cazalea
[Seiko Moderator]
17049
Make Me a Miniature Mercedes?
Taking a break from my usual Seiko investigations, today I was given an insider's look at the smallest eco-Mercedes (if you agree to call it that) - the Smart ForTwo electric.
Thanks to a friend who is immersed in these vehicles, we are enjoying a whole new experience in motoring.
After I took the car around for a few miles, zooming from 0-60 (its top speed), my test driver / fashion model slid behind the wheel. She enjoyed throwing the car around but felt strangely helpless because it wouldn't shift (it's a one-speed motor).
I was tossed to and fro in the wide cabin as she spun the wheel.
The console is simple. Non-existent, really. Key & Shift & Cup.
These gently (or thoroughly) thrashed cars are being sliced and diced to keep other Smart cars on the road longer.
We were able to get a close look at the Mercedes technology integrated into the Smart. Such as the energy-absorbing structure, the "Tridion", that protects us in the event of a crash.
(however, the three feet in sneakers puzzle me somewhat)
The front of the car, minus most of the important bits, waiting for the steering rack to come out.
Rear axle delivers the power to the right rear wheel. Notice the serrated "gear" between the brake drum and the axle CV joint's rubber boot. This is a wheel speed sensor, used by the ABS system to sense a locking wheel.
Here's another look at the drive unit, from the bottom.
Moving our gaze forward, right under the driver's seat (and feet) we see brake booster, windscreen washer reservoir and some other ancillary systems. Like the original Mercedes A series, the GM HyWire and other alternative power plant vehicles, the Smart was designed with stacked levels of components. That keeps the car short, tall and densely packed with bits.
Here's a power plant out of its body, viewed from the front looking toward the back of the vehicle. The big orange wires carry high voltage from the battery. The charger and power management units are on top of the electric motor which makes up the middle of the aluminum mass in the center of the photo.
Not much to do when you get in. Buckle up, insert key in floor ala Saab, and twist. A bit of buzzing and it's ready to go.
After I took the car around for a few miles, zooming from 0-60 (its top speed), my test driver / fashion model slid behind the wheel. She enjoyed throwing the car around but felt strangely helpless because it wouldn't shift (it's a one-speed motor).
I was tossed to and fro in the wide cabin as she spun the wheel.
The console is simple. Non-existent, really. Key & Shift & Cup.
Dials above the dashboard indicate the state of charge and discharge, while the climate controls are conventional. Smooth touch panel radio baffled me. Gas prices shown are irrelevant!
We were taken (blindfolded) to a secret skunkworks location where a small cadre of these electric Smarts are awaiting a chance to become organ donors.
These gently (or thoroughly) thrashed cars are being sliced and diced to keep other Smart cars on the road longer.
We were able to get a close look at the Mercedes technology integrated into the Smart. Such as the energy-absorbing structure, the "Tridion", that protects us in the event of a crash.
(however, the three feet in sneakers puzzle me somewhat)
Notice the cooling fan and radiator in the picture below? That whole assembly is smaller than the box my GO watch came in.
Here's a closer look. Notice on the right, a header tank, radiator cap, etc. The attached fan ensures air flow through the radiator. This cooling system, along with the normal front radiator keeps the charger, electronics box and electric motor cool.
Here's a closer look. Notice on the right, a header tank, radiator cap, etc. The attached fan ensures air flow through the radiator. This cooling system, along with the normal front radiator keeps the charger, electronics box and electric motor cool.
Here's the electric heater core. It's tiny too - about 6 x 8 inches.
These parts are already spoken for - going to other Smart owners who've done damage to their own cars.
The front of the car, minus most of the important bits, waiting for the steering rack to come out.
Rear axle delivers the power to the right rear wheel. Notice the serrated "gear" between the brake drum and the axle CV joint's rubber boot. This is a wheel speed sensor, used by the ABS system to sense a locking wheel.
Here's another look at the drive unit, from the bottom.
Moving our gaze forward, right under the driver's seat (and feet) we see brake booster, windscreen washer reservoir and some other ancillary systems. Like the original Mercedes A series, the GM HyWire and other alternative power plant vehicles, the Smart was designed with stacked levels of components. That keeps the car short, tall and densely packed with bits.
Here's a power plant out of its body, viewed from the front looking toward the back of the vehicle. The big orange wires carry high voltage from the battery. The charger and power management units are on top of the electric motor which makes up the middle of the aluminum mass in the center of the photo.
There are lots of expensive-looking, mysterious boxes and wires on an electric vehicle. It's far more than a battery, motor and accelerator pedal.
Here's the power pack viewed from the rear of the vehicle. A tiny A/C compressor is on the right of the radiator I pointed out earlier.
Our guide signals that it's almost time to leave. We head for the door.
Here's the power pack viewed from the rear of the vehicle. A tiny A/C compressor is on the right of the radiator I pointed out earlier.
Our guide signals that it's almost time to leave. We head for the door.
I glance at my Seiko Flightmaster, enjoying the modest glow of lume and glint of light off its ceramic bezel as we walk past a pile of parts.
I'm trying to think of some use for this stuff in my garage ... my wife is trying to shoo me out quickly.
Could there be an electric car in our driveway in the near future? Perhaps an electric power pack in the Citroen van? Stay tuned for further developments ...
Make Me a Miniature Mercedes?
Taking a break from my usual Seiko investigations, today I was given an insider's look at the smallest eco-Mercedes (if you agree to call it that) - the Smart ForTwo electric. Thanks to a friend who is immersed in these vehicles, we are enjoying a whole n...
I note how Daimler and Tesla developments are similar...
As we see in your pictures, like here: the motor and the electronics form a single unit (electronics in the squarish part right, then the motor and the gearbox left). This to eliminate cabling and reduce the possibilities of damage in an accident. The Tes...
Is Zytek the name you are looking for?
ZYTEK At the time the first Smart (Swatch) car came out, I was working for a company which developed the Parts Catalog and Service Information systems for a Smart and their dealers. It was extremely fun to play with them. Looking in my Literature file cab...
Why oh why?
That's an interesting post... Why are they disassembling these poor cars? What have these poor cars done that is so wrong? Thanks for sharing your thoughts! What were the driving impressions of the car? Did you like the car? 60 mph top speed is a bit low,...
They did nothing wrong, but
as is the fate of engineering prototypes everywhere, they aren't really set up for long lives. No spare parts pipeline, no dealers trained to service them, no warranty, no battery guarantee, etc. M-B owned the cars; there was no Smart or M-B dealer involv...
I know someone who just leased an electric Smart.
And so far she seems to love it quite a bit. Hopefully I'll get a chance soon to take it for a spin.
