Special Coverage
Geneva
Auto Show
It’s clear by the name – Forspeed – designers at Daimler’s Smart operation had some fun developing the brand’s Geneva show car.
The 2-seat, rear-drive roadster concept is full of curves and colors meant to draw the eyes of teenage drivers and give their younger brothers and sisters something to dream about.
The glass-fiber-paneled Forspeed has no roof or side windows and features only a low wind deflector instead of a full windshield, minimizing weight. Drainage channels along the interior allow water to escape if the car is caught in the rain without its protective tonneau cover in place.
The Forspeed’s electric powertrain delivers 30 kW (40 hp) under normal driving, but adds another 5 kW (7 hp) when needed. Pressing a button in the center console activates the boost function for short bursts of power needed for passing or merging onto freeways.
Daimler says the car can accelerate to 37 mph (60 km/h) in 5.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h).
A lithium-ion battery that delivers 16.5 kWh of electrical energy powers the car. A fully charged battery provides a range of 84 miles (135 km). The charging port is located behind the center brake light. An 80% quick charge can take just 45 minutes, the auto maker says.
