The Fourjoy is yet another offbeat design study from the premium small car brand.
This is a Smart concept with a difference. It's built on the Fourtwo platform yet it has four seats. However, in keeping with the brand’s quirkiness, the Fourjoy has decided to dispense with doors, rear windows and even the roof, all of which its designers claim are ‘unnecessary ballast’.
Doing away with such intrinsic elements of the traditional car would be seen by many as an act of irresponsibility, but, on the contrary, Daimler, Smart’s parent company says the concept is proof that the brand is becoming more grown up.
The external cell is constructed from polished aluminum while the bumpers, tailgate and hood are finished in pearlescent white reminiscent of an Apple device.
Inside, it’s very much ‘back to the future’ with uniquely shaped front seats and a rear bench that seem to float.
Power is derived from an electric motor -- hence the amount of interior space on offer despite being a very small car -- and its makers have come up with a novel solution for addressing the range anxiety that comes from owning an environmentally friendly, battery-powered car: skateboards.
Two longboard electrically-powered skateboards fit to the car’s roof and two specially designed helmets – complete with integrated HD camera -- can be found in a special compartment in the trunk. Smart says that this feature enables short car-less, emission-free journeys around town which can be captured on video and posted to social networks.
Continuing the theme of connectivity are the four integrated smartphones within the cabin, two on the dashboard and two for the rear passengers.
The Smart Fourjoy concept will make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 10.
