Smart might no longer operate in the U.S. but the minicar brand is very much alive and is in the midst of a reboot that kicked off last year with the arrival of the #1 electric subcompact crossover.
The rebooted Smart is now planning its second model, the #3, which judging from teaser material will be a coupe-like version of the #1. It’s set to make its world debut on April 18 at the 2023 Shanghai auto show.
Like the #1, the #3 has been developed in China by the joint venture Smart Automobile owned by Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely.
No details have been released, but the mechanicals are likely shared with the #1. They include a shortened version Geely’s SEA modular electric-vehicle platform, which offers support for fast-charging and over-the-air updates.
The #1 features a standard single electric motor at the rear axle rated at 268 hp, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup in a range-topping Brabus variant rated at 422 hp. The sole battery is a 66-kwh unit that supports charging at rates of up to 150 kw and a maximum range of 270 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. The stricter EPA cycle would result in a lower rating.
Expect similar numbers for the #3.
Sales of the #3 are scheduled to start in markets where Smart operates later this year. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.
Smart might no longer operate in the U.S. but the minicar brand is very much alive and is in the midst of a reboot that kicked off last year with the arrival of the #1 electric subcompact crossover.
The rebooted Smart is now planning its second model, the #3, which judging from teaser material will be a coupe-like version of the #1. It’s set to make its world debut on April 18 at the 2023 Shanghai auto show.
Like the #1, the #3 has been developed in China by the joint venture Smart Automobile owned by Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely.
No details have been released, but the mechanicals are likely shared with the #1. They include a shortened version Geely’s SEA modular electric-vehicle platform, which offers support for fast-charging and over-the-air updates.
The #1 features a standard single electric motor at the rear axle rated at 268 hp, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup in a range-topping Brabus variant rated at 422 hp. The sole battery is a 66-kwh unit that supports charging at rates of up to 150 kw and a maximum range of 270 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. The stricter EPA cycle would result in a lower rating.
Expect similar numbers for the #3.
Sales of the #3 are scheduled to start in markets where Smart operates later this year. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.
Smart might no longer operate in the U.S. but the minicar brand is very much alive and is in the midst of a reboot that kicked off last year with the arrival of the #1 electric subcompact crossover.
The rebooted Smart is now planning its second model, the #3, which judging from teaser material will be a coupe-like version of the #1. It’s set to make its world debut on April 18 at the 2023 Shanghai auto show.
Like the #1, the #3 has been developed in China by the joint venture Smart Automobile owned by Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely.
No details have been released, but the mechanicals are likely shared with the #1. They include a shortened version Geely’s SEA modular electric-vehicle platform, which offers support for fast-charging and over-the-air updates.
The #1 features a standard single electric motor at the rear axle rated at 268 hp, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup in a range-topping Brabus variant rated at 422 hp. The sole battery is a 66-kwh unit that supports charging at rates of up to 150 kw and a maximum range of 270 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. The stricter EPA cycle would result in a lower rating.
Expect similar numbers for the #3.
Sales of the #3 are scheduled to start in markets where Smart operates later this year. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.
Do you have a classic car with a story to share? Visit this link and fill in the information to submit your story for a chance to be featured on the ClassicCars.com Journal.
On February 14 when I was 15 1/2 years-old, my parents were in the driveway of our neighbor’s home and called me over. When I got to the driveway, my mom clicked the garage door opener and revealed a Rally Green 1968 Z/28 Camaro with a sign on the windshield saying Happy Valentines Day. I was overwhelmed with excitement as it was exactly the car I had been longing for. The only problem was I had to endure seven months until I was sixteen and able to drive. My dad put the car under a cover and placed it in our backyard. I would come home from school and start it daily, and I even washed it at least three times a week.
Finally, the day came when I got my driver’s license! On my way home to drive it I had an accident and severely broke my left ankle and clutch foot. I ended up in a soft cast for three weeks with my leg elevated before I was finally fitted with a hard cast and crutches. That weekend my dad was doing yardwork when I hobbled out to my car. He asked what I was doing and I told him I just wanted to start the Camaro. He said that I knew I couldn’t drive it. When I sat in the car, I lifted my leg and placed my cast on the clutch, I told myself I think I could do this. I waited until my dad turned his back, and then I took off for my first drive.
