The ultimate city sports car

The ultimate city sports car

BRABUS Ultimate E Facelift: That is the label under which BRABUS presents the latest evolutionary stage of its equally exclusive and agile city sports car at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show. The starting point for this electrically powered city supercar is the revised smart EQ fortwo cabrio of model year 2020. The BRABUS Ultimate E Facelift thus continues the successful tradition of exclusive BRABUS supercars based on the smart fortwo models that goes back several generations.

To this end, the output of the electric motor was increased to 92 hp. In the sportiest of the four drive modes, the exclusive two-seater sprints from rest to 100 km/h in just 10.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 130 km/h. In order to achieve significantly improved dynamics, the BRABUS developed a performance upgrade for the three-phase synchronous motor of the smart fortwo EQ cabrio of model year 2020. For this purpose, they drew upon the expertise of BRABUS ZERO EMISSION, the business division of BRABUS Group established in 2008 committed to the development of alternative powertrain concepts.

The BRABUS PowerXtra performance upgrade for the electric powertrain of the BRABUS Ultimate E Facelift comprises a reprogrammed torque control system, special modules for the driving dynamics switch and the accelerator pedal, as well as a special gateway. The perfect synchronization of all these modifications unleashes the reserves inherent in this electric powertrain ex-factory. The “driving fun switch” in the cockpit enables the driver to choose between four different drive modes. Level 1 corresponds to the stock electric motor of the current smart EQ fortwo. The “Eco” level increases the energy recovery rate, which means the two-seater brakes much more strongly than the production model when you lift off the accelerator. Level 3 stands for “Sport.” The accelerator pedal delivers quicker response and the energy recovery rate is dialed down to the production level.

However, the agile two-door impresses with its styling too, it owes that to its WIDESTAR widebody, which is exclusively reserved to the limited BRABUS Ultimate special series. Special paintwork is also available at the particular buyer’s option. The BRABUS WIDESTAR front fascia restyled for the smart fortwo of model year 2020 characterizes the front of the BRABUS Ultimate E Facelift. Its design featuring large stylized air intakes on the left and right gives the two-seater an especially sporty appearance.

The WIDESTAR widebody also includes fender flares at the front and rear axle. They create space for 18-inch wheels tailor-made for this vehicle. Their dimensions are extremely unusual for an electric car of this size. Thanks to being produced using an elaborate hi-tech forging process, the BRABUS Monoblock Y rims with nine delicate spokes that taper off toward the outer edge of the wheel in the shape of a “Y” are especially light. The front wheels weight just 6.7 kilograms each, the rear wheels just 7.1 kilograms, making them some of the lightest 18-inch wheels in the market.

The widebody allows installing wheels of size 7Jx18 with 205/35 R 18 high-performance tires on the front axle. The fender flares at the rear axle even offer space for rims eight inches wide with size 235/30 R 18 tires. This combination achieves especially agile and safe handling. This is also due in large part to the BRABUS suspension with a sporty and comfortable setup, which was precisely calibrated to the important parameters of the electric car, the ultra-low-profile tires and the wider track. The BRABUS WIDESTAR widebody with precise-fit rocker panels creates an optimal transition between the wider fenders at the front and rear axle. A diffuser developed specifically for the electric car gives the rear end of the widebody version a decidedly sporty look.

The interior of the show car at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show features especially soft and breathable black BRABUS Mastik leather upholstery. The bright red double-stitching matches the highlights on the body. In addition, the seat surfaces and inner sections of the two door panels feature honeycomb quilting applied with pinpoint precision. BRABUS aluminum pedals, shifter and emergency brake handle give the cockpit a touch of racing looks. The scuff plates integrate a BRABUS logo, which like the emblem in the stainless footrest in the driver’s footwell changes color from white to red. High-quality leather floor mats with BRABUS ULTIMATE E logo complete the classy ambiance. Of course, the extensive range of equipment also includes elementary comfort features such as climate control, sound and navigation system. The “BRABUS Ultimate E” badge on the dashboard documents the affiliation with the exclusive family of BRABUS supercars.