Despite the fact that most Americans associate the AC Cobra performance roadster with Carroll Shelby, the truth is that the car was a joint effort between Shelby American and England-based AC Cars. Original AC Cobras fetch serious coin at auction. They are brutal cars with the legendary AC Cobra 427 and its big 7.0-liter V8 (427 cubic inch displacement) emitting 425 horsepower while weighing a mere 2,529 pounds. The company has been promising a modern version, and they finally unveiled it. We have to say they really nailed it. Just take a look.
The new AC Cobra GT Roadster looks even more muscular and menacing than the original car, and it bears the same styling and proportions but with modern touches. The car is new from the ground up and doesn't borrow anything from the original car. It gets even more curvaceous sheet metal, LED lighting in front and back, modern exterior mirrors, a rear diffuser, and larger wheels. Chrome detailing that festooned the original car has been replaced by matte black trim for a sportier look.
Power comes from a Ford Motor Company 5.0-liter V8 that powers the Mustang GT. For the Cobra GT Roadster, the base horsepower wasn't enough, so they supercharged the car to the tune of 654 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque. The big-displacement V8 is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic and routed to the rear wheels. The car will rocket to 62 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. The car weighs a bit more than the 427 but not that much more. 3,100 pounds is pretty light for the added power and tech, thanks to a specially developed aluminum chassis.
The car's interior doesn't get any closeup shots, but you can tell from the photo above that it's been fully modernized with a new dash, steering wheel, and seats. Apparently, the car will get improved ergonomics, a digital glass cluster, power windows, a climate control system, and an infotainment system with built-navigation.
AC Cars will unveil the Cobra GT Roadster in about a month, and deliveries of the car will start in 2024. The car will be priced at just under $350,000. We're not sure if it will sell here (although the shots reveal a left-hand drive car) because it would compete with the Shelby American versions that are currently for sale.
