Performance is relative. Take these new Smart models tuned by Brabus, for example. They only pack 107 horsepower, which would hardly be enough to reach highway speed in most cars. But in something this small, a seemingly modest output increase is enough to make all the difference.
Revealed at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show, the new Brabus versions of the Smart ForTwo, ForTwo Cabrio, and ForFour boast a series of mild performance upgrades. The 898-cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine carries over, but it has been retuned to pull in more air and fuel and produce 20 percent more power and 25 percent more torque; that 107-hp figure represents an 18-horse increase over the 89 hp in the standard version, and the 125 pound-feet of torque a solid improvement over the standard 100. It's also 7 hp and 17 lb-ft more potent than the previous Brabus Smart. The Brabus-fettled ForTwo with the dual-clutch transmission can reach 62 miles per hour in 9.5 seconds versus 11.3 for the stock car. See what we mean about things being relative?
Of course, Brabus being Brabus, the tuners didn't just tweak the engine and call it a day. They also increased the suspension's stiffness by 20 percent, fitted a front anti-roll bar, retuned the ESP and steering, mounted new wheels, added a launch-control-like Race Start feature, and installed a new exhaust system. There's a host of cosmetic upgrades available as well.
While a little extra power would be a big help on American roads, these high-output Smarts aren't likely to make it here. If the past is a guide, we might get a Brabus-look package at some point. That's too bad, because if you have to drive a city car, these new Smarts seem like the most fun options.
Related Video:
Revealed at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show, the new Brabus versions of the Smart ForTwo, ForTwo Cabrio, and ForFour boast a series of mild performance upgrades. The 898-cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine carries over, but it has been retuned to pull in more air and fuel and produce 20 percent more power and 25 percent more torque; that 107-hp figure represents an 18-horse increase over the 89 hp in the standard version, and the 125 pound-feet of torque a solid improvement over the standard 100. It's also 7 hp and 17 lb-ft more potent than the previous Brabus Smart. The Brabus-fettled ForTwo with the dual-clutch transmission can reach 62 miles per hour in 9.5 seconds versus 11.3 for the stock car. See what we mean about things being relative?
Of course, Brabus being Brabus, the tuners didn't just tweak the engine and call it a day. They also increased the suspension's stiffness by 20 percent, fitted a front anti-roll bar, retuned the ESP and steering, mounted new wheels, added a launch-control-like Race Start feature, and installed a new exhaust system. There's a host of cosmetic upgrades available as well.
While a little extra power would be a big help on American roads, these high-output Smarts aren't likely to make it here. If the past is a guide, we might get a Brabus-look package at some point. That's too bad, because if you have to drive a city car, these new Smarts seem like the most fun options.
Related Video:
Top version with 80 kW/109 hp coming in the summer: More power than ever: the new smart BRABUS
Beijing/Stuttgart. With 80 kW/109 hp, the new smart BRABUS is among the sportiest vehicles in its segment. Alongside the powerful turbo engine, this is down to the BRABUS Performance sports suspension with specially adapted ESP®, the sports power steering and sporty configuration of the twinamic dual-clutch transmission with Race Start function. The vehicle also comes as standard with a sporty look both inside and out. Available in fortwo, fortwo cabrio and forfour versions, the new smart BRABUS will celebrate its world premiere at the Beijing Automotive Exhibition (25 April to 4 May 2016). The first models will be in European dealers' showrooms from July 2016.
Anyone for a spot more driving enjoyment? The new smart BRABUS models are more powerful than any previous standard smart. That's because, compared with the previous model, rated power and maximum torque have been increased by 5 kW and 23 Nm, respectively, to 80 kW/109 hp at 5750 rpm and 170 Nm at 2000 rpm. The result is a correspondingly sporty level of performance, with the smart BRABUS fortwo accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds, while the smart BRABUS forfour boasts a top speed of up to 180 km/h.
