If you think that AC Cars - maker of legendary models such as the Cobra and the Ace - is making a comeback, you're slightly wrong. In fact, AC, one of the oldest car brands still in existence, has never really gone away. What's happening now is, in Hollywood terms, a 're-imagining.' AC will fully show a new version of its most famous car, now called the Cobra GT, and it's going to move into a new HQ at the famed Donnington Park race track.
V8 with 663hp
While the new Cobra GT looks very much like the classic original - built in a collaboration between AC and the late, great Carroll Shelby, shoving a massive Ford V8 engine into the body and chassis of the light, nimble AC Ace - it is quite new under the skin, and AC says that it "is a cutting-edge modern sports car, produced using the latest technology and engineering processes." Once again, it'll be V8-powered and offer power outputs of up to 663hp(!). You'll be able to choose from a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission (which suggests that, once again, AC is using Ford engines and transmissions for the Cobra). The car will weigh less than 1,500kg and sprint to 100km/h in just over 3.5 seconds.
AC claims that the chassis is extremely strong and light, and it will have an 'optimised' suspension designed to be 'compliant yet responsive' and competition-inspired engineering touches.
The chassis will be an aluminium spaceframe made by Cecomp s.p.a. in Italy, and the GT is 11omm longer than the last official AC Cobra, the MkIV, with a 284mm longer wheelbase.
More space inside
Inside, the longer wheelbase means that AC has been able to liberate a bit more space for tall drivers (a good thing, too - an original Cobra is a pretty cramped thing). The Cobra's classic analogue interior will be augmented with digital displays for the first time. There will even be electric windows, climate control and a sat nav/infotainment system.
AC says the new Cobra GT is meant to be a useable car - "conceived as a true grand tourer, combining speed, agility and balance with comfort and practicality. Designed to be fully road legal, meet homologation standards were applicable, and incorporate modern safety features, every aspect, from the styling through to ergonomics, has been considered."
The new Cobra GT was originally announced last year, and AC says that orders are filling up fast ahead of the first customer deliveries in 2024. The cars will be built using parts made in both the UK and Germany and the company's new headquarters at Donnington Park race track will be part of a drive to "expand AC's development and production capabilities in the UK."
Iconic, everyday supercar
Samuel Chuffart, Global Design Director Icona Group, said: "The design challenge was a delicate one: to bring the AC Cobra back into a century of technology and advanced ergonomics, yet with a natural evolution that would not betray the car's past. The finished roadster catches up on more than 50 years of progress to offer a truly Iconic everyday supercar with unmatched power and glamour.
"On top of integrating important standards such as cabin space, ease of access, safety and usability, the transition of the roadster into an all-weather car required creating an important step forward. We had to allow the driver to enjoy long distance trips with all the excitement or the legendary AC Cobra, but with none of the compromises."
David Conza, Chief Executive Officer of AC Cars, said: "Developing and delivering a car worthy of the AC Cobra name has not been an easy task, but I am delighted and immensely proud of what we have achieved. This is a sports car like no other, and we have employed some of the industry's leading designers and engineers to craft an outstanding automobile that is extremely beautiful as well as fantastically quick and amazing to drive.
"We wanted to respect the AC Cobra's heritage, and while the design has taken influence from the restomod approach it has a more sophisticated feel in keeping with a classic British roadster. This, along with the race-bred personality of the original AC Cobra, means we have produced an unrivalled vehicle that's totally modern and relevant to today's connoisseurs - a true 21st century sports car."
How much? £285,000 in the UK, which means you'd probably be looking at more than €600,000 to import one here. Please let us drive it if you do...