There are many obvious styling traits from the Mercedes EQXX Concept Car, and man, they make this thing look so bland. Oh yeah, and somewhere along the procreation process a MINI Cooper somehow managed to squirt its DNA into the design mix as well....
Previous Smarts (while not pretty) at least looked distinctive and unique in their own way.
Smart #1 Brabus Shows Its Sporty Side Ahead Of August 26 Debut
Following the recent teasers, Smart has finally published the first photos of the #1 Brabus, which serves as the performance-focused version of the fully electric SUV. The model will make its public debut on August 26 at the Chengdu Motor Show in China, where Smart is expected to announce the detailed specifications.
An uncamouflaged prototype of the Smart #1 Brabus was spotted in China last April, so we kind of knew what to expect from the flagship trim of the EV. First of all, the red color on the bumper accents, intakes, side sills, mirror caps, roof, and brake calipers communicates the extra power, contrasting with the matte gray exterior finish and the black emblems.
(https://i.postimg.cc/JzsKVbmC/Smart-1-Brabus-1.jpg)
The dual intakes on the base of the bonnet in combination with the slightly different bumper intakes and the pronounced splitter that is replacing the skid plate make the #1 Brabus look sportier. Other additions include the version-specific duo-tone 19-inch alloy wheels, the tinted windows, the large rear spoiler, and the diffuser, sending hot hatch vibes.
Inside, we find Brabus badging on the steering wheel and the headrests, with red details, red ambient lighting and metal-style accents being typical of the tuner's style. The seats are upholstered in leather and microfiber suede with red stitching and red seatbelts, the steering wheel is dressed in Alcantara, and the pedals are made of aluminum.
(https://i.postimg.cc/LsfTh2ny/Smart-1-Brabus-6.jpg)
Smart was coy on details about the electric powertrain of the #1 Brabus. Chinese media claim that the model will feature dual electric motors with a combined power output of 400 hp (299 kW / 406 PS), or up to 428 hp (315 kW / 434 PS). This is a healthy upgrade over the 264 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) of the single-motor Smart #1.
The extra power combined with all-wheel-drive capability will make the SUV much quicker on a straight line, while the sportier version-specific suspension setup and stronger brakes will further improve handling. What could be slightly worse than the standard model is the EV range, given that the 66 kWh battery will most likely be carried over.
We will learn more about the Smart #1 Brabus soon as the company is getting ready for its official debut in China.
(https://i.postimg.cc/y82jVkYg/Smart-1-Brabus-14.jpg)
Link: https://www.carscoops.com/2022/08/smart-1-brabus-shows-its-sporty-side-ahead-of-august-26-debut/
I think it looks nice. "Bland" isn't so bad when every car these days is trying to be edgy and angry and distinct. This just looks smooth, not bland.
I wonder if it will lose as much money as the original Smart cars did?
Quote from: veeman on August 16, 2022, 06:35:53 AM
I wonder if it will lose as much money as the original Smart cars did?
They are going to be a fully electric brand now and will build small city cars. I suspect they will be very popular in Europe for city use. There are a lot of Smart ForTwo EVs driving around here.
Quote from: giant_mtb on August 16, 2022, 06:05:41 AM
I think it looks nice. "Bland" isn't so bad when every car these days is trying to be edgy and angry and distinct. This just looks smooth, not bland.
Yes, it looks very pleasing. Smooth lines are always more appealing. Wrinkles and creases are repulsive to our innate senses as they represent that which is decrepit. That's why so many modern designs look like crap.
Quote from: FoMoJo on August 16, 2022, 01:46:30 PM
Yes, it looks very pleasing. Smooth lines are always more appealing. Wrinkles and creases are repulsive to our innate senses as they represent that which is decrepit. That's why so many modern designs look like crap.
Seems like most modern cars are designed simply to garner attention. After a couple/few years, they have to amp up the attention grabbers with a styling refresh (edges, angles, aggressive grilles, etc) to get our attention again. It makes for striking designs, but they aren't very timeless.