Small carmaker smart is set to show an exciting new concept at the Paris Motor Show this month. Called forstars, this two seat coupe model takes its name from the glass roof above the passengers which should give the vehicle’s occupants a clear view of the starry sky above (unless of course, you’re affected by light pollution like most of us).
Although already a manufacturer of a two seat EV coupe, the new forstars showcases a radically different design and dimensions than its fortwo Electric Drive (ED) predecessor. Nearly a metre longer than the fortwo and considerably wider, the forstars is more supermini in size than a city car, although it remains strictly a two-seater.
Mainly intended as a design concept, the forstars uses the drivetrain seen in the smart fortwo BRABUS electric drive concept, including a 60 kW electric motor and 
17.6 kWh lithium ion batteries, for 135 Nm of torque and a top speed of around 80mph. The motor is 5 kW more powerful than the production fortwo ED, to offer improved performance.
But this new model is mainly about its appearance, which is intended to hint at the design direction for smart vehicles of the future. A striking new appearance to the headlamps and ‘eyebrows’ above give the concept an assertive look. The convex glass roof joins seamlessly with the glass cover over the cargo area which opens upwards. Shiny black trims that continue below the side skirts draw attention to the chunky new wheel cutouts.
smart boss Dr Annette Winkler says: "The smart is Europe's 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."
The new concept will appear at the Paris Motor Show which is open to the public from 29 September to 14 October, 2012.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
September 14, 2012
Filed under: smart
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