SMART Roadster Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Smart created a pocket-sized roadster for the urban environment, proving to anyone that an open-top vehicle doesn't have to be potent to enchant their owners.

The idea of a turbocharged, rear-wheel drive roadster should sound amazing for most sports car enthusiasts. That's what Mercedes-Benz, the owner of the smart brand, thought and unveiled the Smart Roadster and its sibling, the Roadster Coupe, in 2002 at the Paris Motor Show for the 2003 model year. Unfortunately, the car wasn't cheap to build, and since it had to be re-worked to meet the Euro 4 standards that were due to be entered in January 2006, the automaker scrapped the project and gave the nimble little open-top vehicle the axe in November 2005.

At the front, the Smart Roadster got a black plastic element that incorporated the bumper and the twin headlamps mounted on each side of the car. In addition, the automaker placed the fog lamps in the apron that flanked a narrow grille. Still, the body-colored hood and the wide and curved fenders were attractive, especially for the urban environment, where some could expect some scratches in the parking lot.

From its sides, the tiny open-top vehicle unveiled its long wheelbase and incredibly short overhangs. In fact, the Smart Roadster had a longer wheelbase than the much larger Porsche 911. Thanks to the low profile and center of gravity, the car was appreciated by sports car enthusiasts. The raked windshield and the short, removable roof were followed by a vertical safety arch. While the Roadster had a vertical rear window, the Roadster Coupe featured a sloped-down tailgate with a large glass area and triangular side windows. Finally, the automaker installed a body-colored apron at the back that sported a diffuser at its lower side.

Inside, the automaker installed high-bolstered seats for the driver and their side passenger, separated by a narrow center console that sported the gear selector and the ignition. The automaker installed two dials in front of the driver for the speedometer and tachometer. At the same time, smart added two round gauges for the turbocharger and the coolant temperature atop the dashboard. Despite being a small-sized vehicle, it provided enough room for adults. In addition, the automaker offered the vehicle with an AC unit and a decent sound system.

But the Smart Roadster's most essential side was underneath its skin. Thanks to its rear-mounted engine, it could provide customers with an excellent driving experience around a track or on a winding road. Still, the only engine option was an inline-three powerplant, with or without a turbocharger. The automaker made the vehicle with either a 60 PS (60 hp) or an 82 PS (80 hp) paired with a robotized, automated gearbox.