Brabus Unveils Smart Concept At Essen Motor Show

Posted by www.eMercedesBenz.com on November 25, 2005 at 7:30 PM CST

I'm pleased to anounce that I've finally awoken from my turkey- 
induced coma, and am suffering only a few lingering effects from my  
wanton gluttony.

As you all know, yesterday was Thanksgiving, but as you also know,  
DaimlerChrysler never sleeps.  While I was feasting on grossly over- 
portioned amounts of turkey and stuffing, DaimlerChrysler was hard at  
work releasing details of a Brabus concept car, designed to show the  
true potential of the smart forfour.

The Brabus smart car features, among other things, a 210 horsepower  
engine capable of producing speeds in upwards of 146 mph, a new  
differential lock for the transmission, and a racing brake system  
that completely fills the car's 17 inch rims.

But this is a concept people, so you know they had to take it a step  
further.  In addition to the power enhancements, the Brabus smart  
forfour concept features a wealth of exterior enhancements, including  
roof wings in the rear and a new front spoiler to provide negative  
lift; aluminum-look paint work; and an aluminum underbody shield and  
rear diffuser.

OK I know what you're thinking: "Brabus is getting closer to a true  
concept vehicle, but what would push the smart over the top?"  Like  
all true 210 horsepower go-karts, Brabus rounded off the forfour  
concept with a roll cage, five-point belt system, and to add a touch  
of class, Alcantara trim on the instrument panel and center console.

All right, so maybe it's not the most exciting concept you've ever  
seen.  But come on, you have to admit it'll fit perfectly in your 16  
year-old daughter's stocking this Christmas.

For more info, you can check out a ton of photos and the full press  
release by clicking the link below:

http://emercedesbenz.com/Nov05/25BrabusUnveilsSmartAtEssenShow.html




OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


World premiere at the Essen Motor Show 2005: BRABUS concept car  
development shows the potential of the smart forfour

Böblingen, Nov 24, 2005

A smart forfour with racing seat belts and a roll cage is sure to  
pull the crowds to the smart-BRABUS stand in hall 11 at the Essen  
Motor Show (25 November until 4 December 2005). The concept car  
serves as a technology demonstrator and will be presented to the  
public for the first time in Essen.
Findings from the development of concept cars such as this are  
regularly incorporated into the series production. This does not mean  
that a racing version of the smart forfour is soon to be launched on  
the market, however it ensures that all features found in the  
production cars have been thoroughly tested and proven.

The first smart with more than 200 bhp

The smart forfour concept car has a turbo engine delivering  
approximately 154 kW (210 bhp). The maximum torque exceeds 300 Newton  
metres and the vehicle achieves a maximum speed of more than 235  
kilometres per hour. For purposes of comparison: the extremely  
powerful engine of the smart forfour BRABUS has 130 kW (177 bhp) and  
torque of up to 230 Newton metres.
To ensure optimal conversion of the engine power to traction for a  
car with this engine output, the smart-BRABUS developers have fitted  
the transmission with a differential lock. The concept car  
furthermore has a racing brake system that is served by a new master  
brake cylinder and completely fills the 17 inch rims.

The sporty character is apparent at first glance

In addition to corresponding changes to the chassis and suspension,  
the concept car also differs from the smart forfour BRABUS in terms  
of appearance. The roof wings on the rear and the front spoiler  
provide enhanced negative lift. The aluminium-look paintwork has a  
high gloss finish. The sporty character is underlined by body styling  
parts and rims in a carbon design. The entire underbody shield  
including rear diffuser is made of aluminium. The air supply for the  
charge air cooler on the bonnet is a further striking feature.

In addition to the roll cage and racing seats with a five-point belt  
system, further changes have been made to the interior. There is no  
rear seat bench or interior trim as comfort is not of primary  
importance in this car. The Alcantara trim on the instrument panel  
and centre console is an exception to this. Further changes include  
the instrument cluster with white back lighting and changed needles  
and dials.

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