The folks over at Brabus may spend much of their time fettling Mercedes-Benz products, but that doesn’t mean they’re averse to tuning the little Smart ForTwo. Yes, this is the Brabus 125R, a modified topless Smart that gains more power, updated handling and a sporty redesign, both inside and out.
The 900 cc turbo-triple’s peak outputs have been hiked from the standard 52 kW and 91 N.m to 92 kW and 200 N.m. As a result, it’s apparently able to achieve a 0-100 km/h time of 9,2 seconds before topping out at an electronically limited 175 km/h.
This increase in oomph was achieved thanks to the installation of a modified intake system, a more efficient intercooler and a recalibrated engine control unit. A stainless steel sports exhaust with three (yes, three) tailpipes has also been added for a more dramatic sound (which can be altered via controllable flaps).
The 125R gains a set of 16-inch front and 17-inch rear Brabus Monoblock IX alloys, wrapped in high-performance Yokohama tyres. Handling is further improved by a tweaked suspension, lowering the ride height by 30 mm.
As you can see, the 125R also gains a body kit from Brabus. This comprises a front spoiler, rocker panels and surround for the tailpipes, as well as carbon-design covers for the side-mirrors (and a tinted third brake light).
The cabin has also been given the Brabus touch with contoured sports seats upholstered in diamond-quilted black Masik leather (with contrasting red stitching). The steering wheel has been trimmed in leather with perforated grips and a microfibre 12-o’clock positioning strip. Other elements inside include a red Brabus logo on the gear selector and a carbon-design moulding for the dashboard.
Only 125 units of the 125R will be produced, each priced at €39 900 (that’s about R633 000).
