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There Is a BRABUS smart fortwo Model in Geneva, but It's Not THE BRABUS fortwo

When it comes to hooning around, there's nothing quite as satisfying as beating the crap out of a small car, as they seem to enjoy it even more than you do. If it's a rental, then all the better.
smart fortwo cabrio BRABUS edition 15 photos
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The smart fortwo is a little too expensive to qualify for this kind of treatment, but that doesn't mean it will shy away from the occasional slip of the right foot. Its short wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive and firm suspensions mean that a lot of fun can be had given an appropriate occasion. The only drawback is the somewhat feeble engine, with the current smart range offering a pick between a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated engine (neah!) and a 0.9-liter turbo with 90 hp (better, but not quite there yet).

With Mercedes not looking like it plans to add any more power units to the list, all we're left to wish for is a BRABUS intervention. We've seen the spy shots of both the fortwo and forfour models sporting dual exhaust tips and modified bumpers, but we don't have any more information on what's motivating those two cars. Since the 0.9-liter turbo is sourced from Renault, we've speculated that, instead of tuning the hell out of it, the BRABUS versions might get a larger, 1.2-liter unit from the French manufacturer, something that would open up the tuning possibilities considerably. However, given the tight packaging of these cars, that could turn out to be nothing more than wishful thinking.

Whatever the case, it would appear we're going to have to wait a little longer, as this year's Geneva Motor Show won't provide an answer. It does bring us, though, a limited edition of something called the smart fortwo cabrio BRABUS edition. The model will be limited to a 200-unit production run and will arrive in dealerships this May with a ridiculous price tag of €29,950 ($32,670 at today's rates).

What do you get for that kind of money? Well, besides a BRABUS badge and the opportunity of owning a limited edition model, not much that matters, really. Certainly not in the power department, as the BRABUS edition smart comes with the same 0.9-liter turbo putting out the exact same amount as any other smart fortwo cabrio out there that didn't cost twice as much: 90 hp. It has the same dual-clutch twinamic six-speed automatic transmission, but it also receives a larger fuel tank, so not only will it not go any faster but it might actually be slower provided you fill it up.

Standard features include a matt light blue paint, a special interior with faux-leather inserts on the seats and dashboard, heated seats for both occupants, the LED & Sensor package, Comfort package, Stowage Space package and Cool & Media Package. The highlight, however, will be the new BRABUS Sports package, which will also be available to order on any smart forfour or fortwo cabrio version starting this March. The upgrade will cost €1,900 ($2,072) for the fortwo and €2,000 ($2,181) for the forfour.

It consists of a series of aesthetic and performance upgrades including a BRABUS sports suspension that lowers the chassis by 10 mm, new front spoiler and rear apron, "Monoblock IX" alloy wheels sizes 16 (front) and 17 (rear) for the fortwo and 17 all-around for the forfour. On the inside, the package brings a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel which is wrapped in leather, as is the shift lever knob and the handbrake lever. The twinamic transmission plants a pair of paddle shifters behind the steering wheel by default, while the pedals get a stainless steel with rubber studs treatment.

By the sound of it, going for the BRABUS Sports package makes tons more sense than the limited BRABUS edition fortwo cabrio, which is way too expensive for anyone who isn't both a smart fan and a collector. However, we're not ready yet to give up on the true BRABUS model, which should be a total blast.
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About the author: Vlad Mitrache
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"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
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