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After years of discussion around this diminutive car coming to America, DaimlerChrysler announced at last January’s Detroit Auto Show that the smart fortwo would indeed come to U.S. shores. Two smart models will be available initially, the fortwo coupe and fortwo cabrio. The two-seat fortwo measures just 8.8 feet long, 5.1 feet wide and 5.1 feet tall (for comparison, a MINI Cooper is about 12 feet long). However, because it just seats two, the passenger compartment is actually quite roomy. Fuel economy has not been announced, but smart claims that the car is designed achieve 40-plus miles per gallon. While smart is part of the Mercedes car group, a new dealer network will be created for distribution and service under Roger Penske and the UnitedAuto Group of dealerships. The new smart is expected to go on sale in the spring of 2008 starting around $12,000 for the coupe, around $17,000 for a fully loaded cabrio.
