Smart cars, known for their diminutive size and city-friendly maneuverability, aren’t typically associated with blistering speed. But the question “How Fast Will A Smart Car Go?” sparks curiosity, especially when you stumble upon a project that throws convention out the window. At Gatebil Rudskogen, amid a sea of high-horsepower monsters, it was a Smart car that unexpectedly stole the show and ignited the most questions. This wasn’t just any Smart car; it was a widebody, aggressively styled Fortwo hinting at performance far beyond its city car origins.
The vehicle in question comes from Event Seelisberg, a Swiss driver training and experience center led by hillclimb champion Hans Schori. Known for their impressive collection of performance cars, from Nismo GT3s to Time Attack Evos, they decided to build something truly unique and, dare we say, slightly mad: a Smart Fortwo powered by a Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle engine.
Initially inspired by Arrepiado Team from Portugal, who had previously built a Hayabusa-powered Smart, Event Seelisberg aimed to take the concept further. They envisioned a wider, lower, and even more extreme version, turning the quirky city car into a pocket rocket. The result is a testament to their ingenuity and a bold answer to the question of just how fast a Smart car can go when pushed to its limits.
The heart of this transformation lies in the engine swap. The limited engine bay space in the Smart Fortwo dictated a creative approach. Event Seelisberg opted to mount the 1,300cc inline-four Suzuki Hayabusa engine at the front, requiring a completely custom tubular subframe and front clip. This radical change meant sacrificing conventional front-end components like headlights and the slam panel, all in the pursuit of performance.
But simply fitting the high-revving motorcycle engine wasn’t enough. To truly maximize the “how fast will a smart car go” potential, a Garrett turbocharger was added. This forced induction system elevates the Hayabusa engine’s output from a stock 165hp to a staggering 470hp. To manage this immense power in such a small chassis, Heltec Engineering in Switzerland developed a bespoke ECU, ensuring the engine and turbocharger worked in perfect harmony.
To handle the drastically increased performance, the Smart car’s chassis and running gear received significant upgrades. Braking is now handled by Brembo components, utilizing four-piston calipers from an Evo 9 at the front and two-piston calipers at the rear. ST Suspensions lower the ride height and improve handling, while custom wide fender flares accommodate the widened track, enhancing stability and cornering grip.
Inside, the transformation continues with a full rollcage reinforcing the chassis and adding crucial safety. Occupants are strapped into low-slung Corbeau race seats with Sparco four-point harnesses. A custom gear linkage and shifter, along with a hydraulic handbrake, complete the driver-focused cockpit, emphasizing the car’s performance intentions.
Yves from Event Seelisberg describes the Hayabusa Smart as a “freaky little monster,” highlighting its challenging but exhilarating driving dynamics. With a 14,000rpm redline and boost kicking in from 3,000rpm, the power delivery is incredibly aggressive, especially in a car with such a short wheelbase. He notes that while experienced in racing and drifting, this Smart car is a handful, quick to snap and demand constant attention. However, mastering the “tiny sweet spot” of power, countersteering, and control makes drifting this unique machine an addictive experience.
One of the most impressive aspects of the build is the integration of the motorcycle engine and gearbox with a car differential. Furthermore, the team engineered an electric reverse gear, a clever solution that adds practicality to this otherwise extreme machine. Details like the “heck” switch, German for “rear,” add a touch of humor and personality to the build.
So, how fast will a Smart car go? While a stock Smart Fortwo is designed for urban environments, with a limited top speed, this Hayabusa-powered creation transcends those limitations entirely. It’s not just about top speed figures; it’s about the sheer thrill of harnessing immense power in an incredibly compact and unexpected package. This Event Seelisberg Smart car is a resounding answer to the question, proving that with enough creativity and engineering prowess, even the most humble city car can be transformed into a true speed machine.
