MBTech Shows Off Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Concept at IAA Show in Hannover

Daimler subsidiary MBTech has presented a 1:1 scale model of its Reporter concept study at the 63rd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover. The four-seater plug in hybrid pickup truck with the Smart Fortwo-esque fascia was designed in just six months using CAD and digital prototyping.

At a press conference at the show, MBTech President and Spokesperson Werner Kropsbauer explained the rationale behind the Reporter: "We wanted to create a low-emission vehicle drive for urban and regional transport which is realistically feasible today and not in 2025."

Though the example shown at the IAA Show was merely a mock up, MBTech has been thinking about the drive system for a working prototype. The Reporter would use a plug-in hybrid system MBTech calls DualX E-Drive, which couples a 70 kw (94 hp) electric motor with a 75 kw (101 hp) 1.2-liter internal combustion engine that can run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas.

In the DualX E-Drive system, the electric motor turns the rear wheels while the ICE turns the front. The two systems can either work independently or together, though MBTech has not said what switching from FWD to RWD to AWD would do to the driving dynamics.

The Reporter is expected to have a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) and a combined range of 300 km (186 miles), which drops to 55 (34 miles) if using only the electric motor.

It also features a network of tiny solar cells on the tonneau cover, which produce 266 Watts – enough to power the air conditioning, interior lightning or the sound system (though not all three at once). The cells can also be used to recharge the vehicle's 12 volt battery.

By Tristan Hankins

The Smallest Smart Ever: Electric 'escooter' Uncovered before Paris Show

Previewing a possible expansion to the world of two wheels in the very near future, Daimler's Smart division will showcase a scooter concept at next week's Paris motor show. Seen here for the first time in the flesh, the purely electrically driven 'escooter' uses a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack placed behind the paneling in the foot area and is capable of traveling up to 100 kilometers (over 60 miles) on a single charge.

The company says the batteries can be fully recharged through any standard household power socket, within three to five hours. The charging socket is located at the front of the scooter underneath a hinged smart emblem.

Smart's two-wheel study is driven by a disc-shaped wheel hub motor in the rear wheel, which offers an output of 4 kW (equal to 5.3-horsepower) allowing the scooter to reach a top speed of 45 km/h or 28mph.

The connection to Smart's four-wheel products is made through the electric scooter's supporting chassis structure which the company says is "consciously modelled on the tridion safety cell of the Fortwo" and the fully interchangeable plastic bodypanels.

Technical highlights include the use of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) specially adapted for a two-wheeler, an airbag integrated in the paneling under the handlebars, and Blind Spot Assist, which like the system found on Mercedes cars, draws the rider's attention to vehicles following close behind that are not visible in the "blind spot" of the rear-view mirrors.

Another cool feature is the Smartphone that is placed in the centre of the handlebars and is fully linked with the escooter. It replaces the traditional instrument panel providing info on speed, range and battery charge level and even acts as a navigation system.

Smart Brings Some Color to Fortwo with New Nightorange Limited Edition

Over the years, Daimler's Smart unit has introduced many limited edition models of its Fortwo micro car such as the 'Three', 'Hello Kitty' and 'GB-10'. This time around, Smart has presented a more sporty looking special edition of the Fortwo called the Nightorange.

Naturally, the most eye-catching part of this limited edition model is the paint-job which combines an exclusive orange metallic finish combined with a black Tridion safety cell and black 3-double-spoke alloy wheels fitted with tires in size 175/55 R15 at the front and 195/50 R15 at the rear. The car also features black painted headlamp trims, black mirror caps and nightorange logos in the mirror triangles.

The same color theme is continued in the interior with the black seats in a mix of leather and fabric sporting an orange stripe in the center, as does the knee pad in leather look. Contrast components such as the instrument trims are painted in pearl black, while the 3-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles and the gear knob are covered with black nappa leather.

Standard features include an audio system with AUX/USB interfaces and two loudspeakers, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, and a transparent panoramic roof with sunblind (coupe).

Customers can choose between three engine variants -two petrol versions with 71HP and 84HP and a more frugal diesel model producing 54HP- and two body styles -coupe or convertible.

In Europe, the two seater limited edition model can be ordered now with first deliveries to customers beginning on February 22. In Germany, prices range from €13,995 to €18,345 [US$18,750 to$24,600].

Car Spotting: Ferrari Fortwo makes Aston's iQ look like a Work of Art

If anything else, you can't blame Smart Fortwo owners for not having a sense of humor. Snagged on the streets of London by Carscoop reader Rob J., the Smart-tuned-into-Ferrari Fortwo comes with all the latest advancements in aerodynamic technology such as the individual, F1 style front and rear spoilers that keep the car firmly on the ground, even when people pass by and sneeze. Intrigued? Run through the jump for more tantalizing pics.