The lads and lasses at Smart have teased numerous different versions of their urban two-door in an effort to get more Americans to pay more attention to it. Car2Go is a worthy attention getter, and the Smart For-Us concept might be another, because who among us red-blooded U.S. of A’ers doesn’t love a pickup truck – even one the size of a ladybug?

It “translates the practical loading concept of a pickup to the reality of 21st century urban traffic for the first time” with a longer wheelbase and wider track, a tiny bed, a 75-horsepower, 98-pound-foot electric motor, a “friendly yet assertive face” and (unlike other Smarts?) “extremely short overhangs.”

We’ll be at the Detroit Auto Show next month to capture all 11.6 feet of it. Until then, you can read about it in the press release after the jump and have a look at sketches in our high-res gallery of images.

Continue reading Smart For-Us pickup making its world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show

Smart For-Us pickup making its world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

No related posts.

No related posts.

The next generation Chevrolet Colorado hasn’t been announced for the U.S. just yet (and we’re not holding out much hope for its arrival, either), but the sharp-looking truck will be heading to Thailand later this year. In fact, the overhauled pickup, which will reportedly feature a 2.8-liter diesel at launch, will likely make its way into several markets around the world, including Australia. The only real difference is that the Chevrolet Bowtie will be replaced with Holden badging.

Beyond the jump is a four-minute video that shows how the Colorado went from design to show truck. It’s always interesting to see all that goes into designing a new vehicle, and this video includes all computerized design, clay modeling and last-minute detailing you’ll ever need to see. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading GM design gives a sneak peek into birth of Holden Colorado pickup concept

GM design gives a sneak peek into birth of Holden Colorado pickup concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

No related posts.

GoAuto RSS – Car News

No related posts.

Another day, another heaping scoop of salt in our open mid-sized pickup wound. Mazda has released a few shots of the upcoming BT-50 Freestyle pickup. Essentially an extended-cab version of the standard BT-50, the Freestyle offers a slightly smaller cabin and a marginally larger bed than its brethren. Mazda says that the cargo box has grown in every direction, allowing for a total capacity of 51.3 cubic feet.

The cab features two reverse-hinge half-doors in addition to the two standard front doors. The pilarless design makes for easy ingress and egress to the rear seats.

Mazda’s corporate design language is still slathered all over the exterior of the BT-50, but the cab proportions help balance out the sweeping lines, at least in our book. Like its Ford Ranger chassis mate, the BT-50 was designed in Australia, which is expected to be the truck’s largest market. While the pickup will likely show its smiling face in numerous other countries, it isn’t destined for North America any time soon. Readers outside of the U.S. can expect to see the truck touch down on dealer lots later this year.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Mazda releases first pics of BT-50 Freestyle pickup that’s still not coming to U.S.

Mazda releases first pics of BT-50 Freestyle pickup that’s still not coming to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

No related posts.