We've seen environmentally friendly SUV's brought to market, and now, we're about to see a performance-enhanced version of the smart fortwo.

Introduced yesterday at the 41st annual Montreal International Auto Show, the 2009 smart fortwo BRABUS bowed for its first time just weeks before its scheduled launch in Canadian showrooms. There's no hopped up engine installed- though the BRABUS fortwo packs enhanced handling and looks thanks to a retuned suspension system and styling upgrades.


The BRABUS variant rides 10 millimeters lower than the standard car while utilizing sports chassis and suspension upgrades for a more dynamic but still-comfortable ride.

Sportier exhaust tuning is applied to the 70 horsepower engine, and the transmission is re-calibrated for improved shifting as well.

Fans of the car will note the addition of monoblock wheels in 15 and 17 inch diameters front and rear, respectively. Also on board is a front skirt that reduces axle lift at speed, a set of unique side-skirts and exclusive badging. The rear bumper skirt houses a centre-mounted dual-outlet exhaust with chrome plated tips as well.

Interested shoppers can order the fortwo BRABUS in either coupe or cabriolet configurations, with prices starting just under $22,000.