Smart car returns as Concept #2

Smart has reinvented its iconic two-seater city car with the Concept #2.

The original Fortwo was first revealed in 1998 and went on to become a familiar sight around towns and cities. Its compact proportions made it easy to park in busy areas, and its short length meant, famously, that it could be parked nose-in to a traditional parking bay at the side of the road.

Now, the Fortwo has returned as the new Concept #2. An electric car, the Concept #2 measures in at just over 2.7 metres long, only slightly longer than the final generation of Fortwo which came in at 2.69 metres. Smart says that the Concept #2 also gets a very tight turning circle for help with city driving.

The new concept comes accompanied by a claimed range of up to 186 miles, while DC charging will allow for a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in under 20 minutes. Smart says that the #2 will also get vehicle-to-load technology, allowing external domestic devices to be powered by the car’s onboard electricity supply.

Wolfgang Ufer, CEO smart Europe, said: “For me personally, it is a very special moment to present the smart Concept #2 as the first concrete outlook on the reinvention of our iconic two-seater.”

On the outside, the #2 gets a very similar look to the original Fortwo, with bubble-like headlights and wheels which are pushed right to the corners of the car to maximise interior space. Intricate headlights are matched to upright daytime running lights at the lower half of the front bumper. The roof is also given a contrast colour, so it appears to ‘float’ above the rest of the car.

For now, Smart has yet to reveal any images of the #2’s interior, though it should be visible when a production-ready model is showcased at the Paris Motor Show this October.