Four-Seat smart to get Styling and Performance Upgrades from one of Europe's Most Respected Tuners
The smart forfour, a tiny four-door with flair, style and class, is the future cornerstone for DaimlerChrysler's funky little micro-car brand. Its recent European introduction has been greeted with praise as it's a definitive vehicle for the up and coming generation, thoroughly customizable with its removable, and therefore swappable plastic body panels, efficient engine range and high-end features found on cars that cost several thousand dollars more.
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| The future forfour, expected to arrive in North America next year as a 2006 model, is exciting to look at but according to early reports is a far cry from such to drive. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
What it lacks is power. The car is as capped by low-output engines amounting to all of 1.5-liters, a clutchless manual gearbox that saps power and fun, and a less than enthusiastic suspension system. The forfour is exciting to look at, but according to reports is a far cry from such to drive.
Enter Brabus, a tuner for Mercedes-Benz and now the German automaker's smart division. Things are about to kick up a notch with a spicy version of the first four-door smart. What's in store? According to early reports, the tiny car is in for a makeover from the wheels up. New springs and dampers will be fitted as well as specialty wheels and high performance tires.
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| Thanks to well known Mercedes-Benz tuner Brabus, the smart forfour will get a whole lot more interesting. (Photo: Brabus) |
As for the motor, smart is reluctant to release any information. Speculators have it showing up as a turbocharged version of one of Mitsubishi powerplants, featured in the upcoming Colt CZ3 that shares the forfour's architecture. As the car is destined to compete with the Mini Cooper S, and other super-micros, expect to see at least 160 horsepower and a substantial boost in torque.
Unlike other Smart cars, this one will feature a straight-up manual gearbox, with a conventional clutch pedal to deliver a sportier driving experience.
Don't expect to see or hear any concrete specifications until the next Geneva motor show. In the meantime Brabus body kits and appearance packages will be available as dealer-fitted options in European markets.