Skip advert
Advertisement

Smart Roadster: Smart Roadster becomes an AC

AC Ace on sale later this year – with a conventional manual gearbox

AC Ace

The Smart Roadster and Coupe, the manufacturing rights for which were acquired by British consortium Project Kimber, are to be revived under the AC Ace badge. Although the final elements of the project’s investment package have yet to be finalised, it’s expected that the Ace will go ahead and should be on sale in the UK and Europe by the second half of the year, with prices ranging from about £12,000 to £19,000.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Ace won’t just be a Smart with an AC badge. The car has been restyled by a team of freelance design consultants, including evo contributor Gordon Murray, and negotiations are underway with Mitsubishi to buy-in the new normally aspirated and turbocharged three-cylinder engines that will power the second-generation Smart ForTwo.

The only real gripe with the Smart roadster/coupe concerned the slow-shifting paddle-shift gearbox. That will be answered by a five-speed manual 'box, though the paddleshift will also be available in improved form.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused
Aston Martin Vantage S front
News

New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused

With a bump in power output among myriad detail changes, the Vantage S could be the ultimate driver’s Aston
8 Jul 2025
MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation
MST Ford Escort front
News

MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation

Costing a tenth of most made-new classics, the MST Mk1 Sports is comparatively accessible
8 Jul 2025