The Sandcastle smart: next ForTwo Revealed
ForTwo Photos
Bigger, But Will That Be Enough?
Over the years, weve seen some pretty interesting ways that manufacturers have dropped hints on forthcoming production vehicles. Aside from the usual near-production concept car (prototype) that were seeing more and more of, theres always product placement in films, special teaser showcase micro websites, and intentional slip-ups releasing key images or information. Well, DaimlerChryslers smart brand might have just come up with the most interesting one to date: a sand sculpture.
The future of smart rests solely on the forthcoming fortwo. At one point in time, smart was a multi-car brand, with the fourfor subcompact car, the funky junior sports car, the Roadster, and the original fortwo, but has since fallen upon hard times due to faltering sales and an inability to turn a profit. Since its launch nearly a decade ago, and with three-quarters of a million units produced, the fortwo has been the defining vehicle for smart, given its unique shape, design and novel size. At the same time, the fortwo seems to know no borders, as this distinctively European piece of engineering was green-lighted for sale in Canada back in 2005, and will be arriving here in the U.S. shortly.
But back to the matter at hand: DaimlerChryslers sneak-peak at the upcoming fortwo came at the German Volleyball Championships in Timmendorf, Germany this past weekend. The sculpture that was built over the course of five days by three-time sand sculpture world champion Pavel Zasanyok might look a tad small for a regular automobile, but the sand fortwo is a life-size representation of the next urban citycar.
From what we understand, the next fortwo will still be the smallest mass-produced vehicle on the road, although it is substantially larger than the current car to make it more practical and safe. Much of the first cars shape as been preserved, although, to be honest, it would be hard to make a vehicle with such a great number of capabilities look different. It is easy to notice the single-unit headlamps, the new fascias, a new front grille, and a more angular approach to some of the styling, such as the Tridion safety cell, as well as the artistic swoosh / rub-strip that goes across the side doors.
Anders Sundt Jensen, director of marketing and sales says “smart is always smart and this is why we have chosen the beach at Timmendorf to offer a first “glimpse” of our new car. Of course, we will be officially presenting the new smart made of its original materials to the world public later in the year. Timmendorf, however, where the whole beach volleyball fan community gathers this weekend, is the perfect place to make a statement that people will remember and to create a further sensation in addition to the results of the games. In the past few years our sponsoring activities have received a very positive response from the beach volleyball community and this is our way of saying thank you”.
The new fortwo is slated to make its formal debut in April, 2007.
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