Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Economy, Euro, SMART, Brabus
Bad in the best way: smart launches fortwo BRABUS

It's been a while since we last spoke of smart's BRABUS-massaged microcars, but the time has come to officially launch the next generation of the potent pint-sized people movers, and it may have been worth the wait for the fortwo BRABUS and Fortwo BRABUS Xclusive.
Beginning with the base turbocharged three-cylinder motor, BRABUS tweaks output to 98 HP and 103 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing the oddly-shaped coupe to reach 60 in a hair under ten seconds. While that 0-60 run might not be impressive, it's important to note that the fortwo does all that while returning over 45 MPG (U.S.).
The exterior benefits from wider rear wheel arches, a center mounted dual exhaust and 16-inch wheels up front, with 17s residing out back. Suspension changes result in a vehicle that's ten millimeters lower than its stock counterpart, while inside BRABUS throws in a new steering wheel, instruments and pedals. the step-up fortwo BRABUS Xclisive adds a monochrome paint scheme, additional bodywork modifications, projector beam headlamps, heated leather seats, and a leather-look IP. All the standard smart colors are available.
You can read all about the options by making the jump for the full press release from smart.
[Source: smart]
PRESS RELEASE
New smart fortwo BRABUS and BRABUS Xclusive: 30 percent more power than before with fuel consumption of just 5.2 litres
A combination of sportiness and exclusiveness: The BRABUS models of the new smart fortwo are ready to hit the road. With a reengineered 72 kW/98 bhp three cylinder turbo engine the smart fortwo BRABUS and the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive continue to boast low fuel consumption of just 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres, yet they have 30 percent more power than the predecessor model. CO2 emissions stand at 124 grams per kilometre. The sporty two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 km/h. Prices in Germany range from € 16,490 to € 22,430 (ex factory) depending on the equipment line and body type.
The sporty character of the new smart fortwo BRABUS is apparent at first glance. For example, it comes with bright-finish "Monoblock VI" alloy wheels with wide tyres measuring 175/50 R 16 at the front and 225/35 R 17 at the rear, wider rear wheel arches, a sports exhaust system with centrally positioned dual tailpipes in the specially styled rear apron and a body lowered by ten millimetres. The transmission and suspension also have a sporty setup. In the interior, cockpit instruments with specially designed dials, BRABUS stainless steel sports pedals and a new BRABUS leather steering wheel with shift paddles underline the exclusiveness of this model. The panoramic roof with sun blind is a standard feature. The new smart fortwo BRABUS is available in all colours.
The smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive lives up to its name with additional equipment details such as H7 projection headlamps with titanium coloured surrounds, a front spoiler with enlarged air inlets, striking side skirts and a special rear apron. All body styling parts are painted in the car's exterior colour. The seats are upholstered with fine leather, heated, and feature head/thorax side airbags as standard. The leather-effect instrument panel boasts aluminium-look trim components.
Both BRABUS model variants of the new smart fortwo are available as a coupé or a cabrio.
Three cylinder engine with turbo power: 72 kW/98 bhp and 140 Newton metres of torque
At the heart of the new smart fortwo BRABUS is a turbo engine with electronically controlled fuel injection that has been improved in numerous details. From capacity of one litre the three-cylinder engine now develops 72 kW/98 bhp at 5500 rpm and lends the 780 kilogram two-door car remarkable agility. The weight/power ratio is just 7.95 kg/bhp - 24 percent lower than that of the previous BRABUS version.
The turbo in-line engine develops maximum torque of 140 Newton metres at 3500 rpm. The new smart fortwo BRABUS sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 km/h.
With combined fuel consumption of just 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres the two-seater is one of the most economical cars in its size and power category. Carbon dioxide emissions stand at 124 grams per kilometre.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jay 11:13AM (8/28/2007)
0-60 in a hair under 10 seconds and 45 mpg? My bone-stock '92 Civic VX does that. It seems that, for all the sacrifices one must make (size and cargo capacity, all the people pointing and laughing at you) that this should return better mileage--maybe in the 60 mpg range would be appropriate. I guess that brick drag coefficient kinda queers the deal.
I still want one, though.
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Jay 11:18AM (8/28/2007)
Plus, I guess, it's easier to park and takes up less asphalt in a traffic jam. And it's rear drive, which means there's hoonage to be had, if it's snowing out.
Yep, still want one.
Don 3:55PM (8/28/2007)
My '95 Civic DX hatchback got to 60 mph faster than that...with virtually the same power specs and more weight!
I don't get it. I just don't.
Alex 11:15AM (8/28/2007)
I'm excited for the fortwo to make it state-side. I go on my test drive friday. Hopefully it'll be able to survive in highway travel as well as it does in city driving.
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LBuzzer 11:16AM (8/28/2007)
0-60 in about 10 seconds? Check!
45 mpg? Pretty close!
4 real seats and room for cargo? Check!
Not bad for a 1991 Civic hatchback I had back then.
What? Did you think I was talking about the *smart?
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Yago Bal 2:43PM (8/28/2007)
2 stars in EuroNCAP? check!
Do you think I'm talking about the smart? ;)
LBuzzer 11:22AM (8/28/2007)
Argh!
You just beat me to it...
Why oh why did Honda ever stop selling their little hatches in North America? Boneheads...
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JC3 2:05PM (8/28/2007)
They're supposedly re-introducing a CRX type vehicle (Honda) based off the Fit around 2010.Toyota has a concept called the Endo which is in a similar class to the Smart.
Andrew Tanasescu 11:28AM (8/28/2007)
Or u can just convert to electric and beat ferraris and get better gas equivalent...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zRrj7dyeXjw
pwned...
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F451 11:48AM (8/28/2007)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPQIizRp9ck
F451 11:39AM (8/28/2007)
Or you can just plain hammer it!
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Gregg 12:46PM (8/28/2007)
It's the transmission that holds the smart back. Unlike VW's DSG, this clutchless manual is slower than if a human were shifting it. Don't understand why smart doesn't get smart and at least offer a conventional manual as an option.
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