FRANKFURT, Germany — European commuters know the Smart Fortwo as a frugal city car. Now, with the introduction of the Ultimate 112 at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, Brabus seems to have stretched the definition of "city car."
Brabus says the limited-edition Ultimate 112 combines "extravagant equipment, sporty performance and agile handling." Despite its many virtues, those are hardly attributes that we've come to expect from the Smart Fortwo.
But the wild orange and mother-of-pearl paint scheme and aggressive aero bodywork hint at the high-performance hardware under the skin.
Brabus has worked over the Smart's turbocharged three-cylinder engine, hiking output to 110 horsepower and torque to 111 pound-feet. With steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, the car gallops from rest to 60 mph in less than 9.5 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 106 mph. A stainless steel exhaust system and twin aluminum tailpipes help improve breathing.
Brabus fits a height-adjustable coil-over suspension and ultralow-profile tires mounted on 18-inch Monoblock VI double-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the Ultimate 112 features black leather upholstery with orange stitching, plus stainless steel pedals and aluminum shift and handbrake levers.
Brabus is building a limited run of only 112 cars, at a starting price of $63,865 — which must make this the most expensive "city car" on the block.
What this means to you: We're not sure if this one falls under "sublime" or "ridiculous."
Brabus says the limited-edition Ultimate 112 combines "extravagant equipment, sporty performance and agile handling." Despite its many virtues, those are hardly attributes that we've come to expect from the Smart Fortwo.
But the wild orange and mother-of-pearl paint scheme and aggressive aero bodywork hint at the high-performance hardware under the skin.
Brabus has worked over the Smart's turbocharged three-cylinder engine, hiking output to 110 horsepower and torque to 111 pound-feet. With steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, the car gallops from rest to 60 mph in less than 9.5 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 106 mph. A stainless steel exhaust system and twin aluminum tailpipes help improve breathing.
Brabus fits a height-adjustable coil-over suspension and ultralow-profile tires mounted on 18-inch Monoblock VI double-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the Ultimate 112 features black leather upholstery with orange stitching, plus stainless steel pedals and aluminum shift and handbrake levers.
Brabus is building a limited run of only 112 cars, at a starting price of $63,865 — which must make this the most expensive "city car" on the block.
What this means to you: We're not sure if this one falls under "sublime" or "ridiculous."
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