He wasn’t happy when I returned, however let me show him how I could drive. To make a long story short, I got into nothing but trouble. After two exhibitions of speeding, one drag racing ticket and a very minor accident, my parents took the car away and sold it in 1973.
In 1985 my dad was restoring a ‘57 Chevy Bel Air and was trying to get me to buy a ‘55 or ‘56 Chevy, I told him the only car I wanted was to have my Camaro Z/28 back. He got a real laugh at that and told me after twelve years I’d never find it again. He would be wrong. During a DMV visit, I had a car loving employee give me a printout on the car. I followed it and ended up in places in LA I never should have been. Finally, I found the car in Bakersfield where it had been purchased by another car lover for his sixteen-year-old son.
The car had been stored for twelve years, there were only 42,000 miles on it and it looked exactly the same as when my family sold it. By 1987 the son wanted a truck instead of the Camaro, and after fourteen years I bought my car back –at a price a bit higher than the $1,300 my day had sold it for. For the past thirty-six years my car has remained in my garage and only sees occasional car shows, usually with my son usually taking it. The Camaro is unrestored and, if I do say so myself, looks incredible for its age. Now we’re on the third generation of those who love it as my grandson is now four.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 convertible showing 84,198 miles on the odometer. This R230-chassis SL is dressed up with aerodynamic and performance equipment courtesy of the the AMG Sport package, including unique styling elements for the front air dam, mesh air intakes, side sills, and rear fascia. Torque comes from a 5.0-liter V8 which sends power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. Finished in metallic silver over a gray leather interior, this SL is offered from the selling dealer with a clear title.
The silver body has a color-matched power-retractable hardtop. Other exterior features include xenon headlights, fog lamps, fender vents, pin striping, turn signal repeaters in the mirror caps, a trunk-mounted third brake lamp, and dual exhaust outlets. The AMG Sport Package adds a unique front air dam with mesh air intakes, special side sills, and a package-specific rear fascia.
The 18-inch AMG Sport wheels come mounted to a staggered set of low-profile tires.
The cabin is optioned with gray leather bucket seats with matching door panels, lower dash, center console and carpeting. Along with gloss woodgrain trim, additional amenities include a COMAND navigation system, Bose audio, dual-zone automatic climate control, a center console, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, Keyless Go access, and power windows.
Instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, a 7,000-rpm tachometer, clock and auxiliary gauges that show fuel level and coolant temperature. The digital odometer reads 84,198 miles, a figure that lines up with the most recent CARFAX entry of 84,087 in May 2022.
Under the hood, power comes from an M113 5.0-liter V8 that was rated at 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque when new. Service was completed earlier this year, and the valve cover gasket and power steering pump were changed about 30,000 miles ago. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The chassis uses Mercedes-Benz’s Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system. Stopping power comes from four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.
The Dodge Coronet was heavily facelifted in 1970, presenting a polarizing look that has both fans and detractors in equal numbers. The accentuated Coke-bottle rear fenders were sexier than the 1968-69 Coronet series had, but that double-loop grille is where people’s opinions split. One of the most interesting 1970 Coronets on the planet, this Dodge Coronet 440 two-door coupe, is our Pick of the Day. It is for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Homer City, Pennsylvania.
Some people are mislead by the 440 name, thinking the car has a 440 engine — 440 is just a trim level dating from earlier in the decade. The Coronet series began with Coronet Deluxe, then went up to Coronet 440 and Coronet 500; of course, there was the Super Bee, which was based on the 440, and the Coronet R/T, which was based on the 500. Engines for the Coronet 440 ranged from the 225ci six to a 383 four-barrel. The latter was rated at 330 horsepower — five less than the Super Bee’s — but a little secret is that if you opted for a regular Coronet with a manual transmission, you got the 335-horse engine.
That’s what makes this 1970 Coronet 440 coupe so interesting, but it gets even better — it has a three-speed manual, and 1970 was the first year it was placed on the floor instead of the column. Could it get better than that? Only one U.S.-spec 383 three-speed Coronet 440 coupe was built. It’s unknown how many more were built for the Canadian market or exports, but it can’t be many, if any.
