Three-seater Smart car patent drawings emerge

Several patent drawings of an upcoming three-seat Smart model have emerged.

Although details are limited, the car is speculated to be a replacement for the Smart coupe/roadster that went out of production in 2005. If the reports are accurate, the three-seater would feature sporty styling with extreme flexibility.

Set to ride on a rear-engined platform, the car would adopt a McLaren F1-like seating arrangement with the driver centered in front with two passengers sitting behind them. As the sketches show, the car would apparently feature a unique swivel seat and a "runner" system which would move the seat closer to the door for improved access.

Power would likely come from a variety of three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with displacements ranging from 800cc to 1.4-litres. The engines will probably be connected to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which should ensure quick responses and improved fuel efficiency.

Look for the new Smart to be launched sometime before 2014, possibly wearing the Forthree moniker.

Photos of Smart Roadster added for reference.