Scoop: Funny Looking Twingo Prototype is a Chassis Mule for Next Smart ForFour

It has been seven years since Daimler pulled the plug on the four-seater, four-door Smart ForFour, which shared its underpinnings and was built in the same factory with the European-market Mitsubishi Colt in Holland.

Now, the Germans want to expand the range of their Smart unit again to include a more spacious model than the ForTwo, only this time, they are going at it in a different way.

For starters, Daimler has found a new partner for Smart in the form and shape of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

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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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