Smart Formore
Encyclopedia
The Smart Formore was a small all wheel drive SUV, riding on the same platform
as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
. The architecture would be shared with the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
, an SUV that is smaller than the M-Class
. Power would have ranged from a 1.8 L straight-4
to a 3.0 L V6, including Diesel versions. Production was to have been carried out at DaimlerChrysler's factory in Juiz de Fora
, Brazil
, rather than the French Smartville factory.
The Formore was to be Smart's first official entry in the United States market as a Mini SUV
that seats 4-5. However, DaimlerChrysler
is considering a limited entry into the market, with just the Fortwo, essentially in urban areas. Development of the Formore has been halted since April 2005, due to DaimlerChrysler's monetary concerns (the Smart brand had yet to make a profit after eight years in operation, and the Formore was costing more money to develop than anticipated).
The vehicle was to be unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show, but the event was cancelled. In 2009, a prototype vehicle was found in a Mercedes-Benz storage facility in Germany.
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive car produced by the Mercedes-Benz division of Daimler AG. First introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range , the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's lineup until the 1997 arrival of the A-Class...
. The architecture would be shared with the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLK is a compact luxury crossover released as a 2009 model elsewhere and as a 2010 model in North America after its public debut at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show alongside the competing Audi Q5....
, an SUV that is smaller than the M-Class
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a luxury mid-size sport utility vehicle , first offered in 1997 as a 1998 model, and built by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Gradually, the M-Class became a sales success in the United States and Mexico. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller...
. Power would have ranged from a 1.8 L straight-4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
to a 3.0 L V6, including Diesel versions. Production was to have been carried out at DaimlerChrysler's factory in Juiz de Fora
Juiz de Fora
-Industry, Trade, and Culture:Juiz de Fora is the second most important industrial center in the state of Minas Gerais, despite being the fourth largest in terms of population. It was once the state's largest city, position which was held up until the beginning of the 20th century...
, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, rather than the French Smartville factory.
The Formore was to be Smart's first official entry in the United States market as a Mini SUV
Mini SUV
Mini SUV is a class of small sport utility vehicles with a length under . This class should not be confused with compact SUV, which refers to slightly larger vehicles, from ....
that seats 4-5. However, DaimlerChrysler
DaimlerChrysler
Daimler AG is a German car corporation. By unit sales, it is the thirteenth-largest car manufacturer and second-largest truck manufacturer in the world. In addition to automobiles, Daimler manufactures buses and provides financial services through its Daimler Financial Services arm...
is considering a limited entry into the market, with just the Fortwo, essentially in urban areas. Development of the Formore has been halted since April 2005, due to DaimlerChrysler's monetary concerns (the Smart brand had yet to make a profit after eight years in operation, and the Formore was costing more money to develop than anticipated).
The vehicle was to be unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show, but the event was cancelled. In 2009, a prototype vehicle was found in a Mercedes-Benz storage facility in Germany.
