There are dozens of small volume manufacturers in the world
who produce replica models of the AC Cobra. However there are
only a few who inject some of their own styling and engineering
ideas into their AC Cobra-like products. Now California-based
manufacturer ICONIC Motors has joined that exclusive group.
Chassis
Designed and engineered from scratch to be a highly competent
machine - both aesthetically and in terms of performance, the
ICONIC AC Roadster features a precision engineered, CAD designed
chassis formed from chrome-alloy tubular steel. The passenger
tub is composed of carbon
fiber, and strengthened with the use of a aluminium honeycomb
structure which is bonded to the chassis.
Bodywork
The bodywork of the ICONIC AC Roadster is formed from aircraft-grade
aluminium, backed up by carbon fiber reinforcements to give
it added strength. The styling is obviously inspired by the
original AC Cobra's of the 1960s. But instead of being an exact
copy, ICONIC Motors have decided to give it a bit of a redesign
to help bring it into the 21st Century. It's still got the unmistakable
AC Cobra stance, but modern design elements like the Xenon and
LED headlight units, redesigned air intakes and gentler curves
help modernize the car with out loosing any of its classic appeal.
Drivetrain
Powering the ICONIC AC Roadster is a fuel injected, 7.0 litre
V8 engine which produces 825 horsepower and 680 ft-lbs of torque.
The transmission is a Tremec 6-speed manual (woo hoo!) which
has been custom developed for the the vehicle, its gear set
has been designed to offer minimal friction and handle the engine's
raw power. With this drivetrain it's claimed that the ICONIC
AC Roadster can hit 60 mph in under three seconds, and top out
at 200+ mph.
Those massive side exit exhaust pipes have also been cleverly
designed. Normally these can be a bit risky if you're not careful
and give you one hell of a burn. But thanks to a special gel-layer
in-between the interior pipe and the exterior stainless steel
pipe the outer skin is safe to touch even when the engine is
running.
Wheels and Brakes
The wheels were designed specifically for the car and measure
18" up front and 19" at the rear. The tires are Goodyear
F1 Supercar Run Flats.
To match the powerful engine and transmission combo, the ICONIC
AC Roadster has been equipped with a suitably competent braking
system. Developed with the help of the specialists at Brembo,
the setup includes custom designed carbon ceramic disks, and
specially designed brake pads.
Interior
The high-level of craftsmanship and engineering which can be
found in the exterior design of the ICONIC AC Roadster can also
be found in the cockpit.
Trimmed in fine leather each seat features a four-point race
harness. The 'D' shaped steering wheel is wrapped in leather,
as are the door panels and center console. The shifter mechanism
and gear knob are both formed from hardened and scratch-resistant
stainless steel.
Conclusion
If you've got the cash - you'll need a couple trucks full by
the way - and you want something which has the lines and timeless
beauty of a classic car, but you don't want the unreliability
and mediocre performance of a classic vehicle, then this is
definitely one to look at.
Source: ICONIC Motors
All text copyright © diseno-art.com 2010.
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