Geneva Preview: Smart Fortwo BRABUS & BRABUS Xclusive

The German "mighty-mouse" is back as Smart just released the initial facts on the 2008 Fortwo Brabus which will be available in two variants, the basic Brabus and the filthy-rich (for Smart standards), Brabus Xclusive. Both versions are equipped α 1-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 98Hp and a maximum torque of 140 Nm. Topping the scale at about two times the weight of Roseanne in her glory days (770 kg or 1700 pounds), Smart’s “minimalistic” GTi sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.9 sec and reaches a top speed electronically limited at 155 km/h -96 mph. The two BRABUS variants will go on sale in Europe in the autumn of 2007. -Continued: Click “Read More...” below to see the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: At the Geneva Motor Show (06 – 18 March 2007) smart will be presenting the two BRABUS variants of the new smart fortwo to the public for the first time. Rated at 72 kW / 98 bhp, the smart fortwo BRABUS and smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive have more than 30 percent more engine power than the BRABUS variant of the predecessor model. At the same time the low consumption and low CO2 emissions demonstrate that this does not have to come at a cost to the environment and customers' wallets. In addition, the two BRABUS variants boast an extremely low weight to power ratio: at just 7.8 kg/bhp this is 24 percent lower than that of the previous BRABUS variant.

smart fortwo BRABUS: Greater power and sports suspension

The smart fortwo BRABUS places the primary focus on sportiness. Its three-cylinder petrol engine with capacity of one litre delivers 72 kW (98 bhp) and together with maximum torque of 140 Newton metres this lends the 770 kilo two-seater remarkably lively agility. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes less than ten seconds and the maximum speed (electronically limited) is 155 km/h. The exterior of the smart fortwo BRABUS is first and foremost characterised by "Monoblock VI" alloy wheels, wider rear wheel arches, a sports exhaust system and fog lights. Furthermore, it has a firmer suspension setup and is lowered by 15 millimetres.

The interior of the smart fortwo BRABUS is distinguished from that of standard smart fortwo models by a number of BRABUS styling elements, for example for the gear knob, hand-brake handle and pedals. The speedometer, rev counter and clock also bear the BRABUS signature. The same range of exterior colours is available for the smart fortwo BRABUS as for other smart fortwo models.

smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive: Luxurious equipment

Sportiness combined with a level of luxury that is unusual in this vehicle class – that's the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive. It does not differ from the BRABUS model in terms of drive and performance but it comes with additional equipment that leaves almost nothing to be desired. Although it also sports wide "Monoblock VI" alloy wheels, wider rear wheel arches, a sports exhaust system and rear apron, it is nevertheless immediately recognisable as a BRABUS Xclusive. This is first and foremost due to the BRABUS front spoiler, BRABUS side skirts and the tinted clear glass headlights.

The interior of the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive additionally features heated leather seats embossed with the BRABUS logo. A modified three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift and BRABUS velour floor mats are also included in the standard spec. The instrument panel and door trim have a leather effect. Head/thorax side airbags, otherwise available as an option, are a standard feature in this model. These special side airbags protect the head and chest areas. The paintwork of the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive further underlines the exclusiveness of this model. It is exclusively available in the combinations (tridion safety cell/bodypanels) silver/silver or black/black. The two BRABUS variants will be launched on the market in the autumn of 2007. The prices will be announced around the middle of the year.

Smart fortwo BRABUS / BRABUS Xclusive - Technical data

Engine
Type petrol engine
Number of cylinders/ configuration three in-line
Valves four per cylinder
Engine capacity (cc) 999
Bore x stroke (mm) 72 x 81.8
Rated output (kW/bhp) 72/98 at 5,500 rpm
Max. torque (Nm) 140 at 3,500 rpm
Fuel delivery electr. multipoint injection

Power transmission
Clutch single-plate dry clutch
Transmission automated manual five-speed transmission

Running gear
Front axle wishbone, McPherson strut, anti-roll bar
Rear axle DeDion rear axle, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers
Brake system electronic stability programme esp with hill start assist
anti-lock braking system abs with electronic
brake-force distribution, acceleration skid control, electronic brake assist
dual-circuit brake system with tandem
servo assistance, disc brakes at front, drum brakes at rear
Steering rack-and-pinion steering
Wheels and tyres front/rear 175/50R16 on 5.5Jx16 (front), 225/35R17 on 7.5Jx17 (rear)

Dimensions and weights
Wheelbase (mm) 1,867
Track width front (mm) 1,270
Track width rear (mm) 1,363
Length (mm) 2,695
Width (mm) 1,559
Height (mm) 1,532
Turning circle (m) 8.75
Luggage compartment
capacity (l) 220 to waist line / 340 to roof
Weight without driver (kg) 780 (cabrio: 810)
Payload (kg) 270 (cabrio: 240)
Permissible total weight (kg) 1,050
Fuel tank capacity/reserve (l) 33/5

Performance
Maximum speed (km/h) 155
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) 9.9 *

