World premiere at the Essen Motor Show 2005: Brabus concept car development shows the potential of the Smart Forfour.

A smart forfour with racing seat belts and a roll cage is sure to pull the crowds to the smart-Brabus stand in hall 11 at the Essen Motor Show (25 November until 4 December 2005). The concept car serves as a technology demonstrator and will be presented to the public for the first time in Essen. Findings from the development of concept cars such as this are regularly incorporated into the series production. This does not mean that a racing version of the smart forfour is soon to be launched on the market, however it ensures that all features found in the production cars have been thoroughly tested and proven.

The first smart with more than 200 bhp.

The smart forfour concept car has a turbo engine delivering approximately 210 bhp (154 kW). The maximum torque exceeds 221 ft lbs (300 nm) and the vehicle achieves a maximum speed of more than 146 mph (235 kph).

To ensure optimal conversion of the engine power to traction for a car with this engine output, the smart-Brabus developers have fitted the transmission with a differential lock.

The concept car furthermore has a racing brake system that is served by a new master brake cylinder and completely fills the 17 inch rims. The sporty character is apparent at first glanceIn addition to corresponding changes to the chassis and suspension, the concept car also differs from the smart forfour Brabus in terms of appearance. The roof wings on the rear and the front spoiler provide enhanced negative lift. The aluminium-look paintwork has a high gloss finish. The sporty character is underlined by body styling parts and rims in a carbon design. The entire underbody shield including rear diffuser is made of aluminium. The air supply for the charge air cooler on the bonnet is a further striking feature.

In addition to the roll cage and racing seats with a five-point belt system, further changes have been made to the interior. There is no rear seat bench or interior trim as comfort is not of primary importance in this car. The Alcantara trim on the instrument panel and centre console is an exception to this. Further changes include the instrument cluster with white back lighting and changed needles and dials.

In Detail