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smart Makes Micro Hybrid Drive Standard on Gasoline Models
12 July 2008
Starting in October, the smart’s 45 kW (61 bhp) and 52 kW (71 bhp) gasoline-engined smart fortwo models will include micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology as standard in select markets, which will not initially include the US or Canada. In 2007, smart began production of a mhd variant that was only available on the 52 kW smart fortwo. (Earlier post.)
In conjunction with slightly modified gear ratios, the micro-hybrid system provides a fuel saving of approximately 8% in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), with a rating of 4.3L/100km (55 mpg US). CO2 emissions are reduced to about 103 g/km. In city traffic, fuel savings of almost 20% are even possible, according to smart.
The smart fortwo micro-hybrid drive uses a belt-driven starter generator from Valeo (StARS 137) to provide stop-start functionality. To ensure a low-slip and durable connection of the crank assembly and the starter generator, both components have been given wider belt pulleys, as was the water pump. A six-rib poly-V-belt from Gates Corporation transmits the power.
The control electronics shut down the engine as soon as the driver brakes and the vehicle’s speed falls below 8 kph (5 mph)—for example, when approaching traffic lights. The engine restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal.
smart is also improving the environmental footprint of the diesel model in model year 2009 with a new closed diesel particulate filter instead of the open version that was previously used. The new system reduces the particulate mass in the exhaust gas to a minimum and, thanks to intelligent engine control, it is virtually maintenance-free with a long filter service life.
(A hat-tip to Ashley!)
July 12, 2008 in Brief | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Comments
Posted by: ejj | July 12, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Yeah...they get 36mpg average on the US tests so maybe 39mpg with the micro hybrid. I think all vehicles should employ this type of system but I don't think the Smart vehicle (we have in the US) is a good value for fuel economy or otherwise.
Posted by: | July 12, 2008 at 04:25 PM
This would be the perfect car for driving on zero MPH California freeways. Except what runs the air conditioner? Californians would be exstatic if Congress were to raise the speed to 55MPH. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | July 12, 2008 at 09:31 PM
There is no reason that you could not have a Cobalt sized car that gets 50 mpg. The trick is making it perform well, be affordable and still make a good profit on it.
Posted by: sjc | July 13, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Here is a link to the original press release and photo or two.
http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jul08/11_001252_Smart_Updates_Its_Model_Range_To_Include_Micro_Hybrid_Drive.html
Also, here is a link to the 10 year history of smart with about 30 photos of different models
http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jul08/07_001242_10_Years_Of_The_Smart_ForTwo_Compact_Model_Celebrates_Its_Birthday.html
Posted by: Ashley | July 14, 2008 at 09:51 AM
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55 MPG - okay, but could be better. Now put this system in a car for the US market, with an appealing design, and maybe it might sell. Unfortunately, those SMART cars are some of the goofiest looking cars on the road. Just build on the Chevy Cobalt design and you'll be okay.