First Drive 2008 Smart Fortwo Brabus Xclusive

At first glance, Smart and Brabus must be the most unlikely bedfellows in the automotive industry.

For the past three decades, Brabus has built an enviable reputation as the tuner of Mercedes cars for the lunatic fringe, and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special C-Class powered by a twin-turbo 6.3-liter V12 that will hit 224 mph. By contrast, Smart manufactures cute, eco-friendly city cars that have a top speed of 85 mph.

Life on the Highway
Brabus has improved the breathing of this engine, increased the boost to 6 psi and introduced a new engine management system. The result is a 30 percent increase in power output above the 71 horsepower of the Fortwo Passion's powertrain to 98 hp at 5,500 rpm. The torque peaks at 103 pound-feet at 3,500 rpm, the point at which full boost is available.
By the standards of a sports car (or even a decent sport compact), the Brabus isn't quick, but with only 1,720 pounds to haul around, it feels suitably nippy. Give the throttle an exuberant kick and the Brabus will scurry to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 9.9 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 95 mph. Given its diminutive size, the sensation of speed is magnified and the Brabus feels just fast enough to induce a giggle.

Irrational, Yet Strangely Appealing
One of the Smart's key selling points is its eco credentials, and the Brabus actually lives up to this. On the European driving cycle, the Brabus gets 54.3 mpg compared with 36.7 mpg for a Mini Cooper.

But the 2008 Smart Fortwo Brabus Xclusive does carry a price, specifically a bottom line in Germany of $27,900 in coupe form and $32,100 in cabriolet guise. At this price, it's hard to make a rational case for the Brabus' $9,000 premium over the standard Smart Passion, a car that is in many ways dynamically superior.

And yet, for all its flaws, it's still hard not to be seduced by the charm of the 2008 Smart Brabus. This unlikely partnership has produced an eccentric car with a unique character that is difficult not to like, warts and all.

© Source: edmunds
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