Custom Lorinser Smart Car. Feb 08

The Swabian tuning firm was able to boost the performance of the three-cylinder turbo engine from 84 hp to 104 hp. Add to the mix a weight of less than 800 kilograms and a semi-automatic transmission that is much faster than the one built into its predecessor and you are talking about a vehicle that has dynamic performance written all over it.

This rear-wheel powered vehicle accelerates to 100 km/h in much less than 10 seconds and can go up to 180 km/h. Since the speed of the production model is electronically limited to 145 km/h, the Lorinser Smart upgrade also features an updated speedometer.
The latest Smart upgrade from Winnenden is also available for European drivers who own a model with a smaller engine. After undergoing the Lorinser power treatment, even the base model, previously powered by a 61 hp engine, easily surpasses the performance of the medium production model (71 hp) and clearly beats its maximum speed (156 km/h). Lorinser will give those who already have 71 hp at their disposal a boost to 77 hp: power that is sufficient to accelerate this compact city car to up to 160 km/h.

On the outside, the Lorinser Smart is identified by its U-shaped air intake, covering a sport grille and wide front bumper. Its four-pipe exhaust system that cheekily protrudes through the well-proportioned rear bumper leaves no doubt about the punch this little bundle of energy packs. The Lorinser fender extensions give the Smart its most significant visual characteristic: a particularly muscular "back." A total of 55 mm in increased width provides room for gigantic 8.5x17 inch aluminium rims with 245/35R17 tyres on the powered rear axle. The front axle can accommodate 7x17 inch rims with 215/40R17 tyres. The Speedy design with its six turbine shovel-shaped spokes is a real eye-catcher. Those who prefer smaller sizes can select "Fancy", a kit of 15 inch rims featuring axe blade-shaped spokes.

The interior of the Lorinser Smart distinguishes itself with carbon-accented parts, brushed-aluminium clock, rev counter and speedometer, as well as specially designed HiFi and navigation system.

The Lorinser Smart Fortwo is both visually arresting and dynamically appealing. Unfortunately, it's not available in Australia. Nevertheless, if small with lots of "go" is your go, have a look at the Lorinser website. www.lorinser.com