.

.March 17, 2004
.
This Week:

• The Birthplace of the Minivan Takes on a New Persona 

• Toyota and Ford Conclude Licensing Agreements for Hybrid System and Emissions Purification Patents

• GM Celebrates Start of Construction On New $800 Million Lansing Area Assembly Plant

• Successful financial year 2003 for the BMW Group: Proposed dividend increase

• New smart models increase the pleasure of driving with the wind in your hair

• Renault Modus Concept

• Chrysler Announces Pricing for New 2005 Crossfire Lineup

• 2004 Ford F-150 Regular Cab, Supercab, Supercrew, Receive Government's Highest Rating For Frontal Impact

• Successful development of Volkswagen subsidiary Sitech

• Honda Delivers its Fuel Cell Vehicle FCX to Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

© 1998 - 2004 Copyright & 
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com  

.
New smart models increase the pleasure of driving with the wind in your hair

Eight open-top model ranges now on the market
 

Photo: DC

Böblingen - Just in time for the start of the convertible season, smart has expanded its range of open-top vehicles. With the launch of the smart roadster BRABUS and roadster-coupé BRABUS on 13 March, there are now two further models available for driving beneath the sun and the stars. With the smart fortwo cabrio, fortwo cabrio BRABUS, smart crossblade, smart roadster and roadster-coupé - not to mention the smart roadster affection special model - the car manufacturer now offers a total of eight vehicles which not only convey a sense of joie de vivre, but are a breath of fresh air in every sense of the word.

Both of the new two-seaters - the smart roadster BRABUS and roadster-coupé BRABUS - come with a sports suspension as standard and an engine output of 74 kW (101 bhp), corresponding to an increase of more than 20 percent compared to the 60 kW (82 bhp) variants, which already boasted an impressive power/weight ratio of 13.2 kilograms per kilowatt (9.6 kg per bhp). At 11.2 kilograms per kilowatt (8.3 per bhp), the smart roadster BRABUS and roadster-coupé BRABUS are set to deliver even greater fun behind the wheel.

In all vehicles, the electrically powered soft top can be opened and closed when the vehicle is in motion, and even when driving at high speeds. Only the smart crossblade does not offer this option, since this unconventional car has neither a roof, doors nor a conventional windscreen - in fact, it gets by with only a narrow tinted wind deflector over the cockpit area.

Parallel to the market launch of the smart roadster BRABUS and roadster-coupé BRABUS, an advertising campaign will be kicked off across Europe, underscoring the sheer power of both vehicles with a pithy invitation to "Get wild". The international campaign has been developed by Springer & Jacoby, be adapted by the sales organisations in the respective countries and supported by dealer advertisements and point of sale measures.

The prices for the smart roadster and roadster-coupé remain unchanged, starting at €14,990 (Germany, incl. VAT). In Germany, the smart roadster BRABUS sells for € 24,950 and the roadster-coupé BRABUS for €26,570 (both prices including VAT).

(March 11, 2004)