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The rejuvenated British brand is a step closer to making a stunning return to form, and Auto Express has all the details of the sleek new roadster that will make it happen. We have the first official pictures of the Ace, which prove there"s lots to get excited about.
The outrageous designs, inspired by the Lam÷borghini Diablo, will aid access to the cabin in confined spaces - as well as getting you noticed!
It"s based on the Smart Roadster, and the most striking features are the unusual scissor-action doors. The outrageous designs, inspired by the Lam÷borghini Diablo, will aid access to the cabin in confined spaces - as well as getting you noticed!
Just like the original Ace the traditional AC front grille is flanked by large headlamps. And, as with the Fifties model, the windscreen surround is finished in silver, too.
The famous AC badge on the bonnet is repeated on the contrasting air intakes, while a fashionable diffuser-style bumper sits at the back. There"s also a discreet integrated rear spoiler on the Roadster"s flat bootlid.
A coupé version is in the pipeline, and both variants are to get a Lotus Elise-style targa roof in place of the retractable lid on the Smart-badged cars.
While progress on the new model has been slower than planned, Project Kimber - the organisation behind the brand"s return - is in the final stages of securing the ÷£65million investment it needs to redevelop and build the Ace.
It has already signed a deal for the rights to engineer and sell the Smart Roadster and Coupé, as well as the production equipment that"s required to build them. The engine line-up has yet to be confirmed but, according to our sources, the organisation is in talks with Mitsubishi, and hopes to use the tiny three-cylinder petrol units destined for the all-new Smart ForTwo.
The 1.0-litre powerplant will be available in three states of tune, with a pair of normally aspirated versions producing 61bhp and 71bhp. A turbocharged variant is set to deliver 84bhp.
AC expects to offer a conventional five-speed manual transmission and an improved version of Smart"s paddleshift gearbox when the Ace goes on sale next year, after making its debut at Septem÷ber"s Frankfurt Motor Show. Prices are set to range from ÷£12,000 to ÷£19,000.