Smart is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the
company is marking the occasion by introducing the new Forease concept. Set to debut at the Paris Motor
Show next week, the Forease is a two-seat roadster which pays tribute to other
“pioneering” concepts such as the 2001 Crossblade and 2011 Forspeed.
Billed as “uncompromisingly open” and “reduced to
the essential,” the Forease concept is based on the EQ Fortwo Cabrio and
features a chopped windscreen and flush-mounted door handles. The model also has a metallic white body that
is contrasted by stream green accents and a matte silver Tridion safety cell.
Designers also installed unique bumpers, a massive
diffuser and two stylish roll bars. Other highlights include distinctive
headlights, a revised grille and 3D taillights. The stylish design continues in
the cabin as drivers are greeted by a unique steering wheel and two-tone seats
with stream green accents. The multi-colored theme is visible elsewhere as the
white leather dashboard contrasts with black lower panels.
The concept has stainless steel pedals
and green honeycomb inserts in the air vents. Speaking of the latter, two of
the vents have been replaced by digital displays which can be used to show
information from Smart’s “ready to” app.
Smart didn’t mention technical specifications but,
since the car is based on the EQ Fortwo Cabrio, the concept likely has a 17.6
lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that develops 80 hp and 160 Nm of torque. This enables the standard model to accelerate
from 0-100 km/h in 11.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 130 km/h.
