All-new AC Cobra in the works; unveil next year

The car is expected to be unveiled sometime during Spring 2023 in London.

AC Cars - one of the oldest British carmakers, is said to bring back its iconic AC Cobra, also known as the Shelby Cobra. According to media reports, the new model will be called AC Cobra GT Roadster and will be unveiled sometime next year.

While details are sparse, the new AC Cobra is said to be a lightweight sports car powered by Ford's 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine. It produces 654 BHP and 780 Nm, allowing it to sprint from 0 - 100 km/h in around 3.6 seconds. The engine will come paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The AC Cobra GT Roadster will feature larger overall dimensions, compared to the original model. The new sports car will feature an aluminium space frame chassis developed by Icona Design Group in Cecomp Spa, Italy. It is said to be 355 mm longer than the original while also having a larger wheelbase. Reports state the car will tip the scale around 1,400 kg.

The company also confirmed that the new AC Cobra GT Roadster will carry forward all modern touches, including air-conditioning, electric windows and in-car entertainment. It will also feature a removable hardtop.

The car is expected to be unveiled sometime during Spring 2023 in London.

The AC Cobra was initially built as the AC Ace. Then in 1953, the company teamed up with Carroll Shelby, who fitted the car with a 260 cubic-inch Ford V8 and unveiled the now iconic Shelby Cobra in 1962. Over the years, there have been multiple replicas and iterations of the iconic sports car. However, the first original model still exists and was reportedly sold for $13 million at an auction in 2016.

Source: Autoblog