REPORT: Future smart lineup to include cabriolet and crossover offerings

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The forthcoming generation of smart models will start coming out towards the end of next year. Apart from the standard fortwo and fortwo+2 choices, the mini-class brand of Daimler AG will make room for two niche versions that are expected to sell like hot cakes: an open-top and a crossover.

As you happen to already know, Mercedes-Benz has partnered Renault to write the next chapter in the smart story. A new rear-drive platform perfectly fitted for shared use under both the future Twingo and the new smart two-door/four-door models is currently in advanced stages of development. This means the future smart and Renault mini models will also share a series of specially developed, 3-cylinder petrol and diesel engines featuring low displacement and extraordinary efficiency, as well as special transmission systems.

Sticking to our topic, the cabriolet and the compact "SUV" under the smart brand are slated to be unleashed in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The future convertible will be inspired by the for-us study presented at Detroit and Geneva in 2012, while the other will follow the trails of the forstars concept showcased last year at Paris.

The street-legal products will be very similar in terms of styling to the show-bound cars and will boast smart's brand new design philosophy. The perforated grille and the tubular LED lights will be present trademarks on the future models. While the smart cabrio displays a two-door architecture and a lowered ride height for more dynamism, the smart "SUV" will boast larger proportions similar to those of Nissan Juke (whom it will supposedly share a modified powertrain with), four doors and a bespoke 4x4 traction system, offered as an option on high-end variants. Besides the standard version, a sporty 3-door smart SUV with fun factor and resembling the forstars concept car is also very likely to be greenlighted for serial production.

Note: smart forstars and smart for-us pictured.

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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PREVIEW: New E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet 2013 intentionally teased in updated W/S 212 series video

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Shortly after the release of the first details, the new E-Class also received a webspecial which is available at http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e-class. As always, the newest addition to the Mercedes-Benz portfolio is highlighted in great style. Artistic lighting, superb music, excellent effects and a professional filming quality - these are the main attributes that best describe the presentation video for the new E-Class 2013. Only that after closely analyzing some sequences of the movie, a detail came to light.

If you scroll the video under the Highlights tab of the webspecial to 1:26, just when it emphasizes the new DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and the Active Blind Spot Assist, you will be witnessing the LED headlight of the soon-to-be-released E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet 2013 lineup (C 207/A 207). The lamp unit is clearly different in terms of design to the W/S 212 models, as the bottom is discontinued to create a similar styling as the one on the GLK, only that in a reverted way. Moreso, the inner graphics are also slightly distinct, with their longer LED eyelids.

For us, this is a clue the new E-Class Coupe/Cabrio will also be premiered in the next period. We are not sure whether Detroit is the destination, as this was already booked by the 212 series and the new CLA-Class. Anyway, we guess first official details should come out in late January or February while the public debut could take place in March at the Geneva Motor Show. But that's only a speculation, as we do not know anything for sure.

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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