Special Models

smart forstars Concept Brings Hollywood to the Detroit Auto Show

Words Jim Davis | January 15, 2013
One of the most unique concept cars being shown at the 2013 Detroit International Auto Show this week is the smart forstars
Words Jim Davis January 15, 2013

Without question, one of the most unique concept cars being shown in Detroit this week is the smart forstars. Debuting in Paris last year, the smart forstars has a hood mounted video projector that turns the tiny two-seater into a mobile theater. Simply find a flat surface to park in front of, link your smartphone via bluetooth and you’re in your own private drive-in, complete with an additional speaker.

The smart forstars can reach a top speed of 80 km/h (49.7 mph) and is electrically powered by a 17.6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion batters with a 60 killowatt magnetto-electric motor powering the wheels.

Though we will likely never see the projector on the upcoming smart models, the concept does give us a sneak peek into the future of smart’s design direction. Most notably, the new smart will have a wider track and longer wheelbase than the current smart fortwo.

smart forstars at NAIAS in Detroit

smart forstars at NAIAS in Detroit

Press Release

The forward-thinking smart brand brings to life an innovative electric Sports Utility Coupe (SUC) concept vehicle named the smart forstars. The tongue-in-cheek name refers to the vehicle’s glass roof which offers passengers a clear view of a starry sky or, via the video projector in the hood, turns the car into a drive-in on wheels.

Head of smart Dr Annette Winkler said, “The smart is the most inexpensive series-produced electric car. Not only is it emission-free and fast, it is also possible to conveniently set the perfect interior temperature in advance with a smartphone, and it is simple to charge at a domestic socket. What’s more, with its powerful battery and integrated projector the smart forstars can transform any grey backyard into an animated open-air cinema.”

zero-emission driving fun

Thanks to its 60-kilowatt magneto-electric motor, the smart forstars is both agile and fun to drive. The concept car boasts a powerful 100 lb.-ft. of torque and a top speed of 80 mph. With its state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery, the smart forstars has a capacity of 17.6 kilowatt-hours of electric power.

The forstars has ample space for two people and a generous cargo area under the glass tailgate (length/width/height: 139.8/67.3/59.3 in.). The car needs only a flat wall for a spontaneous cinematic experience. The projector’s media player (located in the hood) is operated via Bluetooth® from an iPhone®. To add to the viewing experience, a high-quality sound system with additional loudspeakers is built into the ventilation openings behind the doors.

sassy and sporty exterior

The smart forstars boasts striking new features which offer a sneak peek into the future of smart’s design direction.

The sporty forstars is painted in the eye-catching “alubeam rouge” finish, giving the car an edgy and futuristic look. The body color is contrasted against the matte titanium-colored tridion safety cell.

The concept car has a longer wheelbase than the current smart fortwo (97.2 in./plus 23.7 in.) and a wider track (front 58.1 in./plus 7.6 in., rear 58.1 in./plus 3.5 in.), helping to emphasize its sporty look.

smart forstars NAIAS Detroit Auto Show 2013 steering wheel

stylish, sleek interior

Stylish yet uncomplicated, the interior features sleek, mother-of-pearl white surfaces with brushed aluminium details. The distinctive “alubeam rouge” body panel color has also been carried into interior accents.

The seats are covered in a red graphic print and trimmed with a high-quality white leather and exquisite white piping. Perforated leather on the door panelling adds a modern touch.

Rather than a conventional rearview mirror, the smart forstars features a smartphone in a holder at the top of the windshield. The driver can see what is happening on the road with the help of an integrated video camera. The smartphone also serves as a media source and controls the projector.