Fortwo Brabus

They say opposites attract and the relationship between Smart and Brabus is further confirmation. Known for tuning Mercedes-Benz vehicles well into the 600-plus-horsepower range, Brabus announced at the L.A. auto show that it will offer a tuned Smart Fortwo in the U.S.
No, the Brabus Smart will not get a 1200-hp V-12 engine capable of doing a quarter-mile wheel stand like we would expect; instead it will get­­—gasp, a stock engine. Unlike the Brabus Smart available in Europe, our version will not receive any engine or power upgrades, which leaves us asking the question: why?

The stock three-cylinder engine retains its 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque, while the five-speed automated manual transmission gets a tune for improved shifting. A sport exhaust system, chassis and suspension tweaks, and a 10-millimeter body drop complete the mechanical upgrades needed to enter your local lawn-tractor races.
Available only in black or silver, the Brabus Fortwo exterior is upgraded with side skirts, a front fascia that reduces lift—assuming it can actually go fast enough to generate lift—a modified rear bumper to accommodate the dual chrome-plated tail pipes, and who could forget the striking double “B” on the fuel filler door. Most notably, the Fortwo will ride on Brabus Monoblock VII alloy wheels measuring 15 inches up front and 17 in the rear.

Inside the tiny cabin, buyers are treated to luxurious upgrades like brushed-aluminum pedals, velour floor mats with Brabus logos, heated leather seats, and the additional gauges that are optional on standard Smarts—look out, Maybach.
The limited run of Brabus Fortwos will be available in both coupe and cabriolet versions with a base price of $17,990 for the coupe and $20,990 for the cabrio, not including destination. The Brabus coupe brings a roughly $5755 premium over a standard Smart while the cabrio’s price represents a $3755 difference. If you aren’t looking to fork over that sort of cash but seek Brabus exclusivity, many of the accessories will be offered a la carte at Smart dealers beginning in 2009.