Prototypes with new engine offer considerably more power and torque

Ten smart roadster-coupés with higher power and higher torque engines took part in the celebration rally to mark "100 years of the Solitude race" in July. Two standard three-cylinders were joined to create a v6 bi-turbo with 1,396 cc engine capacity, power output of 125 kW (170 bhp) and torque of 220 Newton metres.

These prototypes are proof of the achievement potential and versatility of the production car concept. The bi-turbo engines serve to demonstrate the technology and underline the sporty handling performance of the smart roadster and roadster-coupé. The cars painted in flame red have a power/weight ratio of just 4.9 kilogrammes per bhp, accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds and reach a top speed of more than 220 kilometres per hour.

The smart roadster-coupé v6 bi-turbos are the result of cooperation between smart, Mercedes-Benz and smart-BRABUS GmbH. The engines of the prototypes were developed under the auspices of Mercedes-Benz, and smart-BRABUS GmbH assembled the limited series in Bottrop. The cars are not licensed for road use and they have not been developed for series production. They have been developed purely as prototypes for the racetrack to demonstrate the potential of the smart roadster and the smart brand as a whole.

Legendary racing drivers of the 50s and 60s such as the former silver arrow pilot Hans Herrmann sat behind the wheel of the ten smart roadster-coupé v6 bi-turbos during their first races at the Solitude revival rally in July, and well-known names today also took part, for example Formula 1 test driver Alexander Wurz from the McLaren-Mercedes team and Formula 3 pilots including Markus Winkelhock.

Story by Brabus