Carlsson tunes the smart fortwo for more "oomph"

I think there are now more smart fortwo versions than there are types of iPods. I mean, c'mon, there's the Batsmart, the smart ed, the edit10n; and those are all from the last two months. But, a glut does not stop the flow, and Carlsson Tuning would like to present us with their special version of the fortwo. Carlsson will "personalize" a fortwo with some 16- or 17-inch 1/11 Evo BE alloy wheels, aerodynamic styling additions through a new front spoiler and sport springs that lower the ride height by 25mm. On a petrol-powered fortwo, Carlsson will also upgrade (?) your exhaust to deliver a "deeper, more prominent note." On the inside, there are options galore, including "special leathers and fabrics" and an aluminum pedal set. Pricing was not announced.

[Source: Carlsson]

PRESS RELEASE:

A Small Car with a Big Impression-Carlsson Tuning for the Smart Fortwo

· Carlsson launches a personalization program for the second generation Smart Fortwo
· Sport springs, aerodynamic styling, sport exhaust, interior accessories
· Carlsson wheel design 1/11 Evo BE in 16 and 17-inch sizes

Miami, FL (November 14, 2008)-GGI European Tuning, the exclusive North American importer of the Carlsson brand,is pleased to announce that Carlsson is now offering a comprehensive personalization program for the second generation Smart Fortwo, the smallest car in the Daimler AG vehicle range. Carlsson's high quality component design and sense of style transform the popular Smart Fortwo into an even more uniquely individualized machine.

All tuning starts with a set of distinctive alloy wheels. Apart from looking good, an alloy wheel should be light and strong, qualities that complement the agile handling of the Smart Fortwo.

Carlsson designed the 1/11 Evo BE as its signature wheel for the Smart Fortwo. It is their first stop on the road to making this diminutive city car stand out from the crowd. Sold as a set of four with 16"x7.0" and 17"x7.5" sizes front and rear, the polished and high-gloss varnish coated surface of the 1/11 Evo BE alloy wheel catches the eye whether the car is stationary or on the move. Carlsson North America recommends Continental 195/45R16 tires in front and either Continental 215/35R17 or Continental 205/40R17 tires at the rear.

Sport springs lower the ride height by around 25mm, and in combination with the larger wheels and tires, the car takes on a more rugged, foursquare stance. The lower center of gravity and wider track result in crisper steering response, reduced roll and significantly enhanced cornering ability. The increased mechanical grip is particularly beneficial at the front axle as the standard car is prone to understeer when pushed hard into tight bends.

The Carlsson aerodynamic styling additions give the Smart Fortwo a significantly more purposeful look all round. The polyurethane front spoiler, which attaches to the standard bumper, is complemented by an electro-polished, stainless-steel grill insert and fog lights with chrome surrounds.

At the rear, a new valance, also molded from OEM quality polyurethane, incorporates a diffuser. Carlsson offers this in combination with a stainless-steel rear silencer with four polished exit pipes for the 84hp turbocharged motor, and as an end-pipe only system for the 61 and 71bhp versions. Only available for gas-engined Fortwo variants, this exhaust upgrade looks striking and delivers a deeper, more prominent note.

Carlsson's Smart Fortwo interior program at this time includes an aluminum pedal set and handbrake grip. Carlsson is renowned for its custom interior trim work on Mercedes cars. Special leathers and fabrics are available for the Smart Fortwo on special order.