New AC Cobra GT Roadster makes premiere in London

The AC Cobra GT Roadster is a modern sports car designed from scratch, using cutting-edge technology and engineering processes while staying true to the spirit of the original AC Cobra from the 1960s.

The car was developed over a four-year period and was created to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional as a sports car, with a production run of 250 units per year worldwide. The first year of production has already been assigned.

The GT Roadster was designed to comply with road-legal regulations, incorporating modern safety features and available in both left and right-hand drive. The design takes into account every aspect, from ergonomics to styling.

Larger than the original AC Cobra, the new GT Roadster benefits from 50 years of design evolution. Its modern ergonomics make the cabin spacious enough to accommodate drivers over six-feet tall, while its drivetrain and control technologies validate its grand tourer credentials. The chassis has a wheelbase of 2570mm and an overall length of 4225mm, with an optimized track for better handling and agility.

The car’s extruded aluminum spaceframe chassis is extremely light and has exceptional tortional rigidity, ideal for an open-top car. The carbon-composite body, weighing less than 50kg, wraps around the spaceframe, keeping the car’s kerb weight under 1450kg.

The GT Roadster is powered by a V8 engine, with two distinct configurations available: a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 or a supercharged version using the same modular engine. The latter can develop up to 654bhp and 575lb ft, capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in just 3.4sec. Two gearboxes are available: a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 10-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.

The GT Roadster’s cabin features bespoke details and unique hand-finished elements, blending advanced and traditional materials in the leatherwork and upholstery. The design respects the car’s heritage and underscores AC Cars’ commitment to their vehicles.