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Smart #3 25th Anniversary Edition

German automotive marque Smart will celebrate its 25th anniversary at IAA MOBILITY (Munich), and on that occasion will present its new electric SUV, Smart #3 25th Anniversary Edition.

Smart Automobile Co., Ltd. is established by Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in 2019 with the aim of producing Smart-badged cars in China to be marketed globally. Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the design while everything else is done by Geely.

Based on the flagship Brabus model, the 25th Anniversary Edition features a panoramic galaxy roof, upgraded LED headlights and red decorative accents. Inside, there are special two-tone, black and white leather seats with integrated headrests, a 12.8-inch touchscreen with a 9.2-inch HD digital instrument cluster, as well as a 10-inch head-up display and a Beats audio system with 13 speakers.

With a length of 4.4 meters, this SUV is offered with two powertrain options. The entry version is powered by a single electric motor with 269 hp (200 kW), which is enough to push the car to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.8 seconds. It is equipped with a 66 kWh battery that provides a range of 455 kilometers (WLTP).

The more powerful version of the Smart #3 Brabus is powered by two electric motors with a total power of 422 hp (315 kW) and accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. It is equipped with a 66 kWh battery that provides a range of 435 kilometers (WLTP). Thanks to the 150 kW fast charger, the battery is charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

When it comes to price, the starting price in Germany is €43,490 for the Pro+ version, €46,490 for the Premium, €46,990 for the 25th Anniversary Edition and €50,990 for the edition with the Brabus kit.

Source: Smart

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Smart #3 25th Anniversary Edition
Auctions

1956 Porsche 356A Speedster sold for $335,000 USD

At the 2023 Monterey Car Week, an exhibition of vintage cars from around the world was held, and some of them were auctioned after the exhibition. The star of the event was a 1956 Porsche 356A Speedster sold for $335,000 USD.

The Porsche 356 is the Stuttgart-based company’s first production car, and this car is powered by a 1.6L Air Cooled Flat-4 engine with a factory 60 hp (45 kW) and 81 lb-ft (110 Nm) of torque. It is one of 1,171 examples that were produced until 1957. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer reads 18,860 miles.

It is finished in original Rot (red) over Leder Schwarz (black leather) upholstery. It is equipped with a Speedster body by Reutter, very rare Rudge knock-off wheels, red upholstery piping, a black soft top and matching tonneau cover, a “1950-1955 German Sportscar Champion” Meister Shaften dash badge, VDO instruments including the speedometer, tachometer and oil-temperature gauge, front and rear bumper over-riders, and pre-1957 style tail lights.

The car was part of the collection for 30 years, and the new owner received the vehicle with a driver’s manual, maintenance records and a copy of the factory Kardex production record.

Source: Mecum

Gallery:

1956 Porsche 356A Speedster sold for $335,000 USD
News

Honda Prelude Could Be Back Soon

In 1978, Honda introduced its first car with a moonroof, the Honda Prelude. This two-door coupe was used by the Japanese manufacturer to introduce its sales chain, the Honda Verno. It was produced until 2001, when production was stopped with the arrival of the fourth-generation Integra. Now, 22 years later, there is a possible comeback of this car.

According to the latest information and speculations, Honda seems to be making a comeback, as the company trademarked the name Prelude. If we look at it with optimism, we can start to wonder if the Japanese manufacturer is really preparing the return of this iconic model.

There are many questions, but few answers. Many are wondering if it will remain a coupe with an internal combustion engine or will it become an SUV with an electric drive? So far, Honda has not made any announcements.

Following the competition, Honda must start producing new or return old models as fully electric. Currently, the Japanese manufacturer has announced the arrival of its first all-electric car, the Honda Prologue, which is expected to hit the market next year.

Honda previously announced that the company’s long-term plan is to produce a Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV) lineup by 2040. That may be too late considering that competitors have announced a transition to all-electric cars by 2030. Ten years is a long time, but maybe Honda has an ace up its sleeve.

Source: Best Car Web

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