Smart, the European brand known for its compact and unconventional cars, is considering an electric revival of its Roadster sports car. The brand, which currently sells the #1 and #3 SUVs in Europe, has plans to bring the larger #5 SUV to the market next year. However, Smart Europe CEO Dirk Adelmann has expressed interest in resurrecting the diminutive Roadster as a low-volume proposition.
Adelmann revealed that during the planning phase of the new Smart line-up in 2020, there were initial drawings of a new Roadster. He acknowledged that Smart’s current line-up is SUV-focused, but bringing back the Roadster would be an opportunity to return to the brand’s roots as a purveyor of characterful and ultra-compact cars for urban environments.
The original Roadster, produced from 2002 to 2005, had a compact footprint, measuring just 3.4m long and 1.2m tall. Adelmann emphasized that if Smart were to introduce a new Roadster, it would remain true to the original’s spirit by being very compact and likely limited to a two-seater configuration. This would provide a stark contrast to Smart’s upcoming #5 flagship SUV, which is almost as big as a Land Rover Defender 110.
Adelmann believes that Smart’s positioning is not solely based on the size of its cars but also on their unique design and positioning. He pointed out that Smart has always been unconventional, as demonstrated by the unexpected release of models like the #1 SUV and the #3 coupe. Adelmann also referenced the Crossblade, an outlandish speedster version of the Fortwo launched in 2002, as an example of Smart’s willingness to bring unconventional concepts to the road.
This potential revival of the Roadster suggests that Smart is open to expanding its line-up beyond its core model, the Fortwo. By exploring enthusiast-minded, low-volume propositions like the Roadster, Smart aims to cater to a wider range of customers while maintaining its reputation for compact and unconventional vehicles.
As Smart continues to focus on introducing more electric cars to its line-up, an electric Roadster could be a fitting addition. The brand’s commitment to the electric vehicle market aligns with the global shift towards sustainability and environmentally friendly transportation options. With the success of electric sports cars like Tesla’s Roadster, there is a growing demand for high-performance electric vehicles that also provide a thrilling driving experience.
In conclusion, while Smart is currently focused on SUVs, the potential revival of the Roadster demonstrates the brand’s willingness to explore new possibilities and cater to different customer segments. By combining compact dimensions with electric power, a new Roadster could offer an exciting and eco-friendly option for urban driving enthusiasts. As Smart continues to evolve its line-up, it will be interesting to see how the brand balances its SUV offerings with these more niche and enthusiast-focused vehicles.