Fuel consumption (l/100 km)/Euro-premium in acc. with NEDC
Combined cycle 5.3*
Urban cycle 6.7*
Extra-urban cycle 4.4*
CO₂ emissions (g/km) 126*
Emission class EU
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Parking Lessons 101: Depth perception when using a Smart Fortwo

Continuing the array of funny parking lessons we bring you another “priceless” video. This time, believe it or not, our central hero is having difficulties fitting a Smart Fortwo in a parking space big enough to fit a Maybach! Via: Autoblog.nl

Technorati: Smart+Fortwo, Youtube, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Smart Fortwo – Proposals for future US versions

I wonder what our fellow “Camino” lovers at Jalopnik think about this one. We for once, like the idea but we really doubt that a Smart Pick-Up would have any success in the American market. But let’s start from the beginning. Automotorundsport had a nice chitty-chat with American designer, Mark Stehrenberger of MSD, a design research and development group based in Santa Barbara, California that specializes in automotive / transportation and product design.

AMS asked MSD’s opinion on how Smart should evolve its car range in the USA. Stehrenberger believes that despite the fact that the new Fortwo is 200 mm longer than its predecessor, it still remains small for your average American consumer, mainly cause people are “bigger” (..??) and there’s more parking space than in Europe.

So what does Stehrenberger propose? Well for starters, the Fortwo should grow in size and reach 3,7 m in length (from 2,7 m). He also believes that Smart should add 4x4 Crossover and Pick-Up versions of the larger Fortwo. Via: Automotorundsport & MSD

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Chinese Smart Fortwo Copycat gets the boot

EH EH EH – Not so Fast! Looks like Chinese automaker Shandong Huoyun stopped production of their two-person electric car, aka the Smart ForTwo copycat, due to complaints from DaimlerChrysler -wonder why... According to Automotivenews, “doody hit the fan” when a big mouth manager referred to the new vehicle as the Smart car in a magazine interview.

So how on earth did Shandong Huoyun conjure up the same design to make their copycat Smart car. Well, the Chinese say that they used a toy model purchased via the internet! To avoid hurt feeling with the German carmaker and lawsuits galore for that matter, Shandong Huoyun will reconfigure the car shortening it by 7.9 inches and by changing the doors, rear end and cargo capacity. Via: Automotivenews

Technorati: Smart+Fortwo, HuoYun, Electromobile, China, Germany, green+cars, ecology, electric+cars, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles

2007 Smart Fortwo Video - Get Smart!

Boy, aren't those folks over at DaimlerChrysler in a hurry! A day after the official presentation of the second generation Smart Fortwo and they've already released the first promo video of the car! I took it upon myself to edit the video in an appropriate manner... I hope you enjoy it!

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2007 Smart Fortwo Coupe & Cabrio official pics & info

UPDATE: 2007 Smart Fortwo Video

Following yesterday's premature leak, we've obtained the press kit and the full series photos from Smart's 2007 Fortwo. Available in Coupe & Cabrio versions, the second generation Fortwo adopts the key characteristics of the current model and according to Smart, it can do everything it can do -but a little bit better.

Dimensions: Talking about better, the new Fortwo is a little bit longer than we knew it -a full 19,5 cm to be exact, (2.695 m from 2.500 m). Apart from the need to make the front end longer for safety reasons and in particular, to meet the more stringent EURONCAP pedestrian tests, Smart wanted to increase the boot space which is significantly larger than its predecessor: 220 lt from 150 lt.

Engines: The 2007 Smart Fortwo will be available with three brand new, 3cylinder, 1,0 litre petrol motors producing 61Hp, 71Hp and 84Hp. As with the previous model, the new Fortwo will also be available with a cdi diesel motor producing 45 Hp. All versions are fitted with a semi-automatic 5speed gearbox from Getrag. The maximum speed for all models is limited to 145 km/h, an increase of10 km/h in comparison with the previous Fortwo. In autumn 2007 Smart will also add a more powerful -and let's hope, less dangerous... Brabus edition.

Versions: The Fortwo will be available as a Coupe and a Cabrio in three equipment levels: Pure, Passion and Pulse (the latter are equipped with a panoramic glass roof). In contrast to its size, Fortwo's equipment list (standard & extra) is pretty hefty including a mp3 compatible Sound System, ABS, ESP, side & roof airbags, rain & light sensors etc.

Sales: The second generation Fortwo will start its European adventure next spring. In the US, as it has already been announced, the new Fortwo which will be the first Smart to enter the American market will go on sale in the first quarter of 2008. According to Mercedes latest press release, Smart dealerships are expected to be announced in the second half of 2007.

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2007 Smart Fortwo official pics

The first official pics of the 2007 Smart Fortwo mini car found their way in the net today, a couple of day's before the actual presentation (to be exact, on Thursday 9th of November). The second generation Fortwo will be the first Smart to be offered ever in the American market with sales beginning in the first quarter of 2008. In Europe, sales will begin in spring 2007. While it retains the basic line of its predecessor, the all-new 2007 Fortwo is slightly bigger and it features an upgraded interior. Stay tuned for more pics and the official press release.

Technorati: Smart+Fortwo, USA, 2007, photos, images, pictures, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop