Comment

Comment by kdfcogwheel on April 21, 2009 at 11:32pm

no problem! My Dodge P/U has a Cummins Diesel as well. The front end is really heavy combined with a sloppy steering keeps you on your toes. You have to stay ahead with a lot of over correcting. The smart is quite the opposite. It even has that sports car feel. Later.

Comment by Ryan on April 21, 2009 at 11:24pm

i kind of knew what you were getting at... and i didn't think you were saying it in a negative fashion. I'm just saying i'm more keen to a touchy steering system. I'm more used to driving cars that don't have a lot of play in the steering, and actually think it makes it easier to control in severe winds. I can't stand driving my dad's Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel dually.... because in the amount of steering in my ex-Durango, or my mom's Trans-Am it would take to smack into the center divider while going at highway speeds, the dually wouldn't even change lanes at an alarming rate.

Comment by kdfcogwheel on April 21, 2009 at 4:20pm

Ryan, I did not intend for the touchy steering to imply a negative connotation. When compared to my '97 Dodge P/U or my '02 Volvo S60, the steering is considerably "tighter". To mean that for a given amount of input a noticeable increase in output is detected. When traveling at higher rates of speed on the freeway with side winds buffeting you about, it will take a bit more concentration with regard to steering. It does reflect a more sportier ride than other more conventional vehicles. I hope I cleared things up.

Comment by Ryan on April 21, 2009 at 12:11am

i actually like having touchy steering. My '99 Dodge Durango had touchy steering, my mom's '01 Trans-Am has touchy steering, my mom's new Jeep Laredo has touchy steering. Can't stand when there's a lot of play in the steering wheel, or when quite a bit of movement is required to make a small adjustment on the road.

Comment by kdfcogwheel on April 20, 2009 at 10:44pm

Congrats!! I too just received my silver Brabus Cabrio on the 15th of April. My wife and I have already put 550 miles on her in 5 days. The automated shift is okay if that is what you expect from an automobile, but we can shift it even smoother with the paddles. The car will tell you when to shift for optimum fuel economy. However, even if you get a little bit more aggressive and shift through the gears at 3000 rpm each, it will be quite a smooth ride. Even to the point that you won't feel the shift. I do have to comment, though, that the one noticeable point is when shifting from 1st to 2nd. It is a rather short gear ratio. The suspension is very tight, even go-kart like. The steering has a short lock-to-lock turn ratio. Thus, at highway speeds (70mph) any slight movement of the steering wheel causes a noticeable drift within the lane. Due diligence is required. The steering wheel has a rather stiff feel, even though it is power steering. Solid would be a good description. Anyway, have a great time and put the fun back in driving. The smiles and head-turns never cease.

Comment by Ryan on April 20, 2009 at 9:55pm

Congrats! I should have my very own Brabus by the end of the week (hopefully). Kinda thinking about having the body panels swapped though for the metallic blue. Just like the look of it. Don't think i'd mind if the side skirts and the front and rear body kits are still silver.... would be that extra added touch. Said they should be able to do it for $500.

Comment by Craig S. on April 20, 2009 at 4:44pm

Congratulations and (I know you will) Have Fun!!