AC Cars to Unveil Electric Models at SEMA 2024

AC Cars will unveil its brand-new sports car, the AC Ace Classic electric, at the 2024 SEMA Show with electrified performance technologies partner TREMEC Electric GT. TREMEC’s heritage in performance technologies made it the obvious partner for this new roadster from the British company that can trace its roots back to 1901, officials stated in a press release.

Evocative of the origin story of the famous car that the original AC Ace evolved into, the AC Cobra, the chassis, coachwork and interior of each vehicle will be handcrafted before receiving their electrified performance powertrain.

TREMEC Electric GT’s turnkey eGT413 Modular EV platform is fully integrated into the AC Ace and is designed to elicit a powerful driving experience. With 300 eHorse Power and a sub 1,134 kg (2,500 pound) curb weight the AC Ace delivers excellent performance, while DC Fast Charging combined with a 180-plus miles of range per charge provide an extremely functional and reliable roadster, the release stated.

“We are extremely excited to have TREMEC as our electrified performance technologies partner for the new AC Ace Classic electric. The calibre of its work, and the depth of knowledge has been instrumental in developing a car both companies are incredibly proud of,” said David Conza, CEO of AC Cars before the unveiling.

The AC Ace Classic electric and AC Ace Bristol Classic electric are a new chapter in British sports cars. Capturing the days of roadsters, it uses cutting edge construction techniques to deliver benchmark ride and handling. An original-type chassis, carbon-fiber bodywork and a modern powertrain blend seamlessly with the iconic styling to deliver an unmatched driving experience, the company stated.

“To be working with such a historically significant marque as AC Cars, and to be delivering electrifying performance to such an iconic design, really demonstrates our approach to revolutionizing automotive powertrains,” said Antonio Herrera, managing director of TREMEC.

With an innovative chassis for its time and a lightweight aluminum body, the AC Ace gained the respect of enthusiasts and racers alike for its everyday drivability and competition pace. The car would eventually transform into the AC Cobra of legend. 

For fans of the later cars, the AC Ace Classic electric uses the open grille design of the AC Ace before its transformation into the famed AC Cobra, while the AC Ace Bristol Classic electric employs the earlier ‘smiling face’ that graced the model for its launch in 1953. Both models feature graceful rolling flanks and wheel arches, in contrast to the flat-sided original design. 

Cars for U.S. customers will be shipped to TREMEC’s North American Manufacturing Facilities where the electric powertrain will be fitted and the cars readied for delivery. The new AC Ace electrification project is the beginning of the partnership between TREMEC and AC Cars.

The new AC Ace Classic electric and AC Ace Bristol Classic electric will be unveiled at SEMA 2024 on the TREMEC stand (#21455). Priced at $275,000 before tax and any personalization or bespoke options, they will be available as left- and-right-hand drive and intended for U.S. as well as U.K. clients. Each car will bear an official chassis number, denoting it as a true AC and a descendent of the historic AC Ace.

Reservations and orders for the new AC Ace electric are now open here.

By Pat Curtin

Pat Curtin is the managing editor of THE SHOP magazine.