Zoomi Life

People who own the glorified golf carts usually called “neighborhood vehicles” that may or may not have the appearance of a car, are used to the idea that their vehicles are, well, not cars. They’re tiny little boxes that move them from one spot to another simply and (theoretically) cheaply. At slow speeds and on surface roads only. Usually while wearing a scarf or a low-brimmed hat to hide your identity. Maybe some sunglasses too.

Well, one of the more popular of these cars is the Smart Car by Smart Madness, which has been selling fairly well in Europe. Well, those cars are coming to the USA. They’re slightly modified, of course, to meet our safety standards and whatever. Nope, sorry, these aren’t electrics, but are instead extremely efficient gasoline-powered vehicles.

The Smart ForTwo Brabus in a 70 horsepower version will be sold in the United States and Canada next year, with price tags around $18,000-$21,000 depending on the area and options. With this comes the uniquely American craze to “pretty up” these ugly little contraptions.

So at the LA Auto Show, some highly modified versions of the Smart Car were presented, with several after-market additions such as dual tailpipes (twice pipes!), lots of chrome treatments, new gull-wing doors, new tail lights, and more. These were more than just the mods that those lame kids with their Honda Civics and Accords who’ve seen “Too Fast, Too Furious” one too many times do. Nope, no lame spoilers on the back end of a front wheel drive car and no stupid hood tie-downs either.

These changes are sleek, professional, and almost make the cars look cool. Almost. It’s still a 2-door bubble with four tires, after all. And 70 horsepower. I doubt me, my three dogs, and the wife are going to get up the hill in one of these things with any kind of speed.

I have a performance modification of my own, were I to end up with one of these: three dog halters tied to the tow pin and a fishing pole dangling jerky in front.  Double the horsepower with environmentally friendly kibble!

Source: Treehugger