2009 BRABUS announcement

[tbone28]

Originally Posted by bottlerocket

This is exactly what i mean, you couldn't even come close to putting that car together yourself for the cost. The wheels alone, if you can get them right now, are over $2k. And there are also items that aren't available yet, like the smoked out headlights.

OK, I'm glad I'm doing my math correctly. I suppose that SMART owners who planned to mod their SMARTS with Brabus products will see the value in this. Those SMART owners who planned to mod with other manufacturers won't see the value in this car.

Since you brough up the smoked headlights, can you do me a favor and re-read the options list? The way I read it, the Brabus smoked headlights and Brabus emergency brake lever will not be included. I think they used subtle wording in their descriptions. Notice that the headlights are not described as "Brabus" headlights. I certainly hope it will be included, but still a good value if not.

[Krodista]

considering what people pay for upgrades at places like MINI...this package of upgrades really doesnt seem that bad, getting well out of the "cheap" 2 seater realm though...but is smart really meant to be cheap anyway? My assumption would be no...lol

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by Krodista

considering what people pay for upgrades at places like MINI...this package of upgrades really doesnt seem that bad, getting well out of the "cheap" 2 seater realm though...but is smart really meant to be cheap anyway? My assumption would be no...lol

when I paid $4500 for my MINI JCW upgrade, every bit of it went to performance and the netted 30 plus horsepower, nothing to appearance.

(Well, almost every bit - they did add a couple of JCW badges to the car.)

JCW accessories are available for dressing up the wheels, bodies, etc....but they're advertised just as that - accessories. smartusa really shouldn't badge this as a Brabus model just because it has bigger wheels, and a few other tidbits

[burtandnancy]

Does anyone know if there will be a Brabus at SEMA? If so, I'll drive over just to see it...

[Krodista]

special edition or limited cars dont have to have performance upgrades. This is just like adding the JCW body kit and wheels at far less of a price than you would spend for a MINI body kit. Volvo C30 has a limited edition car which has no engine upgrades and is strictly esthetics. In 2002 Mazda made an special edition with no performance upgrades for its MX5. late 90s and early 00 Saturn SC2s had special editions which gave no performance upgrades...this is just to name a few.

This isnt a new idea to brand a special edition to give a more exclusive look as apposed to a faster car. Not everyone that drives a car and wants to look unique wants to have more HP than what it already has. Plus, for what you are getting worth of BRABUS parts, its really not that bad of a deal at all.

Also, consider as others have said...if they launch everything all at once they will get everyone super excited about the car all at once and have no holding value...this BRABUS edition will bring excitement for now, maybe a turbo version is in the works...who knows.

[SylenThunder]

My wife configured hers last night. We went with black because we already have two silvers. I know the engine isn't an improvement, but for the cost of the added body molds, it is a LOT cheaper to order the Brabus than to get the equipment aftermarket and have it shipped to me. I know that it says the engine is the same 70bhp engine that I currently have, but wouldn't the exhaust change that some? I know not much... but an added 4-7hp wouldn't be missssed. Anyway, after we get it, I'll get the windows tinted as dark as possible, and do some mods on the intake and get it reprogrammed.

[rawlus®]

i wonder how many would be getting this brabus update if the brabus badges were not part of the update. ;)

[rawlus®]

also - all those that bought the "brabus" body and styling upgrade will be real pissed if they come out with a turbo option in another 6 months. lol.

[tbone28]

Originally Posted by rawlus®

i wonder how many would be getting this brabus update if the brabus badges were not part of the update. ;)

I would. I'm going to debadge anyway. I debadge all my cars

Originally Posted by rawlus®

also - all those that bought the "brabus" body and styling upgrade will be real pissed if they come out with a turbo option in another 6 months. lol.

I won't be pissed. I'm taking this opportunity for what it is, nothing more. To me, they are offering a bunch of Brabus parts, which I would have bought anyway, at a much reduced cost to me. It's really a no brainer. I think the "value" or "non-value" in this Brabus car really depends on what each individual buyer is looking for.

[Mike T]

How would Mercedes fans and owners react if AMG started selling new-in-showroom cars as C- Class AMG, which were a bone stock C 230 with 100% of the appearance of a C 63 AMG, and a C 63 AMG badge on the rear?

To my way of thinking, using the name BRABUS on a car that is essentially an appearance and roadholding package only depreciates the (up to now) meaning of BRABUS. To the point where they are going to have to call the eventual Turbo version the BRABUS Sport......

The cars will look cool, but will be a little bit slower than a pure.