Yet the more powerful turbo engine is not the only technical highlight. The sporty performance is due also to the following extensive modifications:
- The fuel pressure has been raised by 2 bar. The air supply to the engine has been optimised.
- The springing/damping of the BRABUS Performance sports suspension are 20 percent firmer than the BRABUS sports suspension, with the anti-roll bar on the front axle reducing the roll tendency by 9%, while the ESP® has been specially adapted.
- The sports-tuned Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio comes with a specially increased return torque for the smart BRABUS. This means that the steering gives even stronger feedback on the current grip status of the tyres, thereby improving the communication between driver and vehicle. This allows better control over the vehicle while making for enhanced driving enjoyment.
- With an up to 40 percent faster response time and shorter-legged ratios than in the 66 kW model, the twinamic 6-speed dual-clutch transmission is configured for sporty performance. It also features a Race Start function, which automatically sets the optimal rpm and clutch slip for maximum acceleration from rest. To use the Race Start function, the driver simply needs to release the brake pedal after previously depressing it and flooring the accelerator.
- The BRABUS sport exhaust system has been optimised in terms of back-pressure.
The sporty top models of the latest smart generation stand out visually through their matt grey rear diffuser insert with chrome-look tailpipe trims as well as their grey, high-sheen and matt painted BRABUS Monoblock IX light-alloy wheels. The smart fortwo comes with Yokohama sports tyres of size 185/50 R 16 H (front) and 205/40 R 17 H (rear). The smart forfour is shod with 185/45 R 17 H (front) and 205/40 R 17 H (rear). All smart BRABUS models come as standard with a lockable glove compartment, the Cool & Audio package and the proximity warning function. The smart BRABUS fortwo coupé and forfour also sport a panoramic roof ex factory.
smart BRABUS Xclusive: the new premium equipment line
The new high-end equipment line BRABUS Xclusive makes for even greater sporty elegance in the city. The special features:
- BRABUS sport seats with upholstery in perforated nappa leather/black leather with specific grey topstitching
- BRABUS instrument panel with a material mix of man-made leather/fabric
- BRABUS dashboard instrument with cockpit clock and rev counter
- BRABUS floor mats
- Xclusive badges in mirror triangle and B-pillar
The BRABUS Xclusive also comes as standard with LED & Sensor package, heated seats for driver and front passenger, while the smart forfour readyspace features rear seats with a removable cargo box.
The new models at a glance:
Data apply to vehicles with twinamic. 1 Non-binding recommended price for Germany including 19% VAT.
Long-standing cooperation: smart-BRABUS GmbH
smart-BRABUS GmbH is a joint venture of smart and BRABUS and stands for automotive refinement at the highest level. In the last twelve years, over 60,000 customers have opted for products that were developed or produced in cooperation with BRABUS engineers.
The smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme enables creative customers to configure their smart entirely in accordance with their personal preferences.
Beijing/Stuttgart. With 80 kW/109 hp, the new smart BRABUS is among the sportiest vehicles in its segment. Alongside the powerful turbo engine, this is down to the BRABUS Performance sports suspension with specially adapted ESP®, the sports power steering and sporty configuration of the twinamic dual-clutch transmission with Race Start function. The vehicle also comes as standard with a sporty look both inside and out. Available in fortwo, fortwo cabrio and forfour versions, the new smart BRABUS will celebrate its world premiere at the Beijing Automotive Exhibition (25 April to 4 May 2016). The first models will be in European dealers' showrooms from July 2016.
Anyone for a spot more driving enjoyment? The new smart BRABUS models are more powerful than any previous standard smart. That's because, compared with the previous model, rated power and maximum torque have been increased by 5 kW and 23 Nm, respectively, to 80 kW/109 hp at 5750 rpm and 170 Nm at 2000 rpm. The result is a correspondingly sporty level of performance, with the smart BRABUS fortwo accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds, while the smart BRABUS forfour boasts a top speed of up to 180 km/h.
Yet the more powerful turbo engine is not the only technical highlight. The sporty performance is due also to the following extensive modifications:
- The fuel pressure has been raised by 2 bar. The air supply to the engine has been optimised.
