AC Cars, the oldest active vehicle manufacturer in Britain, is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a bang. The iconic brand is looking to increase production from 100 cars to 1,000 cars per year, and the new Cobra GT Coupe is a major part of that plan. This sleek, powerful car is a throwback to the AC A98 Le Mans race car, with a Le Mans-inspired design and a Ford-sourced 5.0-liter V8 engine. The standard version produces 433 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded version doles out a massive 710 horsepower and 605 pound-feet. Both engines are offered with either a six-speed stick or a ten-speed automatic gearbox.
What makes this car particularly fascinating is its focus on performance and heritage. The Cobra GT Coupe features a 50:50 weight balance and a curb weight of around 3,500 pounds, allowing it to achieve a 0-60 mph dash of just 3.5 seconds. This pocket rocket is a testament to AC Cars' commitment to delivering a big stonking V8 and wide hips, which is exactly what Cobra customers want.
The new production facility will allow AC Cars to increase its production rate, and the plan is to offer the coupe, the roadster, and a classic version as well. First deliveries are slated to begin in 2028, with both left- and right-hand-drive models on offer. The starting price is around $315,000 for the standard motor setup or $345,000 for supercharged models.
In my opinion, AC Cars has hit the mark with the Cobra GT Coupe. The car is a perfect blend of performance, heritage, and style. The focus on the big V8 and wide hips is exactly what an AC Cobra buyer wants, and the fact that the production increase could help drive the price down slightly makes it even more attractive. The new production facility will also allow AC Cars to expand its reach and appeal to a wider audience.
One thing that immediately stands out is the attention to detail in the design and engineering of the Cobra GT Coupe. The extruded aluminum chassis, carbon-fiber body, and Ford-sourced V8 engine are all carefully crafted to deliver a seamless driving experience. The 50:50 weight balance and 3,500-pound curb weight are particularly impressive, as they allow the car to achieve its impressive 0-60 mph dash time.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the fact that the Cobra GT Coupe is a throwback to the AC A98 Le Mans race car. This connection to the brand's past adds a layer of heritage and tradition to the car, making it even more appealing to enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Le Mans-inspired design and performance capabilities are a testament to AC Cars' rich history and commitment to innovation.
What this really suggests is that AC Cars is not just a legacy brand, but a forward-thinking one. The focus on performance, heritage, and style is a clear indication that the company is looking to the future while honoring its past. The new production facility and increased production rate are a sign of AC Cars' commitment to expanding its reach and appeal to a wider audience.
In conclusion, the AC Cobra GT Coupe is a testament to the brand's rich history and commitment to innovation. The car is a perfect blend of performance, heritage, and style, and the new production facility will allow AC Cars to expand its reach and appeal to a wider audience. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this iconic British brand.
