Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, AC Cars has revealed the brutal new AC Cobra GT Coupe in production form.
Unifying the historic AC Cobra’s iconic aesthetic with a fixed roofline and curvilinear rear, the GT Coupe represents a new era for the company which is celebrating its 125th anniversary.
The first ever production AC Cobra coupe, the new car is intended as a bold model that will expand AC Cars’ appeal to clients globally, including key markets such as Asia and the Middle East.
Sharing roughly 75 per cent of its engineering with the Roadster, the new model benefits from comprehensive enhancements developed during testing and development.
Available in both left and right-hand drive, it’s powered by a sonorous 5.0-litre V8, delivering up to 537kW, with AC’s extruded aluminium space frame chassis and unique carbon fibre bodywork to deliver a benchmark driving experience.
The launch of the car will see production rise from around 100 hand-built cars a year to no more than 1000 cars across all models in total.
Extremely limited in production, with each example built specifically for its client, the new AC Cobra GT Coupe starts at about $400,000 Aussie dollars for the naturally aspirated model, while the supercharged model starts is priced from $480,000.
The first examples are expected to be delivered in 2028 – after initial GT Roadster deliveries are completed.
In line with the GT Roadster, the new GT Coupe is notably larger than the original AC Cobra, with a wheelbase of 2570mm, an overall length of 4225mm and a width of 1980mm.
It features a near perfect 50:50 weight balance front to rear, with a low centre of gravity and a kerb weight of approximately 1600kg.
Although slightly heavier, the coupe’s lower drag coefficient means overall performance is expected to be on a par with that of the GT Roadster.
The AC Cobra GT Coupe continues the company’s use of a modern V8 powertrain to devastating effect.
Available in either supercharged or naturally aspirated form, the modular engine delivers 537kW of power and 820Nm of torque, or 335kW and 555Nm respectively.
The supercharged version is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in under 3.6 seconds.
The choice of gearboxes includes a 6-speed manual gearbox for traditionalists or an advanced 10-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.
Designed as grand tourer the new coupe doesn’t compromise on cabin space
Contemporary ergonomics means the cabin accommodates drivers over 183cm, while the car uses modern control technologies.
Unique hand finished leatherwork and upholstery elements combine with subtle heritage inspired touches, with analogue instrumentation and digital technology that together enhance the driving experience.
The Weller Brothers established what is now Britain’s oldest vehicle manufacturer in 1901, producing cars and motorbikes from their workshop in West Norwood, London.
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