Smart launches racy roadster

Brabus-modelled car boasts 111bhp per tonne

By PH Staff / Monday, 20 June 2005 / Loading comments

Smart RCR with Brabus inside

Smart has launched a Brabus-imaged, 111bhp per tonne version of the Roadster-Coupé. This follows Mercedes-Benz's announcement that the Roadster will no longer be made for economic reasons. It's a last-of-the-line model.

The company reckons that the RCR 'pays homage to Brabus' V6 bi-turbo roadster', which never actually made it into production.

The engine of the RCR gets a retrofit Brabus SB2 power upgrade kit, bumping power output to 111bhp per tonne. With only 50 individually-numbered versions available worldwide, the RCR is modelled on Brabus' prototype with bespoke racing red body panels and silver tridion and the front and rear grille and rear roof spoiler also finished in red.

The hand finished interior of the RCR includes Brabus leather and Alcantara sports seats, trimmed with stitching to match the racing red exterior. Brabus has added an aluminium gearshift, handbrake handle and pedal pads, three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shift, floor mats and red accent parts.

Smart's UK boss Jeremy Simpson said, "Smart’s relationship with Brabus allows us to build bespoke tailored vehicles and bring them to market at the best possible prices. The RCR is a thrilling and desirable special edition and pays homage to the V6 bi-turbo, which we were inundated with requests to buy even though the car was never officially on sale."

More than 1,000 roadster models have been sold in the UK this year, taking the total since launch to 5,561, according to Smart. But since the announcement that roadster production will end prematurely, one experts predicts that it will become a classic, collectable sports car.

Glass’s Guide Senior Editor Jeff Paterson said, "The roadster is innovative and will be quite sought-after and collectable now. It could creep up in classic status because it has been withdrawn so early in its life."

Simpson said, "The roadster has captured the hearts of many sports car enthusiasts and models have been selling better than ever since we announced production was stopping at the end of the year. There are now under 1,000 new cars left to sell and we have already seen prices of used roadsters rising this year."

The 50 RCRs go on sale in June, priced at £17,295 OTR.