Looking at the equipment list, this numbers-matching Coronet was originally built with the standard single-traction 3.23 gears. Other options include black vinyl top, Rallye wheels and AM radio. Clearly a Super Bee incognito, which likely surprised a few folks on the street if the original owner was so inclined. Seller says the Coronet’s 46,408 miles are original, and underneath the exhaust system has been updated with MagnaFlow with Flowmaster mufflers. I notice Coronet 500 rear-quarter scoop ornamentation and non-factory pinstripes but, overall, this car is stock: “Stock Coil. Stock Distributor. Stock Ignition. Stock Intake. Stock Radiator. Holley 4 Barrel Carburetor,” says the selling dealer.
Can you do without Super Bee graphics and scoops? Then the $44,900 asking price for this 1970 Dodge Coronet 440 coupe should be easy to swallow considering some of the dumb asking prices for Bees. Plus, you’d have a car that is much more unique. We should be thankful that this unusual Coronet has remained intact all these years.
Barrett-Jackson’s perennial2023 Palm Beach auction will be a-happening in Florida before you know it. The April 13-15 event has the same quality and variety of vehicles you’ve seen in our Scottsdale coverage, but with a twist since America is an archipelago of states and subcultures that keeps things interesting. So, what will be interesting in Palm Beach? Here’s some hand-picked vehicles to whet your interest.
1948 Allard L-type Roadster I’m not familiar with Allards other than they are quite desirable early British sports cars. They were hybrids, most often using Ford and Mercury flathead V8s. though there was a handful of Allard Palm Beach roadsters built with the Chrysler 331 Hemi.
The L-type was a four-seat roadster offered with one of the flatheads, with this one featuring the 221ci Ford. However, this example is a two-seater on the larger 112-inch wheelbase, so perhaps one of you Anglophiles can elaborate if this Allard is more custom and special than others.
1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Super D-500 Among the 1957 Forward Look series, Dodge was arguably the gaudiest but, to these eyes, it also comes off as the sleekest, especially in top-line Custom Royal in Lancer two-door hardtop dress. Doesn’t it look like it’s ready to take off into the air? The Chrysler 300-C may be king, but the Dodge has its charms.
Even more charming is the engine in this one: the Super D-500, which was a dual-quad Red Ram 325 Hemi putting out 310 horsepower. Backed by Chrysler’s famed TorqueFlite, this pushbutton Dodge is the one to have.
1969 Dick Harrell Camaro You may be familiar with 427 COPO Camaros but, before those existed, several performance-oriented shops and dealerships were transplanting 427s in place of 350s and 396s. Yenko, Nickey and several others seem to garner all the glory, but it was drag racer Dick Harrell who was hired by both dealerships to develop 427 Camaro conversions.
This 1969 Camaro SS is an original Dick Harrell Performance Center conversion. Starting out as a Rallye Green “X66” 396 Camaro, Harrell’s shop dropped in a 427, added an aftermarket Stinger hood with striping from head to toe, Kelsey-Hayes Stripper mags wrapped in offset Goodyear Polyglas tires, and whatever else the original owner specified.
1980 Jeep J10 Honcho Pickup When I was a kid, Jeep pickups were not common. Looking online, one resource shows 6,839 built, so it stands to reason, though no mention whether that’s model year or calendar year. The Honcho trim package added fancy white wheels, striping, black and chrome grille and more.
Supposedly, only 1,264 Honchos were built from 1976-83, and here’s a nice ’80 that’s had a frame-off restoration. Power comes from AMC’s capable 360 backed by a three-speed automatic. Some liberties have been taken with the resto, but no one can deny it looks good, especially with that denim interior.
Today’s AutoHunter Cinema feature is a 2005 Chevrolet SSR. The SSR featured unique retro styling was famously inspired by Chevrolet’s late 1940s Advance Design trucks. Every SSR came equipped with a power-retractable hardtop and a color-matched tonneau cover that made it stand out even more than the retro styling. This particular SSR is finished in black over black and powered by a Whipple-supercharged 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, plus limited-slip differential. The stock LS2 SSR was rated at 390 horsepower, capable of giving the SSR 0-60 performance of 5.29 seconds, so you can imagine how quick a supercharged SSR could go.
