Frankfurt 2009: Tesla plus Brabus equals Ultimate High Voltage
Brabus High Voltage - Click above for high-res image gallery
In addition to the Tailor Made concepts that Brabus trotted out for the Frankfurt Motor Show, the German tuning firm also showed off a new version of its electric Smart Fortwo called the Unlimited High Voltage. This new model is an updated version of the company's electric Smart ED concept and it features a lithium ion battery pack supplied by Tesla Motors, Daimler's electric vehicle partner.
A rear-mounted electric motor was also developed by Tesla and offers up 82 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, which is sufficient to push the little electric runabout to 60 mph in under 10 seconds. Interesting touches include aerodynamic wheels with clear plexiglass covers and wider side skirts to improve airflow. Inside, white leather seats with yellow stitching join a console-mounted monitor that displays the remaining state of charge.
The single most intriguing bit of tech, though, would have to be the sound generator. This little unit will reportedly allow the diminutive electric machine to sound like a honkin' V8-powered racecar... should the owner feel so inclined, naturally. Check out the high-res image gallery below.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Doug 7:22PM (9/21/2009)
The need to update the graphic on that VDS which still shows a Tesla Roadster.
http://green.autoblog.com/gallery/brabus-smart-high-voltage/#9
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Galley 9:07PM (9/21/2009)
If only it came in a different color.
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radler63 3:46AM (9/22/2009)
This car is a design absurdity- the wide tires, gadgets abundant, huge mirrors and antenna etc. consume so much energy....
http://www.recodrive .eu
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contact 6:57PM (9/22/2009)
207lb/ft in a vehicle that small and it takes 10s to get to 60mph? something isn't right or that electric drive has a TON of weight to it.
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Hans Waarle 3:39PM (9/22/2009)
Kiiii-joooott!! It's a fashion statement in itself: "look, I'm cheeky but with my senses well onboard". Love it. I suppose it'll remain a concept for another while. Wonder what it'd cost anyway, how much of a range it's got, how long it takes to recharge, the lot. No statements on that anywhere.
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