating up. Integrated between the panes of the safety glass the metal-free film ensures that the infrared rays are effectively reflected.

Thanks to its high transparency in the visible range it can also be applied to tinted windows and guarantees an unprecedented level of reflection of sunlight and heat. Unlike metallized films, which are already used in some vehicles, the new film reflects only the infrared rays of the sun. Radio waves needed to use GPS, Bluetooth, mobile phones or for toll collection pass through the glass unhindered.

The high-performance foams from BASF fitted in the bodypanels also provide for a pleasant climate inside the car. They keep the vehicle pleasantly cool in summer and also insulate it against the cold in winter. Thanks to their high efficiency even in a small width, they can be fitted everywhere in the vehicle. With this innovative insulation system in the smart forvision, the two companies are breaking new ground in the automotive sector.

Cool coatings – cool interior

The infrared-reflective and extremely scratch-resistant coating system covers two important aspects at once. Firstly, it supports the extensive temperature management system and, secondly, the brilliant and high-quality look of the coating underlines the unique design of the Smart forvision.

The concept vehicle features a white special-effect coating with glass flakes that create a gleaming metallic look. An important side effect: the colour white reflects heat rays from sun and light particularly well. But even surfaces coated with dark colours stay much cooler thanks to special colour pigments from BASF. They ensure that heat radiation is reflected rather than absorbed. This leads to a temperature reduction of up to 20 degrees Celsius on the paint surface and of up to approximately four degrees in the vehicle interior.

Trendsetter

Painted in pearl white and accentuated by the tridion safety cell coated with a copper-coloured liquid metal paint, there is a deliberate connection between the basic structure of the Smart forvision and the design of the Smart fortwo. Trendy yet high quality – the aluminium flakes in the liquid metal paintwork create a reflecting surface on the safety cell, changing between light and dark depending on the viewer's perspective. Both the panels and the cell of the smart forvision are additionally painted with an extremely scratch-resistant clear coat.

The faceted side doors with integrated door openers are a real eye-catcher. Here, plastic is presented in a new, expressive and three-dimensional form; a reinterpretation that is only possible at smart thanks to the consistent use of plastic. The precise facets give the area stability and enable a smaller material thickness to be used. Optimal use is made of the possibilities offered by plastic as a material. In contrast, the front and rear have a softer design with smooth transitions from the doors. Just as the integrated door handle does not need an additional component, the familiar smart air inlet is represented by small hexagons located right on the outer skin.

The jet-like rear lights are reminiscent of small aircraft turbines and give the rear a futuristic and sporty look. Inside the lights, small propellers convey the air from the inside to the outside. In addition to all the light functions needed, transparent stacks in the form of rings around the lights also show the charge status of the battery during charging.

The headlamps are emphasised by a ring comprising the daytime driving lights and indicator functions. The lights add to the likeable expression of the smart forvision.

Open to the future

With a mix of polygonal surfaces and organic shapes the interior of the Smart forvision builds a bridge to the architectural design handwriting of the exterior. This also applies to the colour concept: a cool white dominates in the interior as well, accentuated by the inner part of the instrument panel in liquid copper. Hexagons in the form of white rubber nubs on a white floor are a reference to the design idiom of the overall vehicle, as is the tone-in-tone design of the seat upholstery.

The faceted surface of the side doors is also found on their inside. The polygonal surfaces with integrated armrests and stowage compartments curve into the interior. They are painted in the body colour and feature coloured LEDs. These guide the driver with a light animation running from the outside to the inside when the door is opened and closed. After closing the door the animation changes to unobtrusive ambient lighting.

The elliptical user interface with a copper coloured frame – matching the lightweight tridion – is semi-transparent when switched off. When the vehicle is switched on all cockpit information is then projected onto the transparent surface. The driver uses a touchscreen to switch between operating menus.

The white steering wheel that is reminiscent of an aircraft yoke additionally gives the cockpit a futuristic look. As well as function buttons the LED display for the battery charge status is found here.

Forward-looking technologies

The Smart forvision not only shows that electric mobility can make emission-free driving possible. At the same time, it paves the way for new technologies in the automotive sector. Many of these innovations are based on nano technology, the key to the development of sustainable solutions. Nano materials serve as drivers of innovation in the automotive industry, as they do in the fields of construction, energy, healthcare and electronics.

The total of all technologies integrated in the concept vehicle make a perceptible contribution to increasing the range. This is always at the centre of discussions relating to battery-electric driven vehicles. With maximum energy efficiency, intelligent temperature management and consistent lightweight construction it is possible to increase the range by up to 20 percent.

[brd 35]

The car that runs itself

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 7:55

Smart is making a prediction about the direction of transport development in cities around the world.

That is a really interesting article. As they sound like they are likely very expensive, I wonder how much of these new materials will end up in the 3rd generation smart/Renault that is suppose to come to market in the next year or two.

[smartzuuk 167]

These threads with no pctures......!!!

[Derrick 0]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuwyAiCq-RI/Tl7d...Forvision-1.jpg

Hopefully this might give you an image

[quirky1 1]

These threads with no pctures......!!!

Photos are available in the linked articles. Edited October 13, 2011 by quirky1

[quirky1 1]

There is a video presentation of the smart forvision in the Canadian smart site. There's a direct link on the front page or look under Information & service. Navigation of the presentation is unconventional.