New AC Cobra GT has more bite

ARGUABLY the most copied car in the world, the muscular AC (AKA Shelby) Cobra is about to be the centre of sports car attention with the recent announcement of a ‘new’ exclusive model called the AC Cobra GT roadster.

AC Cars, which claims to be Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has released the first details and images of its new model, a two-door drop-top that will be formally unveiled in the Northern Hemisphere spring at an event in London.

To cast some light on the original British-American AC Cobra from 1965, it was a collaboration between Texan race driver Carroll Shelby, and British company AC Cars. 

AC stands for “Auto Carrier”, derived from a three-wheeled delivery vehicle that started production in 1904. However, since 1922 some version of an ‘AC’ vehicle has existed including the AC Ace sportscar on which the first Cobra was based.

The 1965 model Shelby Cobra, broke ground as one of the earliest high-performance sportscars in history, with aFord-sourced 427 cubic inch V8 big block calling up 380kW at 6000rpm and 650Nm of torque at 4800rpm.

Needless to say, those who experienced the car claim it would pin occupants’ ears back under acceleration.

For 2023, the roadster features a tweaked version of the original car’s low-slung, muscular profile but, according to AC Cars, delivers “a revolution in design for the 61-year-old model”.

Though only teaser images have been provided, it is apparent the new car has a classic Cobra shape complete with wildly pumped-up rear guards, cannon-barrel front guards, a long nose, abbreviated windscreen and truncated rounded-off tail with quad exhausts.

It is the result of three years’ intense investment and development with a focus on producing the most advanced Cobra ever, AC says in a statement.

In a departure from the original sportscar, the new AC Cobra is designed as a grand tourer – per its GT nomenclature – combining speed, agility and balance with comfort, refinement and practicality.

AC is targeting a ‘specific’ clientele, which although no pricing has been announced this far out from launch, roughly translates into ‘those with expensive tastes and the ability to fund them’.

Like it has in the past, AC worked with predominantly European-based component suppliers for the car’s design, development and construction. It will be manufactured in Europe.

The company says the GT roadster will be “meticulously engineered to be exceptional, combining cutting-edge material and manufacturing technologies to produce limited-production sportscars that will be commissioned to clients’ tastes”.

With that in mind, it will be available with a range of options as well as a bespoke service creating vehicles that will enable each owner to essentially custom-build their Cobra.

High performance, sharp handling and an impressive sound track are a given in the new roadster thanks to its sports-oriented suspension, brakes, steering and exhaust along with a V8 engine said to be good for 481kW and 780Nm, paired with the choice of a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearbox. 

Weighing less than 1500kg, AC says the roadster will cover the 0-100km/h sprint in approximately 3.7 seconds.

Underpinning the brute is a new, vehicle architecture with extruded aluminium spaceframe chassis specifically developed for Cobra by AC partners Icona Design Group and Cecomp Spa in Italy.

Each car will be hand-built through the manufacturing process, which AC says “ensures the Cobra GT roadster will set a benchmark in production detail and build quality”.

Riding on a wheelbase of 2570mm, it is the largest AC Cobra yet but, thanks to a high level of torsional rigidity, promises to combine refinement with performance-orientated ride and handling.

That said, AC claims its new car is designed for everyday usability and comfort with features like air-conditioning, electric windows, advanced in-car entertainment and the option of a removable hardtop.

Prices and the full specification of the AC Cobra GT roadster will be confirmed at its unveiling in a few months.