AC Cars Reveals Production AC Cobra GT Coupe for the Global Market

AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, has revealed the brutal new AC Cobra GT Coupe in production form. Unifying the AC Cobra’s iconic aesthetic with a fixed roofline and curvilinear rear, the GT Coupe represents a new era for the company, according to a press release from AC Cars.

Sharing roughly 75% of its engineering with its GT Roadster stablemate, the new model features comprehensive enhancements developed during testing and development, while presenting a more focused and aggressive stance.

Available in both left and right-hand drive and powered by a sonorous 5.0-liter V-8, delivering up to 730 PS, the car features AC’s own extruded aluminum spaceframe chassis and unique carbon fiber bodywork, noted the release.

Speaking at the premiere, David Conza, chief executive officer of AC Cars, said, “The AC Cobra GT Coupe is unique in the history of AC Cars and, with production of the GT Roadster now underway, it shows the road ahead for the company as we build and deliver cars for existing customers. AC Cars continues to invest in its operations and develop new partnerships. This will provide the catalyst to take AC Cars from around 100 hand-built cars a year currently up to no more than 1,000 cars across all models in total. As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the company, I want to thank the entire team for their dedication as we move from a boutique manufacturer to a global performance brand. However, we will still retain the craftsmanship and exclusivity that our clients respect.”

Extremely limited in production, with each example built specifically for its client, the new AC Cobra GT Coupe will start at approximately £234,300 (approximately $315,500) plus taxes for the naturally aspirated model, while the supercharged model starts from £256,300 (approximately $345,000) plus taxes. The first examples will be delivered in 2028 after initial GT Roadster deliveries are completed.

The AC Cobra GT Coupe Redefines an Iconic Supercar Brand

Inspired by the AC A98 coupe race car, the new AC Cobra GT Coupe is a grand tourer in nature; however, it’s not a stripped-out track car, the company said. The culmination of sustained investment and development work carried out over the last seven years, the AC Cobra GT Coupe builds on the foundations of the GT Roadster. AC Car hopes the new car will expand its appeal to clients globally, including key markets such as Asia and the Middle East.

Designed and produced in-house, the AC Cobra GT Coupe is based on the same unique vehicle architecture as the AC Cobra GT Roadster. The extruded aluminum chassis provides the GT Coupe with an exceptionally light yet strong starting point. With ride and handling tuned to be compliant yet responsive, it suits the nature of this supercar and makes the most of the design’s inherent strengths, the company said.

The AC Cobra GT Coupe employs the latest carbon fiber production techniques to create the bodywork and unique fixed head design, including a “double bubble” roofline. Lowering the roofline, without impacting headroom, helps lower the drag coefficient and amplifies the car’s lightweight credentials.

The new car also incorporates a distinctive Kammtail, a concept employed by leading race teams over the last seven decades. Improving a vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency without resorting to a longtail solution, it was used to great effect in the design of the 1964 AC A98 coupe Le Mans race car.

In line with the GT Roadster, the new GT Coupe is notably larger than the original AC Cobra, with a wheelbase of 2,570mm (101.2 in.), an overall length of 4,225mm (166.3 in.) and a width of 1,980mm (77.9 in.). AC Cars says it features a near-perfect 50:50 weight balance front to rear, with a low center of gravity and a curb weight of approximately 1,600kg (3,527 lbs.). Although slightly heavier, the coupe’s lower drag coefficient means overall performance is expected to be on a par with that of the GT Roadster.

Peak Power & Performance & Bespoke Interior

The AC Cobra GT Coupe continues the company’s use of a modern V-8 powertrain. Available either supercharged or naturally aspirated, the modular engine delivers 730 PS (720bhp) and 820Nm (605 pound-feet), or 456 PS (450bhp) and 555Nm (410 pound-feet), respectively. The supercharged GT Coupe can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 3.5sec. The choice of gearboxes includes a 6-speed manual gearbox for traditionalists or an advanced 10-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Designed as a grand tourer, the cabin features contemporary ergonomics that accommodate drivers over six feet tall, while the car utilizes modern control technologies. Bespoke interior details include hand-finished leatherwork and upholstery elements combined with subtle heritage-inspired touches. Reflecting AC’s legacy and its modern approach to sports car engineering, analogue instrumentation and digital technology together enhance the driving experience, the press release added.

Alongside a range of standard color configuration options inspired by the brand’s heritage, AC Cars’ bespoke service works with clients to create unique vehicles. From customer paint colors and leather finishes to hand-crafted, visible carbon fiber sections and bodywork components, the factory team helps each owner stamp their personality on their car.