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Brabus Utimate E brings unlikely machismo to the Smart EQ cabrio

German tuner Brabus typically works its horsepower-enhancing magic and visual, ah, ministrations on already-muscular machines such as the Mercedes-Benz G-wagen and the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door. But Brabus also has put its special touch on other Daimler models, up to and including the Smart Fortwo. The latest Smart to get the Brabus touch is the newly updated 2020 Smart EQ ForTwo Cabrio, which becomes the Brabus Ultimate E. If you're thinking 800 horsepower, like in the Brabus versions of those other two models, think again. The Ultimate E has 92 horses in its corral, but that's better than the 80 horsepower in the regular version. Naturally, with 92 horsepower, the two-seat city car can't quite match the sub-3-second 0-to-62-mph time of the Brabus 800 (although that would be fun). Instead, how about a sub-11-second time? The Ultimate E reaches 62 mph in 10.9 seconds, which beats the standard car's 11.9-second run. The Brabus-tuned electric motor also spins out 133 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 15 lb-ft over the standard version. Brabus claims a range of 78 miles. Characteristically, the Brabus treatment extends beyond the mechanicals. The Ultimate E presents a more pugnacious face to the world with its redesigned front bumper treatment with a honeycomb mesh pattern and red lower splitter. The restyled rear bumper incorporates a diffusers look, again with red accents, and there is a red lower skirt along the bodyside. Wider bodywork allows for 18-inch wheels with ultra-low-profile 205/35 front and 235/30 rear tires, and Brabus has retuned the suspension accordingly. Open the door and you're greeted with "Brabus" illuminated door sills, and more badging on the seatbacks, floor mats, and shifter. The seat feature red contrast stitching in a honeycomb pattern and red accents appear elsewhere in the cabin. This mean, green electric machine is destined to stay in Europe, as Smart has given up on the U.S. market. Maybe a Brabus-ized ForTwo could have turned things around, although Americans seem more likely to embrace the 800-hp Brabus G-wagen. Related Video:    

Consumer Reports says these are the worst new cars of 2014

Consumer Reports has announced its annual list of worst vehicles, a cringe-inducing contrast to its list of top vehicles. Ignominiously leading the way in 2014 is Chrysler, which has a staggering seven models listed.
Jeep nearly sweeps the small SUV segment by itself, with its Compass, Patriot and 2.4-liter version of the new Cherokee, while the only midsize sedans listed by CR were the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger. The new Dodge Dart and the Dodge Journey round out CR's condemnation of Chrysler.
Ford is taking heat as well, with the Taurus, Edge and their counterparts from Lincoln all listed as the worst vehicles in their respective segments. Toyota doesn't fare much better, with its Lexus IS, Scion iQ and tC also making the list.

2017 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet First Drive [w/video]

Let's have some real talk for a moment. Unless you're part of a very specific, smaller-than-a-Smart-car group of people, the ForTwo makes absolutely no sense for your lifestyle. If you're looking for a relatively fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient, functional, and affordable vehicle, you're probably looking at a Honda Fit (or should be, anyway). But if you are one of those few folks seeking the daily companionship of a Smart, I offer this advice: Get the Cabriolet. Face it: You're willingly making the choice to sacrifice utility and practicality for something that's easy to park, zippy around town, and – let's be honest – super cute. You're buying an automobile that's more lifestyle accessory than actual car, and you're spending more money than you would on an ordinary B-segment hatchback. So shell out a few extra bucks and get the one that heightens your senses and makes the whole experience more enjoyable. The roof fully opens in 12 seconds flat and can be operated at any speed. Mechanically, the 2017 ForTwo Cabriolet is identical to its hardtop sibling. The same turbocharged, 898-cc inline three-cylinder engine is tucked beneath the cargo area, producing the same 89 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque. You still get the tiny-tough appearance, with 15-inch wheels pushed to the extremes of all four corners. There are still eleventy billion color combinations, with different hues available for the body panels, Tridion shell, and canvas roof. And yes, you still get the hilariously tidy, 22.8-foot turning circle that makes quick u-turns a laugh-out-loud experience. But you also get a roof that slides back with the touch of a button, fully opens in twelve seconds flat, and can be operated at any speed. Slide it all the way back for a big sunroof effect. Keep pushing the button and the canvas will drop down, stacking neatly on top of the cargo bay. And don't just stop there – drop the windows, hop out, remove the side roof panels, and neatly stow them in the built-in storage space inside the fold-down tailgate. No matter how you strip down, it's all super easy. See for yourself in the video below. With the roof in its fully retracted position, rear visibility is pretty lousy. Of course, there are a few drawbacks. With the roof in its fully retracted position, rear visibility is pretty lousy; the rear-view mirror is basically useless.