Not for the US, but fun to see nevertheless:
https://blog.caranddriver.com/yacht-rocked-brabus-smart-fortwo-sunseeker-limited-edition/
https://blog.caranddriver.com/yacht-rocked-brabus-smart-fortwo-sunseeker-limited-edition/
Brabus Sunseeker – sold out limited edition
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Here are some of the very few smart 453's that were equipped with the BRABUS sports package in the U.S. Unfortunately they were so short-lived, likely because the U.S. market was too reluctant to enjoy a niche product without cookie-cutter expectations.
While they definitely aren't equipped like the one posted by Steven, it's about as fancy as U.S. dealers were able to offer...
And now, they're gone. There will be fancy electric models in the near future though...
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While they definitely aren't equipped like the one posted by Steven, it's about as fancy as U.S. dealers were able to offer...
And now, they're gone. There will be fancy electric models in the near future though...
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2,298 Posts
*duplicate post glitch*.
So that's where all the BRABUS sport package cars went
We actually were very happy with the sales of the package (75 coupes and 19 cabrios in the USA (one cabrio was the smart USA car that was donated to the Lane Motor Museum)), but unfortunately BRABUS hasn't developed one yet for the electric, which is why it's no longer offered.
We actually were very happy with the sales of the package (75 coupes and 19 cabrios in the USA (one cabrio was the smart USA car that was donated to the Lane Motor Museum)), but unfortunately BRABUS hasn't developed one yet for the electric, which is why it's no longer offered.
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2,298 Posts
Thanks for posting the precise figures, I thought there were a few more than that, didn't realize how rare they were!!So that's where all the BRABUS sport package cars went
We actually were very happy with the sales of the package (75 coupes and 19 cabrios in the USA (one cabrio was the smart USA car that was donated to the Lane Motor Museum)), but unfortunately BRABUS hasn't developed one yet for the electric, which is why it's no longer offered.
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2,298 Posts
The dual-clutch transmission has revolutionized manual shifting. Full blown manual transmissions are no longer necessary, IMO. :nerd:
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2,298 Posts
Yes. But the DCT has rendered them obsolete.
Put in the same effort to learn shifting technique in a DCT over a classic manual, and the DCT car will own the classic manuals in smoothness and racing. They're a blast too.
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767 Posts
You know I USED to agree. It fact until I purchased my 08 cabriolet I never owned a slush box (going on 40 years at that time)... well except my Jenson Interceptor that is. Then I purchased that 15 Fiat Abarth Cabrio in auto. What a great little car. The this summer I upgraded my Audi TT 6 speed MT to a newer one with the S-tronic tranny. I will never go back.....
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10,067 Posts
I too have a automatic in my Abarth. Was close to buying a manual one. 7/10’s second slower. Came down with MS. Left leg, isn’t good any more. Made the right choose. I’ve Been watching clips, the European 453 smart Brabus. On YouTube. Their driving 5 speed manuals. Around curvy country roads. revving that little 3 banger up. Praising, it over the automatic version. They do mention, the dual clutch one, is light years better then, the old bronco bucking old ones...450, 451. European seem to like manuals over automatics. I grew up driving manuals. Owned some 40 new cars. Half them were manuals. I guess it doesn’t matter anymore. The smart ICE is history. Good bye finally to good automatic, and late to the game stick shift.
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452 Posts
One does not drive a manual transmission because it is "necessary."
I drove a smart automatic when the 453 came out and was not impressed.
I drove a smart automatic when the 453 came out and was not impressed.
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2,298 Posts
It's not like the manual transmission is adding horsepower or anything. You can use manual shift on the dual-clutch auto. Beyond traditional manual clutch slipping and dumping at launch, shifts between gears are smoother and quicker with the dual-clutch. :nerd:
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2,298 Posts
On a dragstrip, sure. In real-world driving situations, I beg to differ. Also noticeable is the improved fuel economy thanks to its 6th gear instead of only 5 in the manual.
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9,748 Posts
..dragstrip driving is "real-world" driving...
Jetfuel..head on a swivel...hair on fire....
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452 Posts
I've driven both transmissions. The smaller the engine, the greater the benefit of the manual. You also gain more control over your driving experience. And the car weights slightly less and costs less and the transmission has fewer parts. The manual also does not have the auto start/stop function which I believe is on the automatic.
"Faster on the drag strip" simply means faster when you want to go faster.
I squeeze every ounce of power from my smart. The manual transmission gives me a better feel as far as what the car is doing which pays off on the turns. It has the added benefit of greatly limiting the numbers of people who can drive it.
I did not like the lag I experience off the line with the automatic. It's just not for me. Also, the clutch/stick are really perfectly balanced and weighted.
"Faster on the drag strip" simply means faster when you want to go faster.
I squeeze every ounce of power from my smart. The manual transmission gives me a better feel as far as what the car is doing which pays off on the turns. It has the added benefit of greatly limiting the numbers of people who can drive it.
I did not like the lag I experience off the line with the automatic. It's just not for me. Also, the clutch/stick are really perfectly balanced and weighted.
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9 Posts
It was an ill-fated decision to discontinue the gas-powered cars, considering the U.S. sales ratio was 81% gas and 19% electric. The impact on gas-powered vehicle owner has resulted in plummeting resale value and less dealer service center locations.
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452 Posts
Agreed! I think the costs were too high so smart decided to only sell their cars in a few areas where they have the strongest sales like SF, Portland, Atlanta, Seattle, etc... By getting rid of the gas cars it gave them an excuse to close the other locations.
Where I live we went from 3 to 1 smart service centers. I knew the m/t would be rare and short lived so I'm glad I got one... it's just sad that so few people will get to enjoy it.
Where I live we went from 3 to 1 smart service centers. I knew the m/t would be rare and short lived so I'm glad I got one... it's just sad that so few people will get to enjoy it.
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