Today’s AutoHunter Cinema feature is a 2005 Chevrolet SSR. The SSR featured unique retro styling was famously inspired by Chevrolet’s late 1940s Advance Design trucks. Every SSR came equipped with a power-retractable hardtop and a color-matched tonneau cover that made it stand out even more than the retro styling. This particular SSR is finished in black over black and powered by a Whipple-supercharged 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, plus limited-slip differential. The stock LS2 SSR was rated at 390 horsepower, capable of giving the SSR 0-60 performance of 5.29 seconds, so you can imagine how quick a supercharged SSR could go.
The Easter Jeep Safari is an annual celebration of the past and future of the Jeep brand. Each year, Jeep presents a series of concepts that explore new ideas for possible new model variants, new aftermarket parts, and what can be done with existing aftermarket parts.
Early Thursday, Jeep presented its seven concept vehicles for 2023, including five that explore the brand’s past and future and two more that show off ideas inspired by the wide array of Jeep Performance Parts. All of the concepts are drivable and some of Jeep’s ideas could see production. They’ll be shown off at the 2023 Easter Jeep Safari taking place in Moab, Utah, from April 1-9. Here’s a breakdown of each.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Concept
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Concept
This concept is a serious off-roader with flair. It features a new as-yet unnamed magenta color that’s a follow-up to the Tuscadero pink Jeep introduced a few years ago. Jeep says it’s more intense and looks purple indoors and bright pink in the sun. It’s offset by gloss-black accents. The custom interior has a fur-lined glovebox because why not.
The off-roading features include 37-inch BFG mud terrain tires on AEV beadlock wheels, an AccuAir suspension (available for the Wrangler and Gladiator) that can raise the ground clearance between 1.5 and 5.5 inches, AEV bumpers and spare tire carrier, and a Warn Zeon winch. Half doors and a power top are also used for greater access to the outdoors.
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0 Concept
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0 Concept
This marks the third iteration of a battery electric Wrangler, thus the name. Jeep calls it a laboratory on wheels. Magneto first appeared in 2021, and each year Jeep has upped the power. Magneto 3.0 features a more efficient axial flux motor that produces 285 hp in its standard mode (the same as the V-6 it originally replaced in 2021) and 650 hp in a “full beans” mode. Torque increases from a max of 273 lb-ft in 2021 to 850 lb-ft last year to 900 lb-ft this year. Magneto 3.0 keeps a 6-speed manual transmission from the Hellcat Challenger, though it has been beefed up to handle the torque of the upgraded electric motor. It all rides on beefy front and rear axles, which are Dynatrac ProRock 60 and ProRock 80 units, respectively.
Sitting up front where the engine would be, the motor shows under a clear cover on the hood. Batteries are scattered throughout the Wrangler platform, and Jeep says the concept has 20% more range and energy this year, though range isn’t the point of the concept. The vehicle also has a selectable regen switch and offers a one-pedal setting that acts like 4WD Lo and allows for more precise control when driving off-road.
The 40-inch tires on 20-inch wheels would certainly hinder range but improve off-road capability. The body also has some modifications this year. The two-door’s door openings have been pushed back 6.0 inches for easier exit and entry, the B-pillars were moved back 2.4 inches to fit a custom roll bar, the front fenders were extended 2.0 inches rearward, and the windshield was laid back 12 degrees for a chopped look.
Jeep says this is the last version of Magneto.
1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe Concept
1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe Concept
This resto-mod is a 1978 Cherokee body adapted to a Wrangler Rubicon 4xe chassis and fitted with 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 mud terrain tires. The modern underpinnings include the 4xe powertrain, which consists of a 2.0-liter turbo-4 and two electric motors to make 375 hp. The body was modified to fit the chassis, to work with the big tires, and to improve the overall look. It uses the Wrangler Rubicon’s metal bumper with a winch, and the tires are mounted on ’70s-style slotted mags but in a modern 17-inch size.
While it’s new underneath, it keeps a 1970s vibe inside with an 8-track hi-fi player, a “secret stash” box, a graffiti painting on the roof, and a retro look for its custom interior. It only seats two and has a roll bar.
