AC-Ace News
12-12-2006, 01:45 AM
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AC-Ace News
AC Ace Returns Via Smart - - by Richard Yarrow - - Source: the car connection
Smart is coming to the U.S. in 2008, but only with the fortwo city car. But another of the DaimlerChrysler-owned firm's models could arrive the year after - wearing the badge of legendary British brand AC.
DC axed production of the smart roadster and roadster coupé at the end of last year as part of its cost-cutting. But bosses are on the verge of selling the entire venture including tooling to a group of enthusiasts based in the U.K. Called Project Kimber, it has some heavyweight support including Gordon Murray, the brains behind the outrageous McLaren F1 supercar. It's close to obtaining financial backing from sources in Europe and Hong Kong, and the memorandum of understanding it signed with DaimlerChrysler last February is about to become a contractual reality.
The first three official images of the two-seater - to be called the AC Ace - have also been revealed. Production is expected to begin in the middle of next year, with prices from around $23,000 to $37,000. Both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive models will be available, and a U.S. launch is slated for 2009.
Power will come from the same Mitsubishi-sourced 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine that's in the second generation smart fortwo. There will be three different versions of each AC, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged. It's being hinted that alternative powertrains such as hybrid or even electric models could be considered in the future. However, that's unconfirmed at this stage. Predicted volumes are around 7000 cars in the first twelve months and more in subsequent years.
The spokesman was keen to point out that while Project Kimber is solely focused on getting the Ace Roadster and Coupé off the ground now, there's every chance there will be more vehicles to follow. The spokesman told us: "It's too early to talk about the longer term, but this is not going to be a one-model strategy. The plan is to develop the brand. Under the licensing agreement reached with AC other iconic names from the company's archives can be made available." That could leave the way open to a return for names such as Cobra, Aceca, or even Greyhound.
DC axed production of the smart roadster and roadster coupé at the end of last year as part of its cost-cutting. But bosses are on the verge of selling the entire venture including tooling to a group of enthusiasts based in the U.K. Called Project Kimber, it has some heavyweight support including Gordon Murray, the brains behind the outrageous McLaren F1 supercar. It's close to obtaining financial backing from sources in Europe and Hong Kong, and the memorandum of understanding it signed with DaimlerChrysler last February is about to become a contractual reality.
The first three official images of the two-seater - to be called the AC Ace - have also been revealed. Production is expected to begin in the middle of next year, with prices from around $23,000 to $37,000. Both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive models will be available, and a U.S. launch is slated for 2009.
Power will come from the same Mitsubishi-sourced 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine that's in the second generation smart fortwo. There will be three different versions of each AC, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged. It's being hinted that alternative powertrains such as hybrid or even electric models could be considered in the future. However, that's unconfirmed at this stage. Predicted volumes are around 7000 cars in the first twelve months and more in subsequent years.
The spokesman was keen to point out that while Project Kimber is solely focused on getting the Ace Roadster and Coupé off the ground now, there's every chance there will be more vehicles to follow. The spokesman told us: "It's too early to talk about the longer term, but this is not going to be a one-model strategy. The plan is to develop the brand. Under the licensing agreement reached with AC other iconic names from the company's archives can be made available." That could leave the way open to a return for names such as Cobra, Aceca, or even Greyhound.
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