Saturday, August 29, 2009

Smart ForTwo Brabus will be released in Brazil in November

The Brazilian representatives of smart have announced that they will release the Smart Fortwo Brabus Xclusive will be avaliable for sale in Brazilian dealerships in november. Due to high sales, which exceeded Smart's predictions, and because clients were asking for it, Smart has decided that importing the "spicy" version of the ForTwo is a good idea.

The Smart ForTwo Brabus Xclusive will be priced over R$ 80'000, which makes it an expensive option due to its size. But when we look at the technical figures, things start to get more interesting.

Its engine delivers 98 hp, and since it weights less than 800kg, it is considerably agile, and this three cylinder turbocharged engine allows it to go from 0 to 100km/h in just 9.9 seconds, which makes it comparable with many cars much bigger than it, with bigger and more polluting engines.

The interior has black leather and suade seats, a leather-covered steering wheel and pedals and gearstick in aluminium. The luxurious interior allows its driver to forget the fact they are driving a car that is a meter smaller than a Ford Ka.

André's Opinion

I am a huge Smart Cars fan. I love them, and I think they are the perfect city solution. However, since the cars sold in Brazil are imported, they arrive here with a huge price tag. Especially the Brabus version. I doubt it will be a success, since many people aren't willing to spend more than 80'000 reais in a two-seater car. If i had the money, and if I was allowed to drive, I would, but that is just because I really want to have a smart car one day.

Source: Carsale and World Car Fans

Friday, August 21, 2009

BMW releases low-emission 320d EficcientDynamics Edition

BMW has just announced the addition of another model to its EfficientDynamics range. However, the 320d EfficientDynamics is the lowest-emission BMW in the whole model range. For the time being, this model will be avaliable in Germany, Spain, France and Italy, with further market introductions throughout the rest of the year.

This model features a 2,0 liter engine, which delivers 163hp, and features a longer-ratio gearbox, which grants it with better fuel mileage features. It does an average of 4,1l/100km (24km/l) on a combined cycle (50% city/50% highway). The performance figures are: 8.2 sec. from 0 to 100km/h, and a top speed of 225 km/h.

Some fuel-effricient features this model has are Auto Start-Stop function, which switchess off the engine automatically in traffic lights and switches it back on at the first movement of the clutch pedal; Brake Energy Regeneration System, which regenerates the brake energy and uses it to recharge the battery; Gear Shift Indicator, which flashes at the appropriate time the driver should make the gear change, in order to get a better fuel economy; and an Intelligent Power Steering, which only switches it on when it is needed, such as in city driving, for example. All these features make it have emission ratings of only 109g/km, comparable to other small cars such as the Mini One and the Smart Fortwo.

The low-resistance tyres and the lowered suspension make it more aerodynamic, and it should be really successful in the European market, since the European consumers have increased their interests for fuel-efficient cars, and also hybrid models.

Andre´s Opinion

This is a great option for a family, fuel-efficient car. Since the equipment list is the same as the regular 320d, the prices should be about the same. However, if they increase the price too much, i doubt this car will be a success.

Source: World Car Fans