Here's the email they just sent me:

the smart fortwo BRABUS is coming!



Congratulations! Your request to convert your current smart fortwo reservation to a 2009 smart fortwo BRABUS model has been accepted! You will be one of the first customers to own this very special smart fortwo model in 2009.

Your smart fortwo BRABUS will be delivered at smart center Walnut Creek.

A few things to remember:

The $99 placed on your initial reservation will be transferred to the BRABUS reservation, and your initial reservation will be cancelled.
Your delivery date for the smart fortwo BRABUS model may be different than your original reserved vehicle's estimated delivery date. BRABUS models will be produced from January-June 2009, with limited quantities produced each month. Because the BRABUS is a special production model, your delivery date may not appear for some time on the Delivery Date Estimator on www.smartusa.com. smart USA will inform you when your BRABUS model is within 90 days from delivery.
Your reservation is non-transferable. Any attempt to assign or transfer your reservation will result in the cancellation of your reservation.
As you have already submitted your configured request for your BRABUS model, this information at this point cannot be changed or modified.
Your local smart center will have demonstration and display models of the BRABUS coupe and cabriolet before the end of the year. We encourage you to contact them about arranging for a test drive and learning more about the additional exciting BRABUS accessories that will be available beginning in early 2009.

If you have any questions regarding your smart fortwo BRABUS reservation, please contact smart Customer Service by email or at 1.800.smart.USA (800.762.7887).

Sincerely,

The smart USA Team


* Prices effective January 1, 2009 for 2009 model year only. Prices are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice. Excludes tax, title, registration, destination charge, options and other dealer fees.

this message was sent by
smart USA Distributor LLC
1765 S. Telegraph Rd.
Bloomfield, MI 48302

1.800.smart.USA
www.smartusa.com

 

Congrads, hope it turns out the way you want it....

Merc-Skycap

 

Thanks. This is what it will look like

 

Good stuff! The headlights will be chrome inside on the USA/CDN version though.

I'm going to wait until the 98 HP turbo version is introduced before considering one. The BRABUS looks fantastic though.

 

Yes, the US Brabus is a stripped down version. I also noticed that the US won't get the "Brabus headlights". There was also no mention of a Brabus e-brake lever and a few other items. Regardless, it's still a good value (as compared to buying everything aftermarket).

Regarding the engine, I'm OK with either the N/A or Turbo engine. My ultimate desire is to see if I can stuff a C230K engine back there.

 

http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/...ealed/1175353/

 

Congrats

I don't think there enough room for one. Would be interesting.

 

Just dreaming right now. I haven't even looked up the dimensions of the engine yet. I HAVE seen someone put a Toyota MR2 engine in their, so that gives me hope.

 

Let us know how she does in the 1/4.

 

pre or post engine swap?

pre: 1/4 mile - zZZzzZZzzzZZZZ
post:

Here are a couple of pics of a Smart 450 with the MR2 engine:

 

What about excess heat build-up in the passenger compartment with that type of set-up? Is there an insulating cover?

 

I'm not sure if there is a heat cover. i stopped following this thread a while back.

 

cool idea,

I got a old nissan sunny gti here, maybe i should buy some old smartcar and donate the sunny gti engine to? 150 hk / 178nm

 

Latest pictures of our car attached. There is also 2 short bits of video. There is an engine bay cover and excess heat is taken out via the tail gate and exited under the rear number plate.

Cheers Pam and Jim

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Pitche...ey=KoXejGki4gs#

 

One of our clients just got a US Brabus SMART, and he was disappointed
that it was just a trim package with no increased hp. We were able to free up some power from the 'little guy'!

 

Do you plan on driving this car on the highway or is it just a toy?

 

Man, didn't the dude do any research before ordering?

 

I bought this car for what it is. If I want to drive fast, I'll drive my mercedes If anything, I'll do an engine swap or strap on one of the turbos currently on the market.

It is a toy car that I take on the freeway. I drive it to San Francisco all the time for ease of parking