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AUTOMOTIVE

The new 220 km/h smart forfour BRABUS

By Mike Hanlon

22:00 May 15, 2005 PDT

Page: 1 2 3

The new 220 km/h smart forfour BRABUS

The new 220 km/h smart forfour BRABUS

Image Gallery (7 images)

The smart forfour BRABUS’s potential is demonstrated not least by its suspension. The front axle has been thoroughly modified, with features such as reinforced wishbones, larger supporting joints and new wheel hubs with even sturdier brake calliper brackets. The special 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres in striking 205/40 format at the front, and 225/35 at the rear.

The springs have been made 30 mm shorter at the front and 28 mm shorter at the rear, while the shock absorbers are now more rigid in both the compression and rebound stage. The brakes (internally ventilated at both front and rear) have also been boosted. The lowered suspension ensures braking stability at speeds of over 220 km/h, and precise dynamic driving on winding roads. The direct steering (as before with electric power steering) makes for yet more driving pleasure around alternating bends. But there’s no need to sacrifice comfort: the car’s agile and very sporty handling does not mean you are in for a rough ride. The abs and esp have been adapted to take into account the increased power and the various changes – especially on the front axle.

New sporty details create an even more individual appearance

Discreet modifications to the body both inside and out serve to emphasise the smart forfour BRABUS’ status as a high-performance sportster. In addition to the 17-inch alloy wheels and the lowered suspension, key features include an enlarged front spoiler, a sporty exhaust system, a rear diffuser and stylish side skirts – which can all, incidentally, be retrofitted on any smart forfour.

A feature exclusive to the smart forfour BRABUS is the two diamond mesh inserts in the front grille. A further identifying feature of the BRABUS is a roof spoiler which, aside from its visual appeal, also offers aerodynamic benefits: it reduces lift on the rear axle by 50 kilograms during travel at maximum speed, thereby lending the vehicle additional stability. At the bottom right of the tailgate, the word BRABUS appears in discreet lettering – yet another way of recognising the most powerful version of the smart forfour.

In the interior, the leather on the seats (with specially contrasting silver seams), on the instrument panel, and on the side trim creates an atmosphere befitting a premium-class vehicle. This is further enhanced by the headrests – which are also leather-covered – and the velour floor mats sporting BRABUS lettering. The silver of the leather seams also appears on numerous components in the interior – such as the lower section of the instrument panel, the gearshift lever trim, the inside door handles, the trim rings on the instruments (that have a new design with black dials), as well as on the heating and ventilation controls. Even the end caps of the indicator and windscreen wiper levers have been silver-enamelled. Also new are the aluminium gearshift knob, the hand-brake handle – likewise in aluminium – and the four-spoke sports steering wheel with its specially-shaped leather rim and silver spokes, with integrated buttons for operating the radio or radio navigation system.

BRABUS and smart are proud of the latest addition to their family – the “high end experience” of the four-seater smart forfour. This model boasts the same innovative design that characterises all smart forfour models, and the same practical advantages, such as the sliding rear bench – but with a level of performance that takes the smart forfour BRABUS way beyond the realms of its class. All this makes for a unique driving experience, and also for a distinctly luxurious atmosphere: after all, this car is a true BRABUS.

The smart forfour BRABUS costs € 24,900 in Germany. This exciting new car not only gives customers the performance potential of a sports car, but also a very extensive range of equipment including leather as standard.

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