The new fortwo ("series 451") will be legal in all 50 states. There is a tour of various cities starting shortly, you can read about it
here.
The EPA ratings for the new fortwo have not been established yet, the cars are just now being certified by Penske's United Auto Group. In Europe, the 71 HP version of this car - which is the US engine - is rated at 58 US MPG on the highway and 38 US MPG in the city. The EPA test is stricter, but I doubt that 58 MPG would be "dumbed down" to 44 MPG.
The new fortwo has a 5 speed sequential manual gearbox. The old model (which I have) has a 6 speed sequential transaxle. You can either shift it by the floor lever (up/down), the shifter paddles on the steering wheel or press a button on the floor shifter for fully automated shifting. It is a servo-actuated manual transaxle with a single disc dry clutch. True; you can't "over-ride its logic" but then who really would want to over-rev the engine, or not have it shift down for you?
Safety:
check this out. The new one will be safer.
Mine is a diesel and I average more or less 61 MPG US.
A diesel with BlueTec emission control may become available in the 2010 model year.
A "soft hybrid" with stop-start system and starter/generator will be introduced in 2008. Fuel consumption is said to be 15% better than the regiular 71 HP version.
Brabus will offer a version of this car with a turbo and 98 HP. This too will probably be sold in the US eventually.
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