- Physical unveiling of production AC Cobra GT Coupe
- Brutal new supercar extends GT range to AC Cars’ global market
- Keystone of company’s 125th anniversary celebrations
- Based on the sophisticated AC Cobra GT platform
- Extruded aluminum chassis and full carbon fibre body
- Up to 730 PS, 820Nm, and weighing under 1600kg
- Inspired by the infamous 1960’s AC A98 coupe Le Mans racer
- Prices start from £234,300 + taxes, with reservations now open at ac.cars
AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, 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 the 125th anniversary of its founding.
Unmistakable in origin, and presenting a more focused and aggressive stance than its GT Roadster stablemate, the physical unveiling of the AC Cobra GT Coupe shows the scale and drama of the supercar for the first time. Drawing on motorsport derived details to sharpen its on-road presence, the new AC Cobra GT Coupe is a thoroughbred example of sophisticated ferocity.
Sharing roughly 75% of its engineering with the GT Roadster, the new model benefits from comprehensive enhancements developed during testing and development.
Available in both left and right-hand drive and powered by a sonorous 5.0-litre V8, delivering up to 730 PS, the car features AC’s own extruded aluminium spaceframe chassis and unique carbon fibre bodywork to deliver a benchmark driving experience.
Speaking at the premiere, David Conza, Chief Executive Officer of AC Cars, said: “The AC Cobra GT Coupe is unique in the history of AC Cars and, with production of the GT Roadster now underway, it shows the road ahead for the company as we build and deliver cars for existing customers. AC Cars continues to invest in its operations, and develop new partnerships. This will provide the catalyst to take AC Cars from around 100 hand-built cars a year currently up to no more than 1000 cars across all models in total. As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the company, I want to thank the entire team for their dedication as we move from a boutique manufacturer to a global performance brand. However, we will still retain the craftmanship and exclusivity that our clients respect.”
Extremely limited in production, with each example built specifically for its client, the new AC Cobra GT Coupe will start at approximately £234,300 + taxes for the naturally aspirated model, while the supercharged model starts from £256,300 + taxes. The first examples will be delivered in 2028 – after initial GT Roadster deliveries are completed.
Consultations for the allocation of the AC Cobra GT Coupe are now available via ac.cars.
The AC Cobra GT Coupe: Redefining the legacy of an iconic supercar brand
Reflecting a legacy approach to competition car design, underpinned by cutting-edge engineering, the new AC Cobra GT Coupe’s curvilinear form echoes the past as well as revealing the future for one of the automotive industry’s most storied marques.
Inspired by the infamous AC A98 coupe race car, the new model is a grand tourer in nature. However, despite its dramatic personality, the GT Coupe is not a stripped-out track car. The culmination of sustained investment and development work carried out over the last seven years, the AC Cobra GT Coupe builds on the foundations laid by the GT Roadster. 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.
Designed and produced in house, the AC Cobra GT Coupe showcases the expertise of AC Cars’ production team. Based on the same unique vehicle architecture as the AC Cobra GT Roadster, the extruded aluminium chassis provides the GT Coupe with an exceptionally light yet strong starting point. With ride and handling tuned to be compliant yet responsive, it suits the nature of this supercar and makes the most of the design’s inherent strengths.
The AC Cobra GT Coupe employs the latest carbon fibre production techniques to create the bodywork and unique fixed head design. This includes a ‘double bubble’ roofline, which accentuates the drama of the rear three quarter view. Lowering the roofline without impacting head room, it smooths airflow and helps lower the drag coefficient, and amplifies the car’s lightweight credentials.
Further enhancing performance, as well as the GT Coupe’s overall racing aesthetic, the new car also incorporates a distinctive Kammtail – a concept employed by leading race teams over the last seven decades. Improving a vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency without resorting to a longtail solution, it was used to great effect in the design of the 1964 AC A98 coupe Le Mans race car.
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 either supercharged or naturally aspirated, the modular engine delivers 730 PS (720bhp) and 820Nm (605lb ft), or 456 PS (450bhp) and 555Nm (410lb ft) respectively. The supercharged GT Coupe is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in under 3.5sec. 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, ensuring that driver and passenger relish every mile. Contemporary ergonomics means the cabin accommodates drivers over six-feet tall, while the car utilises modern control technologies.
Bespoke details have become a recent hallmark of AC Cars’ cabin design, where unique hand finished leatherwork and upholstery elements combine with subtle heritage inspired touches. Reflecting AC’s legacy and its modern approach to sports car engineering, analogue instrumentation and digital technology together enhance the driving experience.
From the Driver Information Centre screen mounted behind the steering wheel, past the machined toggle switchgear down to the signature AC pedals – every inch has been considered to present a curated environment. Highly equipped as standard, the new AC Cobra GT Coupe includes electric windows, climate control and a touch screen sat nav/infotainment system, with upgrade options available.
Alongside a range of standard colour configuration options inspired by the brand’s heritage, AC Cars bespoke service works with clients to create unique vehicles. From customer paint colours and leather finishes, to hand crafted, visible carbon fibre sections and bodywork components, the factory team help each owner stamp their personality on their car.
To learn more about the AC Cobra GT Coupe, and to enquire about the allocation of these exclusive supercars, visit ac.cars.
About AC Cars
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. The nascent company produced its first vehicle in 1903, but the Autocarrier was introduced a year later (from which the name AC was later derived). This was the first three-wheel commercial delivery vehicle and proved an instant success.
However, the AC Ace cemented the company’s status following its launch in 1953. With an aluminium body designed and built by Eric George Gray, it gained the respect of racing enthusiasts for its everyday practicality and pace. This was the car which would evolve to incorporate the Ford V8 and become the AC Cobra of legend.
Over the years the AC Cobra has endured, with its unmistakable shape and unique design. With production limited and every car built to an exacting standard, it remains reserved for exclusive clientele.
With its own facilities in the UK and Germany, AC Cars is working with leading industry suppliers for design and development, and construction, and the AC Cobra GT range heralds a new era in the production of the company’s vehicles. In addition to its Donington HQ and facility in Europe and on the south coast, AC Cars continues to develop its design and production capabilities in the UK.
