Smart Roadster And Roadster Coupe
Published: 29th August 2002
Passive Safety: Sophisticated Safety Concept
The safety concept of the smart roadster and smart roadster-coupé is of a high standard comparable to that of the smart city-coupé and smart cabrio. The passive safety concept of the two new cars is also based on the combination of the TRIDION safety cell and a specially defined restraint system consisting of two full-size airbags, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters. This allows controlled forward movement of the passengers wearing seat belts and is supplemented by a deformable steering column which effectively prevents intrusion of the steering wheel.
In addition to this passive safety is guaranteed by extremely sturdy seats. Their sheet-metal shell construction combined with the firm cushioning have a considerable protection potential, also in view of high energy. They reliably prevent the body from submarining under the lap belt in the event of frontal collisions and have also proved to be an effective protective shield in rear collisions. Side airbags can be fitted in the backrests as an option.
In addition to generously dimensioned side members in the luggage compartment floor, the roadster is armed against rear end collisions with an extremely strong frame-type integral support. This carries the whole drive unit and the DeDion rear axle construction. The 35 litre fuel tank between the passenger compartment and the rear axle is separated from the drive unit by a studded aluminium sheet; a profiled bulkhead shields it from the interior.
Deformation forces applied from the side meet with the solid cross members. One of them is positioned below the firewall and there are two further cross members in the centre of the passenger compartment. Strong side skirts and B-pillars reinforced with high-strength sheet metal also avert intrusions. Moreover, a bulkhead with stabilising swage lines is welded in between them. The wide, oval roll bar, which forms a structural and formal unit with the B-pillars, also makes a contribution to this.
The doors made of aluminium form a strong integrated unit with the bodyshell. They are connected by means of sturdy hinges and locks and can be easily opened with grab handles, even when deformed. A thick extruded aluminium section consisting of two chambers forms the horizontal connection between the A and B-pillars.
In the development of the cars great importance was attached to the consequences of a possible rollover. The cars comply with the demanding American standards and also with DaimlerChrysler AG’s own standards. The use of high-strength and extremely high-strength steel in the relevant areas gives the occupants a very high degree of safety in the event of such rare accidents, which can nonetheless be critical for open top cars. The roll bar forms a large-volume and therefore especially rigid box section. The A-pillars and roof frame are also made of extremely high-strength multichamber sections and in addition solid steel tubes are welded inside the A-pillars.
Smart Roadster / Smart Roadster-Coupé: Technical Data - Engine
| Type | Petrol engine |
| No. of cylinders/ Configuration |
Three in-line |
| Valves | Two per cylinder |
| Cubic capacity (cm3) | 698 |
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 66.5 x 67 |
| Rated output (kW) | Approx. 60 at 5,250 rpm |
| Max. torque (Nm) | Aapprox. 110 at 3,000 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 : 1 |
| Carburetion | Electric multipoint injection, electronic accelerator |
Transmission
| Clutch |
Single-plate dry clutch |
|
| Transmission |
Sequential automated Six-speed transmission |
|
| Ratios | Final drive | 3,920/1,717 |
| 1st gear | 13,230 | |
| 2nd gear | 9,604 | |
| 3rd gear | 7,350 | |
| 4th gear | 5,796 | |
| 5th gear | 4,208 | |
| 6th gear | 3,220 |
Running Gear
| Front Axle | W ishbone, McPherson strut, stabiliser |
| Rear Axle | DeDion suspension tube with central mount, wishbone, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers |
| Brake System | Hydr. dual circuit system with vacuum booster, disk brakes at front, drum brakes at rear, electronic stability program ESP |
| Steering | Rack-and-pinion steering, electric power steering (option) |
| Wheels Front/Rear | 5J x 15 / 6J x 15 (smart roadster) 6J x 15 / 7J x 15 (smart roadster-coupé) |
| Tyres Front/Rear | 185/55 R 15 (smart roadster) 205/50 R 15 (smart roadster-coupé) |
Dimensions And Weights
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,360 |
| Track width front (mm) | 1,357 |
| Track width rear (mm) | 1,392 |
| Length (mm) | 3,427 |
| Width (mm) | 1,615 |
| Height (mm) | 1,192 |
| Turning circle (m) | 10.7 |
| Front luggage compartment (l) | 59 |
| Rear luggage compartment (l) | 86 / 45 (smart roadster) 189 / 104 (smart roadster-coupé) |
| Weight without driver (kg) | 790 (smart roadster) 815 (smart roadster-coupé) |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 35 |
Performance
| Acceleration | 10.9 (smart roadster) |
| 0-100 km/h (s) | 11.2 (smart roadster-coupé) |
| Maximum speed | approx. 175 km/h |
Fuel consumption (100 km)
| Combined | less than 5.5 |
| Emission class | EU4 |
