Brabus mods coming to U.S. smart in the next few years?
With all the hype surrounding the imminent sale of smart fortwos beginning next month here in the U.S., we overlooked a line on the smart's website that may hint at some hotted-up versions of the diminutive coupe. Although the model will initially be introduced with 1.0-liter three-pot, "Other engine types and sizes (including BRABUS) may become available in the next few years though no specific timeline has been outlined." What size engines they're referring to is up in the air, but if smart begins selling factory-authorized Brabus accessories – particularly the tuner's engine packages – it might open up a whole other demographic to the smart's growing fan base.
[Source: smart USA]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
theotherstevejobs 10:34AM (12/06/2007)
If you looked up "WTF?" in the dictionary, it would give you a link to a Smart fourtwo mod by Brabus.
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TBlueMax 10:39AM (12/06/2007)
Based on the Smart test-drive event I attended in October, I would drop "engine" to #2 on the update list and focus on the transmission. Simply terrible. Even if you have low expectations, it will still disappoint. Otherwise, not a bad vehicle.
http://smartusa.com/smart-fortwo-passion.aspx
Engine/ drivetrain
1.0 L, 71 HP, 3 cylinder engine
5 speed automated manual transmission
Paddle shifters
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ChrisL 12:28PM (12/06/2007)
I'm with you, the transmission is what killed my joy for the car.
FIX THE TRANSMISSION FIRST, then put whatever engine you want in, electric, hybrid, rubber band, whatever, JUST FIX THE TRANSMISSION...did I get my point across?
kim 12:20PM (12/06/2007)
The Brabus mods are already here. I've have seen the smart with Brabus rims already as well as the body kit.
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tankd0g 11:46AM (12/06/2007)
Is there a place above #1 most pointless thing ever?
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J M C 3 12:11PM (12/06/2007)
Stay in the right lane with your flashers on white knucle ride.
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Derek 12:50PM (12/06/2007)
A Google search shows the Brabus engine making roughly 100hp/100lb*ft. For a 1750# car that's not bad. Plus it's mid engine/RWD. Now, if they'd only make a "long" wheelbase version with a properly low roofline. Say 50" or lower...
keebie 1:24PM (12/06/2007)
forget about brabus if buy one im taking the engine out and a putting a hayabusa motor with turbo in it. then itll scream
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carmaniac 1:42PM (12/06/2007)
Then you'll scream when it rolls over LOL.
Brabus mods are already available at Canadian dealers, but they're just limited to exterior and interior accessories.
Zane 2:36PM (12/06/2007)
Imminent sale next month? I saw a Smart Passion coupe with GA license plates in mid-town Atlanta last night, at Fellini's if anyone's interested. Had it not been for some stupid dork in an SUV who pulled up right in my line of sight, I would have posted a couple of snaps.
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Zane 2:37PM (12/06/2007)
Oh, and it had a red exterior with silver blades.
Umai Kakudo 5:54PM (12/06/2007)
I'll be all over a pumped up TwoFour.
For performance potential see the 'Diablo'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gseTGwppbg
A TwoFour with a 'Busa engine showing how stable it handles. Light is right.
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Bryan 2:46AM (1/31/2008)
Love this mod in this car, it's gotta be a riot to drive. I would imagine your changing more than just the engine though (tranny, suspension, etc.). I think I would take my $15,000 or so that you would spend on the four two (plus whatever that mod costs) and make a down payment on an Ariel Atom.
JP Hedin aka DrSmart 10:14AM (12/07/2007)
We wnt to know when they plan to import the CDI (71mpg) because 36 MPG combined just doesn't cut it. Everyone who believed the BS from Zap that the car got "60 MPG" should be sentenced to drive one of these devices (I won't call it a car) for a lifetime. The marketing weasels who think that the car handles like a sports car and that the transmission operation is fun and sporty need to get a life. If you buy one you will get endlessly boring questions about whether it is electric etc.. The Toyota IQ is the answer in this class of car. Who said that Mercedes was an expert in small cars. How about the 4 star crash rating. Innovative in 1998 but how many of you can really use a transportation device that only seats 2 ?? New smart slogan " Better than a Bus"
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