2009 Smart ForTwo BRABUS Revealed at LA Auto Show

21 November, 2008 09:46:00

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smart USA has introduced the new tuned 2009 smart fortwo BRABUS edition during the LA Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

BRABUS is known for its up-gunned versions of various Mercedes models. BRABUS is world renowned for providing exclusivity on wheels, and the smart fortwo BRABUS lives up to the expectations by offering exclusive design elements in a sportier package that maintains the fortwo's hallmark fuel efficiency, fun and functionality.

Drivers can choose between two BRABUS models that best suit their personal taste and lifestyle – the smart fortwo BRABUS coupe or smart fortwo BRABUS cabriolet.

The 2009 smart fortwo BRABUS coupe starts at $17,990 (not including destination charges). The BRABUS cabriolet starts at $20,990. That contrasts with $13,990 and $16,990 for the comparable versions of the Smart Fortwo.

The smart fortwo BRABUS will have a limited production run in early 2009.

Building on the existing smart fortwo platform, the smart BRABUS has been tailored for enhanced appearance and handling. A sportier exhaust tuning along with a sports chassis and suspension components have been designed to offer a smooth ride and added comfort. The vehicle's body has also been lowered by 10 millimeters to enhance the appearance and handling of the vehicle.

The BRABUS is powered by the same state-of-the-art, compact, three-cylinder gasoline engine as the current fortwo that has a capacity of 61 cubic inches, producing an output of 70 hp (52 kW). The vehicle's five-speed automated manual transmission has been tuned for improved shifting, especially in the stop-and-go traffic of urban driving.

The BRABUS enhances the fortwo's exterior appearance with exclusive design elements that are unique to the brand. The vehicle's BRABUS "Monoblock VII" alloy wheels measure 15 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear. With one glance at the smart fortwo BRABUS, onlookers can clearly see the fortwo has developed a bold and sporty character and is proud to flex its muscles.

A striking double "B" BRABUS emblem proudly accentuates the fuel fill door and the BRABUS name is spelled out on the front and rear of the vehicle. The BRABUS front skirt reduces the front axle lift force to improve the driving experience and comes equipped with BRABUS side skirts that add a sporty appearance to the tridion safety cell.

To accommodate the BRABUS sport exhaust system, the rear skirt of the BRABUS model has a cutout in the center to accommodate dual chrome-plated tail pipes.

Consumers are able to match their BRABUS model to their choice of lifestyle by selecting between the "open air" cabriolet with a fully automatic convertible top or a coupe with a panoramic roof. The vehicle is available in two colors: metallic silver and deep black. The metallic silver comes with a metallic silver tridion safety cell, and the deep black with a deep black tridion safety cell.

To complete the exterior's aggressive look, the BRABUS features halogen projector beam headlights, side indicators in yellow, and exterior mirror trim matching the tridion safety cell.

The BRABUS model has sports pedals made of brushed aluminum. The vehicle features stylish velour floor mats embroidered with the BRABUS logo to accentuate the overall look and feel of the vehicle. The vehicle also comes standard with heated leather seats, power steering and additional dashboard instruments (all are options on the standard smart fortwo).

Each BRABUS model comes equipped with the same interior features of the standard smart fortwo passion coupe including: a single-disc CD radio that includes two speakers and an auxiliary input jack in the coupe model, or a premium six-disc MP3 compatible radio with sound system in the cabriolet model, molded storage areas located in the dash, door nets, along with a lockable glove compartment and storage areas beside the steering wheel. Also, a flat-folding passenger seat with backrest adjustment, coin holder (coupe only), dome light and mirror in the passenger sun visor.

Keeping with the benchmark set with the original smart fortwo, the smart fortwo BRABUS is designed with the highest level of safety and technology. Full-size airbags for the driver and passenger, along with head and neck side airbags are standard along with belt tensioners and belt-force limiters, which provide greater protection in case of a frontal impact collision.

Electronic stability program (esp®) is a safety feature instrumental in avoiding crashes (according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), which is why all smart models come standard with esp®. The vehicle also features four airbags and many other advanced safety technologies typically found on premium vehicles, including hill start assist, anti-lock braking system (abs) and a hydraulic dual-circuit break system. The vehicle also features integral safety seats, drive lock, top tether for child restraint systems, panic button on the key fob, tire pressure monitoring system and a tire repair kit.

Administration (NHTSA) performed crash tests on the smart fortwo. The IIHS gave the smart fortwo coupe a "good" (highest possible rating) for Frontal Offset Crash and Side Crash. NHTSA gave the smart fortwo 5 stars (out of a possible 5 stars) for side impact protection.

The BRABUS model maintains smart's commitment to the environment with excellent fuel economy and low vehicle emissions. The smart fortwo is the most fuel efficient, non-hybrid vehicle in the United States and fifth overall behind four hybrid models according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2009 Fuel Economy Guide. The vehicle achieves an average of 41 miles to the gallon on the highway according to the 2009 EPA regulations.

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