L.A. Auto Show: Smart Fortwo gets in tune
Not content with wooing young urban hipsters and middle-aged empty nesters, Smart Fortwo is now going after the tuner crowd. Make that the eco-tuner crowd.
The Smart's U.S. distributor, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, unveiled a tuned version of the popular two-seater today at the L.A. Auto Show tricked out by Brabus design shop. Brabus is known for its up-gunned versions of various Mercedes models. (Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler also owns Smart.)
The tuner version of the Smart features the usual accessories for the fast-and-furious crowd: 15- and 17-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension and exhaust system (including chromed tailpipes), front and rear skirts and a roof spoiler.
Low-rider touches notwithstanding, Smart USA President David Schembri spent much of his time talking up the car's green pedigree. It features the same compact three-cylinder, 70-horsepower engine that "powers" the original version of the car, which means it also delivers the same EPA fuel economy of 41 mpg on the highway. You only need one hand to count the number of vehicles widely available in the U.S. that can top that.
