smart BRABUS for Sydney
Boutique brand smart has announced it will debut its Brabus-fettled performance hatch at October's International Motor Show in Sydney. It's more than just a show car, however...Mercedes-Benz sub-brand smart will be debut its Brabus-fettled ForFour hot hatch at next month's International Motor Show at Sydney's Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre. And while the turbocharged five-door is not officially confirmed for local sale, CarPoint's sources within Mercedes HQ say it's now a definite.
The Brabus is aimed at the likes of Golf's GTi and Megane 225. It features a turbocharged 1.5lt DOHC four that delivers 130 kW, a top speed of 221km/h and acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.9sec. Standard features include driver and passenger airbags, and with esp and four-wheel disc brakes. Maximum torque (230 Nm) is at 3500rpm, however, 90 per cent is available from 2300-5700rpm.
Weighing in at just 1090kg, the Brabus delivers a power-weight ratio of just 8.4 kg per kW. According to smart, this compares favourably with some well know "sports cars." Perhaps after the lesson of the poor acceptance of the smart roadster's semi-auto box, the Brabus ForFour features a conventional five-speed manual gearbox.
Suspension has been fettled too. The Brabus ForFour's underpinnings have been strengthened and upsized (including wishbones, wheel hubs and caliper mounts), spring and damper rates optimised and ride height lowered approx 30mm. AMG lookalike twin-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted and wear Michelin Pilot Sport tyres (205/40 fr, 225/35 rr).
A bodykit and upgraded interior complete the makeover.
smart sources have suggested the ForFour will be priced sub $40,000 when it is released in the first quarter of 2006.
CarPoint tested the standard ForFour earlier this year.
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