Autoblog

First Drive: 2012 Iconic AC Roadster

Chris Paukert — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, First Drives, Specialty, MISC

In Which We Learn Not To Judge A Book By Its (Very Familiar) Cover

2012 Iconic AC Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

We admit it - we nearly got it wrong. But can you blame us? We've seen dozens - nay, hundreds of Shelby Cobra homages and outright knockoffs over the years, and while many of them have offered road-bludgeoning performance, precious few have been high-quality efforts, and fewer still brought something new to the table. So when images of the Iconic AC Roadster first hit our inboxes along with blustery talk of 800+ horsepower and a massive price tag, we didn't pay much attention. Here was yet another Cobra replica whose biggest innovation appeared to be a set of awkward looking head- and taillamps. Why bother?

And then we drove it. And oddly, just as importantly, we took a peek beneath its skin, only to realize that the car's familiar shape is something of a Trojan horse whose familiar striping job masks a shocking amount of cutting-edge technology.

Continue reading to find out what changed our minds.

Gallery: 2012 Iconic AC Roadster: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Iconic AC Roadster

First Drive: 2012 Iconic AC Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: Iconic GTR arrives in Gotham

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:38:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible

Click the image above for a high-res gallery of Iconic GTR photos

This is what you need to know about the Iconic GTR: 800 horsepower and 2,200 pounds. Claudio Ballard's dream was to blend the best of modern tech with the best of classic design, and the result is a roadster that takes many of its design cues -- and its monumental power-to-weight ratio -- from another iconic car, the Shelby Cobra. In this case, a carbon fiber body meets F1 tech, heated and cooled carbon fiber seats and synthetic sapphire in the dash. But again, we all know what this car is really about: 724 horsepower/ton. Yeah. Production of the 100 GT's that will grace the planet is to begin in the fall. If you want one, give Mr. Ballard a call once you get your hands on $600,000. Follow the jump for the specs and press release, and check out the hi-res galleries of pics below.

Gallery: Iconic GTR - Live

Gallery: Iconic GTR

Continue reading New York 2008: Iconic GTR arrives in Gotham

New York 2008: Iconic GTR arrives in Gotham originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iconic GTR unveiled at Amelia Island Concours

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars

Click above for gallery of the Iconic GTR

While flipping through a copy of the DuPont Registry on our way to Geneva, we came across a full-page ad for Iconic Motors, a company that proclaims to be building an All-American supercar conceived and built with the express purpose of redefining the luxury sports car segment. We didn't give it much thought at the time, but Autoblog reader Dan sent over a link to the company's website, and although the details are minimal, our interest was mildly piqued.

The Iconic GTR is an obvious nod to the Shelbys of yore, with a body and chassis apparently crafted from all manner of lightweight materials. Weighing in at an estimated 2,200 pounds, the GTR is theoretically powered by an 800+ hp 6.9-liter aluminum V8 designed and produced by Iconic. Unfortunately, Iconic's website doesn't get into the nitty-gritty of the mechanics of the GTR. Instead it hypes up the fact that there are 18 patent-pending pieces on the bespoke roadster (from the door handles to the "gas-cap control system") and that the interior features more jewelry-grade kit than Tiffany's.

The GTR's official unveiling took place at the Amelia Island Concours event this past weekend. Production is said to be limited to just 100 units, though we couldn't find a peep about pricing on the company's website.

Gallery: Iconic GTR

[Source: Iconic]

Iconic GTR unveiled at Amelia Island Concours originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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