Suzuki Swift GT coming back to the US

Aaron Buckley · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 9:52 am

BriceJohnson wrote:

Sounds like they are trying to compete with the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris to me, the mini cooper has it KILLED as far as fun goes.

Swift GT weight/power (if 2300 lbs is used): 18.4
Mini Cooper S weight/power: 15.5

and for those doubting that a modern car can weigh that light, 1600 lbs is what a smart car weighs, so it IS possible, just requires some pretty big compromises as far as vehicle size.

Speaking of which, the smart IS coming to the US isn't it? It outta be interesting to see how it does in HS, although they've only got like 80 hp. If they ever bring the 99 hp turbo version though, it could be interesting. . .

Numbers don't really mean a lot. My Celica stock is 13.72 by the same numbers, yet on a autocross course, the LSD of the Cooper S kills the GT-S.

I would think the Swift GT would be comparing more to the standard Cooper, which by the numbers it should eat alive. - AB

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

true, it is a more valid comparison to use the regular cooper, which is only 118 hp, I stand (well, sit) corrected. Its got the mini beat in numbers, it'll be interesting to see if it actually beats it on course in HS, not to mention my favorite new kid on the block in HS, the mighty mazda3! (I know its a bit heavy, but Mark McKnight finished second in nationals last year in one!)

CosbyWood · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 12:03 pm

As for the SmartCar, it is here. I saw one on Wade ave a couple of months back and was very stunned. Immediately started looking for sales locations and numbers for the DM version. Even though I saw one, I couldn't find any info on current sellers. Then I found that it's going to be here in 08. Starting at 12k for the base model and going up to 17k+ for the convertable.

Aaron Buckley · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 12:10 pm

There are a couple of Smart cars tooling around Charlotte. A local software firm owns them and had them brought over with UK tags. They are small but look pretty cool. - AB

Marty Howard · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 12:42 pm

The Cary Automart sells Smart cars

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

have they been classed by the SCCA yet? I can only assume HS right?

Todd Breakey · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 1:16 pm

Isn't there a certain number that have to be available to the public before the SCCA will put the car in a "Stock" class?

But, I agree Brice, I would definately think it would be an HS car. And will be beat consistantly by the MINI like the Yaris is.

Aaron Buckley · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 1:41 pm

Todd Breakey wrote:

Isn't there a certain number that have to be available to the public before the SCCA will put the car in a "Stock" class?

But, I agree Brice, I would definately think it would be an HS car. And will be beat consistantly by the MINI like the Yaris is.

1000 need to be sold in the US to be stock eligible. - AB

Todd Breakey · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:37 pm

Thanks for the clarification Aaron. I knew someone whould know.

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:35 pm

Aaron Buckley wrote:

1000 need to be sold in the US to be stock eligible. - AB

Unless not specifically listed in a Stock class. See the first paragraph of section 13. (Old rule quoted by old guy :wink:

) If the SEB classes the car in any Stock class, production quantities don't matter.

FYI here are specs: http://www.smartcar101.com/specs.htm

Note that the 71.34 inch wheelbase is LESS than the A Mod 72 inch minimum.

JamesFeinberg · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:50 pm

DickRasmussen wrote:

Note that the 71.34 inch wheelbase is LESS than the A Mod 72 inch minimum.

Dang, that's nearly 2 feet shorter than the CRX! Talk about potentially twitchy, wow!

Jim

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 8:00 pm

JamesFeinberg wrote:

DickRasmussen wrote:

Note that the 71.34 inch wheelbase is LESS than the A Mod 72 inch minimum.

Dang, that's nearly 2 feet shorter than the CRX! Talk about potentially twitchy, wow!

Jim

Not to worry it has Electronic Stability Control to keep the 60 inch high 59 inch wide "car" with 61 hp under control:lol:

I still say 1600 lbs for a real car these days is not likely . . . :wink:

Wes Eargle · **Joined:** Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:47 am **Posts:** 3683

JamesFeinberg wrote:

DickRasmussen wrote:

Note that the 71.34 inch wheelbase is LESS than the A Mod 72 inch minimum.

Dang, that's nearly 2 feet shorter than the CRX! Talk about potentially twitchy, wow!

Jim

And there are only 3 lugnuts per wheel, just like Le Car!

David Spratte · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 9:23 pm

What order do you torque those in?

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Wed Apr 18, 2007 9:35 pm

David Spratte wrote:

What order do you torque those in?

On a SMART car? Reverse alphabetical, of course!

--Donnie

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Suzuki Swift GT coming back to the US

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