I spotted a Smart Car in traffic here in Charlottesville earlier this week. The driver was surrounded on all sides by hulking SUVs and pick-ups in rush hour traffic on our main six-lane road. I thought: "Cute, nice lines, but whoa, it wouldn't take much to crumple that itty-bitty box! One semi-serious smack front, back, or sides, and the driver is toast.".......
Speaking of officials-on-wheels, did anyone catch the photo of Virginia Governor Kaine riding his bike, oh, a week or so ago, during the worst of the heat wave? Can't remember what the occasion was, but I was pleased to see a cycling photo on the front page of our local newspaper.
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Thread: The Mayor's new wheels....
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06-13-2008, 08:28 AM #1
Dog Is My Co-Pilot
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"If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." (Will Rogers)
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06-13-2008, 11:42 AM #2
Head up. Shoulders down.
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Actually, I've heard they're impressively safe.
That silver slash up the back of the door is actually part of their steel safety cage. The car is essentially a safety cage and (small) crumple zones with some (very little) sheet metal around it.
I don't know if I'd care to take a hit broadside or T-bone something at 70 mph, but if you're driving it soley as an urban commuter, it should be fine.2007 Seven ID8 - Bontrager InForm
2003 Klein Palomino - Terry Firefly (?)
2010 Seven Cafe Racer - Bontrager InForm
2008 Cervelo P2C - Adamo Prologue Saddle
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06-13-2008, 12:00 PM #3
Slowly Getting Faster
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Yeah, he's actually a triathlete.
I have heard they don't really get all that much better MPG but if I had to park my car in DC I'd want the smallest car possible.
"She who succeeds in gaining the master of the bicycle will gain the mastery of life." -Frances E. Willard
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06-13-2008, 12:05 PM #4
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Does he fit in it??!!! We have a dealer over here in Germantown (the Mercedes dealer!) I don't think much of them for everyday use, especially not on 270, but they might be great for DC. THey are the preferred car for ZIPCAR rentals I've noticed!
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06-13-2008, 12:21 PM #5
Head up. Shoulders down.
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I've read that they have as much leg room as a Cadillac Escalade!
Originally Posted by dingster1
A 6'5" guy was comfortable in it.
I believe they are made by Mercedes Benz...which might explain their safety attributes.2007 Seven ID8 - Bontrager InForm
2003 Klein Palomino - Terry Firefly (?)
2010 Seven Cafe Racer - Bontrager InForm
2008 Cervelo P2C - Adamo Prologue Saddle
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06-13-2008, 02:12 PM #6
Life is gooooood!
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They do have great internal space. And believe it or not Smart Cars are a joint development between Mercedes and Swatch. The external panels pop off so that you can mix and match colors and "looks" when you want. (On a similar note - take a look this video on BMW's new vision. A beautiful concept, but still a monster guzzling engine.)
Personally, I can't wait for the 'cold war' on US roads to finally end. This size escalation makes no sense.
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