Smart introduces sporty smart BRABUS with 109 hp and 170 Nm

Article by Christian A., on April 29, 2016

Introducing the new smart BRABUS, a version of the smart vehicles made for nimble and agile urban driving with a bit twist of performance. It will be available in fortwo, fortwo cabrio and forfour versions, with sales set to commence in Europe in July 2016.

Making its global debut at the 2016 Beijing Automotive Exhibition, the new smart Brabus is powered by a dynamic turbo engine that provides 5 kW more output to 80 kW (109 hp) at 5,750 rpm and 23 Nm more torque to 170 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

This allows the smart BRABUS to deliver a sporty level of performance unseen in its segment. In fact, this turbo engine enables the smart BRABUS fortwo to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and the smart BRABUS forfour to achieve a top speed of up to 180 km/h. With this level of performance, the new smart BRABUS is more dynamic than any previous standard smart.

Of course, the performance capability of the new smart BRABUS is not only attributable to its engine, but also to a number of extensive modifications. For instance, air supply to the engine has been optimized while fuel pressure has been increased by 2 bar.

It is provided with the twinamic six-speed dual-clutch transmission that has been tweaked for sporty performance – featuring up to 40 percent faster response time and shorter-legged ratios than the gearbox in the 66 kW model. This twinamic transmission comes with the Race Start function that allows driver to use the optimal rpm and clutch slip for maximum acceleration from standstill.

This function can be activated by releasing the brake pedal after depressing it, and then pressing the accelerator. Moreover, the new smart BRABUS is blessed with BRABUS Performance sports suspension, which springing/damping are around 20 percent firmer than the BRABUS sports suspension.

Its anti-roll bar on the front axle reduces the roll tendency by nine percent. Its ESP has also been specially adapted. Likewise, the smart BRABUS comes with a BRABUS sport exhaust system that has been optimized in terms of back-pressure. In terms of steering efficiency, the new smart BRABUS is specified with a sports-tuned Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio.

This system provides for a higher return torque, which allows for stronger steering feedback according to the current grip status of the tires, thereby giving drivers better control over their vehicle. Definitely, giving the smart BRABUS a sporty appearance is a logical thing.

Visual highlights of the new smart BRABUS include a matt grey rear diffuser insert, chrome-look tailpipe trims and grey matt painted BRABUS Monoblock IX light-alloy wheels. Wrapping the wheels of the smart BRABUS fortwo are Yokohama sports tires at sizes of 185/50 R 16 H on the front and 205/40 R 17 H on the rear.

Hugging the wheels of the smart BRABUS forfour are tires with sizes of 185/45 R 17 H on the front and 205/40 R 17 H on the rear. The smart BRABUS fortwo coupé and forfour comes featured with a panoramic roof ex factory.

All smart BRABUS models feature, as standard, a lockable glove compartment, the proximity warning function and the Cool & Audio package. Interestingly, customers may avail of the new smart BRABUS Xclusive premium equipment line, which includes BRABUS floor mats and BRABUS sport seats with upholstery in perforated nappa leather/black leather.

These seats come with specific grey topstitching. BRABUS Xclusive also includes the BRABUS instrument panel made from artificial leather/fabric as well as a BRABUS dashboard instrument featuring cockpit clock and rev counter.

This premium equipment line also includes heated seats for driver and front passenger and LED & Sensor package as well as Xclusive badges in mirror triangle and B-pillar. The smart forfour readyspace, meanwhile, has rear seats with a removable cargo box.

Press Release

Top version with 80 kW/109 hp coming in the summer: More power than ever: the new smart BRABUS

With 80 kW/109 hp, the new smart BRABUS is among the sportiest vehicles in its segment. Alongside the powerful turbo engine, this is down to the BRABUS Performance sports suspension with specially adapted ESP®, the sports power steering and sporty configuration of the twinamic dual-clutch transmission with Race Start function. The vehicle also comes as standard with a sporty look both inside and out. Available in fortwo, fortwo cabrio and forfour versions, the new smart BRABUS will celebrate its world premiere at the Beijing Automotive Exhibition (25 April to 4 May 2016). The first models will be in European dealers' showrooms from July 2016.

Anyone for a spot more driving enjoyment? The new smart BRABUS models are more powerful than any previous standard smart. That's because, compared with the previous model, rated power and maximum torque have been increased by 5 kW and 23 Nm, respectively, to 80 kW/109 hp at 5750 rpm and 170 Nm at 2000 rpm. The result is a correspondingly sporty level of performance, with the smart BRABUS fortwo accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds, while the smart BRABUS forfour boasts a top speed of up to 180 km/h.

Yet the more powerful turbo engine is not the only technical highlight. The sporty performance is due also to the following extensive modifications:

The fuel pressure has been raised by 2 bar. The air supply to the engine has been optimised.

The springing/damping of the BRABUS Performance sports suspension are 20 percent firmer than the BRABUS sports suspension, with the anti-roll bar on the front axle reducing the roll tendency by 9%, while the ESP® has been specially adapted.

The sports-tuned Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio comes with a specially increased return torque for the smart BRABUS. This means that the steering gives even stronger feedback on the current grip status of the tyres, thereby improving the communication between driver and vehicle. This allows better control over the vehicle while making for enhanced driving enjoyment.

With an up to 40 percent faster response time and shorter-legged ratios than in the 66 kW model, the twinamic 6-speed dual-clutch transmission is configured for sporty performance. It also features a Race Start function, which automatically sets the optimal rpm and clutch slip for maximum acceleration from rest. To use the Race Start function, the driver simply needs to release the brake pedal after previously depressing it and flooring the accelerator.

The BRABUS sport exhaust system has been optimised in terms of back-pressure.

The sporty top models of the latest smart generation stand out visually through their matt grey rear diffuser insert with chrome-look tailpipe trims as well as their grey, high-sheen and matt painted BRABUS Monoblock IX light-alloy wheels. The smart fortwo comes with Yokohama sports tyres of size 185/50 R 16 H (front) and 205/40 R 17 H (rear). The smart forfour is shod with 185/45 R 17 H (front) and 205/40 R 17 H (rear). All smart BRABUS models come as standard with a lockable glove compartment, the Cool & Audio package and the proximity warning function. The smart BRABUS fortwo coupé and forfour also sport a panoramic roof ex factory.

smart BRABUS Xclusive: the new premium equipment line

The new high-end equipment line BRABUS Xclusive makes for even greater sporty elegance in the city. The special features:

BRABUS sport seats with upholstery in perforated nappa leather/black leather with specific grey topstitching

BRABUS instrument panel with a material mix of man-made leather/fabric

BRABUS dashboard instrument with cockpit clock and rev counter

BRABUS floor mats

Xclusive badges in mirror triangle and B-pillar

The BRABUS Xclusive also comes as standard with LED & Sensor package, heated seats for driver and front passenger, while the smart forfour readyspace features rear seats with a removable cargo box.