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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