Spy Shots: Smart Engineers Put ForFour Test Mule on the Road

We will not blame you for thinking that this prototype looks more like an amusing effort to create a long-wheelbase version of the Renault Twingo since that's what the body suggests, but what you see here is said to be a test mule for Smart's second take on the ForFour theme.

You may remember that our spies recently caught up with Smart engineers trying out a shorter mule for the next ForTwo, again using body parts from the Renault Twingo.

The reasoning behind this move is that Daimler and Renault are co-developing a new chassis and mechanical components for use in both the Smart cars and the next Twingo as part of their extended partnership.

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Scoop: First 2014 Smart ForTwo Test Mule Caught Out in the Open, Concept May Debut in Paris

This admittedly funny looking prototype with the Renault Twingo-sourced headlamps (pre-facelift), taillights (facelift) and door handles is in fact a test mule for the next generation of the Smart ForTwo.

If you're wondering why the Daimler Group's brand would use bits and pieces from the French carmaker's model, it's because the two automakers have forged an alliance and will co-develop several vehicles including the replacements for the Smart ForTwo and the Renault Twingo, which will share a common platform and engine range.

Even though there's nothing that this test mule can tell us about the next ForTwo's exterior looks, Smart may preview its two-seater model with a thinly disguised concept as early as this September at the Paris Motor Show.

It's very likely that the small city car wil be modeled after the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show ForVision Concept and the 2012 Detroit Auto Show ForUs Study.

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Smart Four-Seater Prototype Scale Model Scooped at R&D Facility

It's no secret that Mercedes-Benz plans to give its Smart brand one more chance to extend its vehicle range after the not so-successful Mitsubishi Colt-based Forfour and the Roadster series. Last April, the German automaker signed a deal with the Renault-Nissan Group, with the two parties announcing the development of a new rear-wheel drive platform to be used on the successor of the current Smart Fortwo, a new four-seater Smart and the next-generation Renault Twingo.

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