AC Cars is getting back into the Cobra game, this time with its own clean sheet design, to be unveiled in Spring 2023. The reveal coincides with AC’s 122nd anniversary.
AC Cars is one of Britain’s oldest car companies and it is the company whose Ace sports car Carroll Shelby injected V-8 power to create the legendary Shelby Cobra in 1962.
The Shelby was marketed as the AC Cobra in some markets, and recently AC began building replicas, some of which ran on batteries.
The new Cobra that AC is working on will be called the AC Cobra GT Roadster. Teasers point to the car sporting classic Cobra styling, but AC said there will be a new extruded aluminum chassis and carbon composite body. AC also confirmed a wheelbase length of 101 inches, or about 11 inches longer than the original. Italian Icona Design Group and Cecomp Spa helped develop the chassis.
AC Cobra 378 Superblower Mark IV
The extra size should improve stability and ride quality, and AC said there will still be excellent torsional rigidity despite the extra length. Modern features like air conditioning, power windows and infotainment will help the car appeal to a new generation of buyers.
There will also be many options. Some we’re familiar with are carbon fiber seats, leather interior and a removable hardtop roof.
Power comes from Ford’s modern 5.0-liter V8, which will be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. Peak power is 654 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. With an expected curb weight of around 3,300 pounds, that much power should deliver 0-60 mph times of 3.6 seconds or less, AC said. The top speed will be around 172 km/h.
Production takes place at an undisclosed location in Europe. Pricing information will be released shortly before launch, but interested buyers can already make a reservation.