- The springing/damping of the BRABUS Performance sports suspension are 20 percent firmer than the BRABUS sports suspension, with the anti-roll bar on the front axle reducing the roll tendency by 9%, while the ESP® has been specially adapted.
- The sports-tuned Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio comes with a specially increased return torque for the smart BRABUS. This means that the steering gives even stronger feedback on the current grip status of the tyres, thereby improving the communication between driver and vehicle. This allows better control over the vehicle while making for enhanced driving enjoyment.
- With an up to 40 percent faster response time and shorter-legged ratios than in the 66 kW model, the twinamic 6-speed dual-clutch transmission is configured for sporty performance. It also features a Race Start function, which automatically sets the optimal rpm and clutch slip for maximum acceleration from rest. To use the Race Start function, the driver simply needs to release the brake pedal after previously depressing it and flooring the accelerator.
- The BRABUS sport exhaust system has been optimised in terms of back-pressure.
The sporty top models of the latest smart generation stand out visually through their matt grey rear diffuser insert with chrome-look tailpipe trims as well as their grey, high-sheen and matt painted BRABUS Monoblock IX light-alloy wheels. The smart fortwo comes with Yokohama sports tyres of size 185/50 R 16 H (front) and 205/40 R 17 H (rear). The smart forfour is shod with 185/45 R 17 H (front) and 205/40 R 17 H (rear). All smart BRABUS models come as standard with a lockable glove compartment, the Cool & Audio package and the proximity warning function. The smart BRABUS fortwo coupé and forfour also sport a panoramic roof ex factory.
smart BRABUS Xclusive: the new premium equipment line
The new high-end equipment line BRABUS Xclusive makes for even greater sporty elegance in the city. The special features:
- BRABUS sport seats with upholstery in perforated nappa leather/black leather with specific grey topstitching
- BRABUS instrument panel with a material mix of man-made leather/fabric
- BRABUS dashboard instrument with cockpit clock and rev counter
- BRABUS floor mats
- Xclusive badges in mirror triangle and B-pillar
The BRABUS Xclusive also comes as standard with LED & Sensor package, heated seats for driver and front passenger, while the smart forfour readyspace features rear seats with a removable cargo box.
The new models at a glance:
|
smart BRABUS fortwo
|
smart BRABUS fortwo cabrio
|
smart BRABUS forfour
|
|
|
Number of cylinders/arrangement
|
3 in-line
|
3 in-line
|
3 in-line
|
|
Displacement (cc)
|
898
|
898
|
898
|
|
Rated output (kW/hp)
|
80/109
|
80/109
|
80/109
|
|
at rpm
|
5750
|
5750
|
5750
|
|
Rated torque (Nm)
|
170
|
170
|
170
|
|
at rpm
|
2000
|
2000
|
2000
|
|
NEDC consumption (l/100 km) urban/extra-urban/comb.
|
5.2/4.1/4.5
|
5.2/4.3/4.6
|
5.4/4.2/4.6
|
|
Combined CO 2 emissions (g/km)
|
102
|
104
|
104
|
|
Efficiency class
|
B
|
B
|
B
|
|
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)
|
9.5
|
9.5
|
10.5
|
|
Top speed (km/h)
|
165
|
165
|
180
|
|
Price from (euros) 1
smart BRABUS
smart BRABUS Xclusive
|
19,710
22,710
|
22,970
25,970
|
20,520
23,520
|
Data apply to vehicles with twinamic. 1 Non-binding recommended price for Germany including 19% VAT.
Long-standing cooperation: smart-BRABUS GmbH
smart-BRABUS GmbH is a joint venture of smart and BRABUS and stands for automotive refinement at the highest level. In the last twelve years, over 60,000 customers have opted for products that were developed or produced in cooperation with BRABUS engineers.
The smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme enables creative customers to configure their smart entirely in accordance with their personal preferences.
Featured Gallery Smart Brabus
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