Smart, the Swatch-designed and Daimler Chrysler-engineered European sub-compact car brand has a new variant on the roads, the ‘smart crossblade.’ An open-air runabout powered by a Mercedes-built 3-cylinder rear-mounted engine (turbocharged for your pleasure), the crossblade is described as a “motorcycle on four wheels,” eschewing traditional styling (like, you know, a roof) for an wind-in-your-hair driving experience. Like the other smart cars, don’t expect to see the crossblade in the U.S. anytime soon, unless you’ve got the money to import. It’s a shame, too; it looks like a blast to drive. [Thanks, John!]
Update: Nate at Streettech lets us know that not only have Smarts have been approved for sale in the U.S. and Canada, but are currently legal to import, as well, meaning that variants like the crossblade could be on North American roads even before Smart starts selling the cars officially.
Update Zero: Smart also is selling a limited-edition ‘smart fortwo i-move’ car with an integreated iPod, especially nice since the commonly-used iPod FM transmitters are illegal in the U.K.
