DaimlerChrysler's Smart Brand Stays the Executioner's Axe

More shocking was the additional announcement that a second model would be up for the chopping block. While the forfour

The junior-sized mid-engined Roadster sports car will be discontinued at year's end. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

compact hatchback and the fortwo coupe and cabriolet (the latter two sold in the U.S. via California's ZAP) will continue in production, the junior-sized mid-engined Roadster sports car will be discontinued at year's end. Hailed as a poor man's Boxster, this smart offered the fortwo's economical turbocharged three cylinder motor, a clutchless manual gearbox in a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, wrapped in a sleek roadster or fastback body style. While it's uncertain whether the Roadster would have been a success if introduced in America, one thing's for sure is that like the fortwo, there's nothing like it on the market.

By chopping its model range and ceasing development of would-be models, smart will spend what's left of its finances on a replacement for the aging fortwo city car. Unlike the first generation two-seater, just called the "city", which was designed primarily for Europe and included nearly nonexistent bumpers and

The four-door forfour, the least smart-like car that the brand has ever built, will continue to be built. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

troubled dynamics, the upcoming model will fulfill the requirements of U.S. regulations. The fortwo will use the same powertrain layout with a mid-mounted three-cylinder engine, however, the next-generation diesel powerplant will be sold to other manufacturers in a bid to reduce production costs.

As for the four-door forfour, sister car to the Mitsubishi Colt (not sold in North America), its future is safe. While sales of the Netherlands-built car aren't as swift as smart had hoped, the vehicle is still making inroads within the B-segment. Strangely enough, this is the least smart-like car that the brand has ever built, with a conventional front-engine, front-wheel drive layout, and premium-spec interior and options.