Sporting variant of Smart's new city car spotted almost completely undisguised
This sporting prototype is thought to be the Brabus version of the new Smart Forfour.
The new model, which is seen here almost completely undisguised, is expected to get a similar overhaul to the Brabus versions of the original Fortwo city car.
Changes have been made to the drivetrain, chassis, interior and exterior styling. The most obvious update is to the front bumper styling, which is more heavily sculpted and sports small spoilers and driving lights along its lower edge.
The rear bumper has also been modified along its lower edge, but the changes are hidden behind disguise cladding here. The car also has a new design of road wheel and is thought to run on a moderately stiffened chassis, which also gets beefier anti-roll bars. The interior will also be given a lift, with more sporting seat designs and new interior colour options.
The most important upgrades are to the three-cylinder engine, which is currently capped at 90bhp in mildly turbocharged form. Following the attentions of Brabus engineers, this is expected to rise to at least 115bhp.
The previous-generation Brabus Fortwo was know for being relatively pricey, and it remains to be seen how this new model will be positioned in the market.
The current Forfour range-topper – the Edition 1 - costs £14,300 in 90bhp form. With rivals such as the relatively powerful Fiat 500 1.4 Abarth costing £14,200, this new Brabus needs to be keenly priced.
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