BRABUS Ultimate R based on the smart fortwo
By Zack Newmark
September 18, 2009 5:05 PM
Filed Under: German, Smart, Tuners
Brabus shows what happens when performance tuners tackle underpowered urban cars. The Brabus Ultimate R is a turbocharged, 112 horsepower version of the Smart ForTwo.
The three-cylinder OEM engine that comes on the car is also tuned to push out up to 150 Nm of torque, which helps the car reach a new 0-100 km/h in a more respectable 9.5 seconds. Top speed is now limited to 170 km/h (106 mph), but the thought of driving a Smart Car at that speed is frightening, to say the least. Other performance upgrades include a new sport suspension, which lowers the car by 30 mm, and more rigid shocks.
Making the Smart look more, well, smart, Brabus added carbon fiber elements inside and out, while giving the vehicle a gun metal gray paint job. Blacked-out double-spoke wheels are wider in back than in the front, and wrapped in high performance tires. An aluminum-tipped stainless-steel dual-exhaust from Brabus is also included. Alcantara-lined sport seats are an interesting addition to a car that is supposed to be for the budget conscious.
Currently on display in Frankfurt, the Brabus Ultimate R has an automatic transmission that also allows a degree of input through the paddle shifters mounted to the new racing wheel. Sitting inside, you will also find a navigation system, radio, and climate control.
The two-seater will be sold as either a coupe or convertible. The question is, "Is this something people will buy?" Have your say in the comments section below.
Press Release (Click to expand)
The BRABUS ULTIMATE R Based on the smart fortwo
- Carbon Fiber, Racing Looks and Power
- World Debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009
Carbon fiber, racing looks and power: That's the BRABUS motto for the special model BRABUS ULTIMATE R based on the smart fortwo. Its three-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 112 hp (110 bhp) / 82.4 kW and contributes to the ultimate city sports car's agility as does its sports suspension with high-performance tires up to size 235/30 R 18 on the rear axle. The racing-look exterior of the car features a special ‘gun metal' paint job and carbon fiber components. Sport seats upholstered with Alcantara provide firm support for driver and passenger.
The ULTIMATE R delivers the kind of performance that its racing looks promise: The tuned smart engine produces 112 hp (110 bhp) / 82.4 kW at 5,750 rpm. Just as impressive is the peak torque of 150 Nm (111 lb-ft), available on a plateau between 3,300 and 3,900 rpm. Shift times of the transmission in the BRABUS special model are shorter than in the production car. Gears can be shifted either automatically or with Formula One-type shift paddles on the ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel with a diameter of just 32 centimeters (12.6 inches).
The performance figures of the little speedster promise tons of driving fun: The ULTIMATE R zooms from rest to 60 km/h (37 mph) in just 3.9 seconds and reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) after just 9.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 170 km/h (106 mph).
The stainless-steel BRABUS sport exhaust system with dual cast aluminum tailpipe optimizes power yield and gives the two-seater a very sporty exhaust note.
The appearance of the two-seater can best be described as unadulterated racing looks. Clear-coated carbon-fiber is a striking complement to the special metallic paint. The high-tech material can be found on the lower part of the B-pillar, the front spoiler with its additional flaps, on the rocker panels and the rear diffuser.
Wider fenders offer space for a tire/wheel combination that must be considered generously dimensioned for a smart. Black-painted BRABUS Monoblock VI double-spoke wheels are mounted on the front axle in size 7Jx18 with size 205/35 R 18 high-performance tires. On the rear axle size 8.5Jx18 wheels with size 235/30 R 18 tires provide maximum traction.
The height-adjustable BRABUS coil-over sport suspension lowers the ride height of the ULTIMATE R by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). Firmer gas-pressure shocks further contribute to the car's agile handling with great safety reserves.
The interior of the high-end subcompact car also exudes racing ambiance. Strongly contoured sport seats upholstered with nonslip grey Alcantara provide plenty lateral support during fast cornering. The beautiful material is delicately finished by the BRABUS upholsterers with shining red seams and can also be found on the dashboard and both doors.
Carbon fiber applications add further sporty highlights. The high-tech material is used on the speedometer, tach, clock, instrument bezels, turn-signal stalk and door handles. Stainless-steel pedals with rubber pads and aluminum shifter and emergency brake lever are the perfect complements.
A climate control system, radio and navigation system are also part of the two-seater's standard equipment. The ULTIMATE R is available as a coupe and as a convertible.
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Comments
Edited by user on September 18, 2009 at 6:31 PM
Edited by user on September 18, 2009 at 6:32 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg6-E-GNmWo
And keep in mind that the Hayabusa engine is quite robust and can very easily be turbocharged to 250hp plus.
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