Mercedes-Benz aftermarket tuner Lorinser has decided to focus some of its engine, suspension and – yes – aerodynamic expertise on the least likely candidate in the M-B family – the Smart fortwo.
If this is the answer, what was the question?
You might think this is a discussion about a new TV series called “Pimp my Smart,” but nothing could be further from the truth. Lorinser is very serious about the modifications it does to every Mercedes-Benz, and the tweaks it has performed on the Smart fortwo are no exception. But while a performance version of practically every ‘Benz makes sense, those of us at LotPro.com leave it up to you if you think a Smart falls into the same category.
If you can’t go fast, at least go faster
There are currently three versions of the 1.0 liter 3-cylinder engine available in Europe and all three can be upgraded by Lorinser. The base 61 hp version gets a boost in power to 71 hp and a top speed of 97 mph. The 71 horsepower version (the one available in the U.S.) can be upgraded to deliver 77 hp and a top speed of 97 mph. The 84 hp turbo engine gets a full 20 hp boost to 104 hp and a top speed of 112 mph. Launching the vehicle from a standstill to 62 mph, however, still take just under 10 seconds to achieve.
The Rims and the Kit
Outside, there’s no mistaking the Lorinser for your run-of-the-mill Smart urban cruiser. Standard 15” wheels are replaced with 8.5×17 inch aluminum rims with 245/35R17 tires on the rear and 7×17 inch rims with 215/40R17 tires on the front. A lowering kit is also part of the package.
New front and rear valences as well as wheel arch extensions are part of the body package – increasing the width of the Smart by 2.17 inches. In front, there’s a U-shaped air intake covering a sport grill, while in back, the wider bodywork is accentuated by no less than 4 tailpipes (one more than the number of engine cylinders).
Interior Upgrades
Inside, you’ll find a recalibrated speedometer, carbon-accented parts, a brushed-aluminum clock, tachometer and speedo housing as well as aluminum pedals and a metal-trimmed parking brake lever. Also included is a black leather steering wheel trimmed in aluminum with shift paddles.
The Bottom Line?
Ah yes, the bottom line. In the process of writing this article, an email to the company’s U.S. distributor requesting pricing information was not returned, while phone calls to the same company were never answered.
According to one European web site, the cost for the complete turbo conversion is 7,000€ which, at today’s exchange rate, is about $9,000 US. This means that a 2009 Smart fortwo with the comfort package and destination charges, plus the Lorinser modifications, puts the total package at $24,485.
So if you’re looking for the kind of vehicle that you probably won’t be passing on the street, the Lorinser Smart fortwo might be just the ticket; but if you’re hoping for the best bang for your buck, you might want to look elsewhere.
Tags: fortwo, lorinser, smart, Smart ForTwo
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