Smart has been having a little bit of a tough time as of recent and in an effort to boost sales, Smart USA launched a $99-a-month lease campaign last week, versus the original lease rates of $159 to $169 per month.

All buyers need to do is shift over a $999 down payment and they will be able to drive off with a Smart car and hop around in it for a 36-month lease term…Not that I would want to personally.

But Mercedes-Benz owns Smart and after this past July, the Germany’s prestigious brass relieved the Penske Automotive Group from their obligation with Smart’s US distribution.

Smart USA’s general manager, Tracey Matura, also confirmed that Mercedes-Benz is making a hard effort to try and boost sales and revitalize the brand. Matura also added that hopefully, the new electric Smart car will help that.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoNews

A new Smart car is out and it’s an EV! Called the ForTwo Electric Drive, the third-generation EV features an all-new powertrain that was developed by Deutsche Accumotive while the old model used a Tesla-built system.

“The smart fortwo has exceeded itself. It has always been a pioneer of urban mobility and with the new electric drive it is once again setting standards with even more driving fun and environmental compatibility,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “With the new generation the frequently cited “electric era” has finally arrived.”

The new powertrain for the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive produces 74hp and goes from 0-60 in less than 13 seconds and onto a top speed of 75 mph. The new system also allows the Smart ForTwo to go up to 87 miles on one charge and replenishing takes less than one hour with its on-board charger on a European socket.

Prices have yet to be announced, but Smart says the ForTwo Electric Drive will debut at Frankfurt in September and will hit showrooms beginning in 2012.

- By: Chris Chin

• “¢  It doesn’t have insane amounts of horsepower; 70-hp 1 liter 3-cylinder.
• “¢  New sportier chassis and suspension components enhance handling.
• “¢  5-speed automated manual has been retuned for quicker shifting.
• “¢  Lowered by 10 millimeters for appearance purposes.
• “¢  Throw some 15-inches on the front and 17′s on the back.

Smart ForTwo drivers that are sick and tired of being looked at as geeky or dorky can now pimp themselves out thanks to a partnership between Brabus and Smart that will offer drivers a sportier package with some appearance enhancing body kit elements for their ForTwo Coupe or ForTwo Cabriolet.

Don’t expect crazy amounts of horsepower – just some tweaking to the handling and the overall look of your Smart ForTwo. Outside, Brabus is offering single color exterior panels and skirt, a rear skirt, front skirt, fender flairs, roof spoiler, a Brabus grille and rear bumper Brabus nameplates, a light package for the side skirts and sport exhaust system featuring chromed dual exhaust tailpipes. To top it off Brabus threw on its “B” emblem on the fuel-cap to get the ladies fighting to get in your ForTwo. Inside you can enjoy ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped handbrake lever, leather-wrapped gear knob with the Brabus logo and Brabus sport brake and gas pedals.

Pricing starts at $17,990 for the Brabus Smart ForTwo Coupe and $20,990 for the Brabus Smart ForTwo Cabriolet.

2008 Smart ForTwo BRABUS – Live from 2008 LA Auto Show:

2008 Smart ForTwo BRABUS: