The next AC Cobra will wear a familiar skin but will be the “most advanced” model to bear the serpentine nameplate.
AC Cars has teased the Cobra GT two-seater ahead of an unveiling in the northern spring of 2023, coinciding with the 122nd anniversary of the marque. Full pricing and specifications will be released at that time.
The company says it’s been conceived as a “true grand tourer, combining speed, agility and balance with comfort and practicality” and offering “a new level of refinement” with “performance-orientated ride and handling”.
The Cobra GT will use an extruded aluminium spaceframe chassis, developed specifically for the Cobra GT by Icona Design Group and Cecomp Spa in Italy.
AC Cars says it uses an all-new, highly-advanced architecture and hand-finished manufacturing process for new levels of quality and torsional rigidity.
It’ll also be the largest Cobra yet with a wheelbase of 2570mm. It’s also been designed for everyday comfort, with air-conditioning, power windows, an available removable hardtop, and “sophisticated in-car entertainment”.
As expected of a Cobra, it’ll use a V8 engine. While AC Cars hasn’t specified the displacement or whether it will once again be sourced from Ford, it says it will produce 487kW of power and 780Nm of torque.
The Cobra GT will be offered with either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
With a weight of under 1500kg, the Cobra GT will be properly quick – AC Cars promises a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) time of approximately 3.6 seconds.
It has been working with “leading industry suppliers” for the design and development of the Cobra GT, which will be produced in Europe.
AC Cars says the Cobra GT is the result of three years of intensive investment and development.
Though the teaser images are shadowy, we can see the styling is faithful to the 61-year old Cobra roadster, with single round headlights and curvaceous haunches.
The company promises a high level of customisation, with a bespoke service allowing owners to “stamp their personality on their Cobra”.
The existing Cobra was produced in both the UK and the US, and in the latter market was known as the Shelby Cobra.
Visually, it has remained virtually unchanged since its 1962 debut, though under the bonnet there have been varying powertrains used.
