AC reveals pre-production Cobra GT Roadster

CUSTOMERS for AC Cars’ new Cobra GT Roadster will have a face-to-face preview of the stunning new model at an exclusive event scheduled this April at the company’s recently completed Donington Park headquarters in the UK followed by similar events slated for Europe over the northern spring and summer.

The new AC Cobra GT Roadster is expected to cost from £285,000 (A$508,000) in the UK, with prices varying according to exchange rates and taxes in each country of delivery.

AC Cars has facilities in the UK and Germany and is working with leading industry suppliers for the Cobra GT Roadster’s design and development, while construction of the new car heralds the return of European production for the company’s vehicles.

Claiming to be Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, AC Cars, has progressed GT Roadster development to the point where the first pre-production example is ready to be shown to customers. However, production models will not be available until 2024.

The company has also revealed more details of the sportscar it announced in December last year.

Although channeling the first Cobra models from the 1960s, the 2024 GT Roadster is a new and exclusive high-performance grand tourer lines that has come to fruition from a ‘clean sheet’ design using cutting-edge technology and engineering processes.

In spite of these advancements AC Cars says it has been faithful to the spirit of the original 1960s model, qualified by emphasising the point that the new version is instantly recognisable as a Cobra yet shares no components with the original.

As with the original, power comes from a V8 petrol engine, in this case delivering a healthy 481kW/780Nm that is said to deliver brutal acceleration to the accompaniment of a loud and proud V8 exhaust rumble.

Six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions are available, either of which will assist the sub-1500kg car in accelerating from 0-100km/h in approximately 3.4 seconds.

Though similar in looks to the original, the new GT Roadster uses a computer-designed extruded aluminium spaceframe chassis said to be extremely strong and light, developed specifically for the car.

AC Cars optimised the new chassis to allow for “the perfect layout as well as optimised suspension geometry and weight distribution”.

The two-seater chassis is produced specifically by AC Cars with support from Cecomp in Italy and enables better packaging of the powertrain, steering and suspension.

Its wheelbase of 2570mm is 284mm longer than the AC Cobra Mk VI, but the car’s overall length has grown only 110mm, to 4225mm.  The track has been broadened to give the GT Roadster a wider stance, which, along with optimised weight distribution and centre of gravity, has ‘drastically’ improved handling and agility.

AC Cars says it tapped into motorsport technology and engineering to give the GT Roadster what it calls “phenomenal handling and performance”.

The muscular body was styled by a team of “world class designers with both exterior bodywork and the interior retaining a modern personality with a timeless aesthetic”.

A bespoke interior was designed and commissioned for the roadster to reflect both its legacy and its modern approach to sportscar engineering.

Hand finishing was used to deliver the required interior quality which AC Cars says “elegantly fuses both analogue instrumentation and digital technology to enhance the driving experience”.

The advanced driver information centre shows all relevant engine information in direct eye line without disrupting the interior design.

Close attention was paid to improving the car’s ergonomics and make the cabin fit drivers of all sizes thanks in part to the new chassis design.

AC Cars CEO David Conza said: “Developing and delivering a car worthy of the AC Cobra name has not been an easy task, but I am delighted and immensely proud of what we have achieved. This is a sportscar like no other, and we have employed some of the industry’s leading designers and engineers to craft an outstanding automobile that is extremely beautiful as well as fantastically quick and amazing to drive.

“We wanted to respect the AC Cobra’s heritage, and while the design has taken influence from the restomod approach it has a more sophisticated feel in keeping with a classic British roadster. This, along with the race-bred personality of the original AC Cobra, means we have produced an unrivalled vehicle that’s totally modern and relevant to today’s connoisseurs – a true 21st century sportscar.”

AC Cars say its new Cobra is designed for everyday usability and comfort with electric windows, climate control and an infotainment system with integrated sat-nav. More details will be made available at the launch of the new GT Roadster.