A sole prototype of the 2016 smart fortwo cabrio has been spotted undergoing tests prior to its (possible) world debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Its Renault Twingo-based, fixed-roof sibling along with the larger smart forfour model were introduced last year.
With the prototype sporting minimal camouflage, one can see that the smart fortwo cabrio will most likely mirror the coupe from the roof down with the same mesh front grille and squared-off head and tail lamp assemblies. The ghastly-looking wheels are a prototype-only accessory, obviously.
The roof mechanism is expected to be carried over from the previous-generation smart fortwo cabrio - an electronically-operated fabric roof slides back à la Fiat 500C while the frames will have to be removed by hand. Dimensions should remain the same with a length of 2,690 mm, a width of 1,660 mm and a height of 1,550 mm - the latter could differentiate slightly from its fixed-roof stablemate.
As for powerplant options, the cabrio is expected to mirror the standard variant. That means a base 1.0 litre, three-cylinder engine with 60 PS/91 Nm of torque. Following that, a 1.0 litre, three-cylinder mill with 72 PS/91 Nm occupies the 'middle-child' slot while a 898 cc turbocharged mill with 91 PS/135 Nm tops the range.
All of the rear-mounted engines can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed Twinamic six-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive going to the rear wheels. Things are likely to remain the same on the inside while the list of safety features which includes five airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, Crosswind Assist and Lane Keeping Assist will be retained.
GALLERY: 2015 smart fortwo
No comments:
Post a Comment