[Image Source: Charles Tines of Detroit News]

SMART is gearing up for a big launch for the small ForTwo econo-box that's in its second generation after selling more than 770K units worldwide. After a few false starts in the U.S. and a quiet showcase that couldn't sell cars in New York, the launch date is now set for January, 2008.

So far, better than 20,000 buyers have put $99 down to reserve an '08 ForTwo.

SMART USA president David Schembri told Detroit News that the response for the new ForTwo in America has been strong but people had questions about the smallest car to be sold Stateside.

"The first question people ask is, is the car safe?" Schembri said, " [SMART has] a reinforced steel frame that acts much like a NASCAR roll cage."

To further answer that safety question, below is a video featuring a crash test between a SMART ForTwo and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan. SMART's Engineering VP then gives the viewer a dissertation over the after-event performance of the little car that stood up to a sedan twice its weight in an off-set impact.



[Source: Detroit News]