A "heart of green" for the Smart Brabus battery car.
We’re still a good two years away from finally seeing an all-new Smart car – with the Daimler microcar division planning to partner with the Renault/Daimler Alliance for its replacement. But the fruit of another partnership is making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show today.
European tuner Brabus, best known for some high-performance takes on Mercedes-Benz products, is weighing in with an earth-friendly green version of the Smart ED.
For those who aren’t convinced that a battery car really can deliver a sporty ride the Smart Brabus electric drive will even feature a special external audio system to give it a sports car-like sound.
The modified ED makes 60 kilowatts — or 80 horsepower — and 100 lb-ft of torque from its lithium-ion battery pack and single electric motor. And Brabus has shod the green-and black 2-seater with 17-inch alloy wheels to make sure that power gets to the pavement.
Brabus doubles the power of the Smart ebike while cutting weight 10 percent.
Smart plans to launch sales of the Brabus Fortwo EV in 12 countries later this year.
That will follow the introduction of the Smart Sharpred, another special edition that will be offered in both 71- and 84-hp configurations, and in both coupe and convertible body styles.
For those who want to at least look like they’re getting a little workout on the way to work the Daimler division is premiering its Brabus ebike in Geneva. It will draw power from a half-kilowatt lithium battery pack – twice the size of the current Smart ebike and enough to get it to 25 mph.
A throttle grip allows the rider to blend battery and pedal power and there are four power levels to choose from.
The Brabus ebike is 10% lighter than the standard-issue Smart battery bike with several key components, including the seatpost and four-spoke wheels made of carbon fiber. Like the Brabus Fortwo EV, the ebike is black with earth green accents.
To enhance the 2-wheeler’s sportiness, Brabus has fit it with four-piston brakes on the front wheel, weight-optimized cranks and Sport Contact tires.