Jeep Scrambler 392 Concept
Jeep Scrambler 392 Concept
This is Jeep’s fourth concept with the aim of removing weight, after Pork Chop in 2011, Stitch in 2013, and 4-Speed in 2021. It’s based on a four-door Rubicon but gets a new body that turns it into a small two-door pickup truck, or a Scrambler in Jeep parlance. Carbon fiber was used for the hood, front flares, rear quarter panels, and roof, and the rear of the vehicle and tailgate came from the Gladiator, though the rear fender flares were widened. Like the Magneto, the Scrambler 392 Concept has a windshield that’s laid back 12 degrees for a chopped-top look. It’s painted Sublime green.
This concept also uses the AccuAir suspension with adjustable ride height. Its 40-inch tires on 20-inch wheels certainly don’t offset any of the 375 pounds Jeep took out of the vehicle. The interior gets a custom look with blue plaid seat inserts, but it loses the rear seats, carpet, and trim to save weight. More weight was saved by removing the power hardtop and doors. With its lighter weight, the standard 470 hp from the 6.4-liter V-8 (392 cubic inches) should make this one fast off-roader.
Grand Wagoneer Overland Concept
Grand Wagoneer Overland Concept
The first Grand Wagoneer to appear at the Easter Safari is an overlanding concept that the brand also referred to as Camp Lux. The full-size SUV sports radiused and flared wheel openings to fit 35-inch BFGoodrich mud terrain tires that provide a 1.5-inch lift. Under the hood sits the high-output 510-hp version of the Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6. The exterior sports custom front and rear fascias and Industrial Green paint with gunmetal accents. Up front, it’s outfitted with a Warn winch and laser lights.
The draw is the solar-powered RedTail Overland Skyloft camper tent with heating, air conditioning, lighting, internet connectivity, a 6-foot mattress for two, and an exterior ladder. To make way for it, Jeep removed the second- and third-row seats, replaced the interior carpet with a bedliner material, used bedliner material on the roof as well, and repurposed the rear sunroof to act as a trap door to get into the camper tent. The tent itself is hard-sided carbon fiber on one side and has glass windows.
The interior is also part of the overlanding lifestyle. The SUV retains the rear entertainment system, and occupants can watch it in comfort from a pair of beanbag chairs. Jeep also adds a plush throw rug, pillows, and ambient interior lighting.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn Concept
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn Concept
The Sideburn Gladiator was built to show off Jeep Performance Parts. It’s buttressed up front by a headlight and grille guard that folds down to act as a bench, and it’s packaged to work with a Warn winch. The doors are replaced with half-doors, and 11.0-inch TYRI rectangular LED lights sit on the windshield header. A 2.0-inch lift kit with Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks improves off-road capability and makes room for 37-inch BFGoodrich tires.
The bed has a concept Gladiator sport bar made from carbon fiber and steel. The bar has bed steps on each side and incorporates a mid-shelf with tie-downs to store boxes, plus T-track rails on top to mount bikes or kayaks. Also found in the bed are Molle panels for storage, RotoPaX containers for liquid storage, a mount for a 37-inch spare tire, and a new tailgate. Jeep even includes sideburn badges for the concept.
The interior is upholstered in Viennese Replicate (red-brown) nappa leather to contrast with the Solar Flash Yellow body. Power comes from Jeep’s 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure Concept
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure Concept
The Departure is a Wrangler Rubicon 4xe with flat fenders that increase clearance for the 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. It also has rock rails, a Warn winch, Molle panels in the rear, the 11.0-inch TYRI lights, a headlight/grille guard, and 2.0-inch lift kit from the Sideburn.
It uses Jeep Performance Parts’ available tube doors and has a matching tube tailgate. The tailgate has front or rear facing positions. When facing rearward, the spare sits high so it doesn’t interfere with the departure angle, and facing the spare forward actually improves the departure angle.
Inside, it’s upholstered in Katzkin leather in light Acorn Squash and darker Carnegie Hall brown colors. It also has an easily washable vinyl floor with drains and a task bar on the dash to mount a phone, GoPros, or dash cams. The Departure sports Dark Harbor blue paint.
