The Mamba will be launched with the option of an LPG-only powered version, this being the first sports car ever to be offered in the UK with a gas-power option and the car will be the first car in Britain to be offered in a version powered solely by LPG (as opposed to 'dual-fuel' conversions). AC Cars Chairman Alan Lubinsky explained: 'There are a number of factors which made LPG attractive to us. First of all, one of our two engine options in the new car - the straight-six, four litre - is fully proven for the fuel. Then there's a growing wish on the part of some of our customers to be more 'green', with the increasing awareness of climate change, and of course there is the cost argument which cannot be ignored, with LPG costing less than half the price of petrol. Finally, we were impressed with the much freer and still increasing availability of LPG at the roadside'.

The Cobra has proved a tough act to follow for AC. They're still making the classic in various forms but the other cars in their range still pale in comparison to the red blooded brute that epitomises hairy chested sports car action.

So when John Owen and Ron Saunders, respectively Chief Engineer and Chief Designer at AC Cars, were asked by Chairman Alan Lubinsky to devise a new luxury coupé which inherited the key values of the famous AC Cobra they realised they had their work cut out.

Follow That!

"Get this wrong and we knew we could undermine the AC Cobra itself and upset fans across the world," commented Owen. "We looked hard at the various attempts people had made to create a closed Cobra, from the famous Daytona onwards. Although we were influenced by what we saw, we knew we had to find our own approach which delivered a sleek, comfortable car without in anyway compromising the unique features which make all AC models so special. We believe we've done just that."

The new AC Mamba won't be as raw a tool as the Cobra. It will feature modern luxuries such as air con and electric windows etc. An auto 'box will also be an option. Seating is strictly for two, but in a comfortable fashion with plenty of space for luggage. If you can pack your tank top and strides into a golf bag, you'll be their ideal customer.

Body

The new car will feature the largest one-piece carbon fibre bodyshell used by any car maker. This builds on techniques pioneered with the AC CRS and AC 212 S/C models.

There will be two options for under-bonnet entertainment. The first is a four litre, straight six which has never been used in Europe before and which is manufactured by Ford of Australia.  The engine, developing up to 230 bhp with variable valve timing and offering 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds in its most powerful form, will be mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic. A completely unique derivative of this engine - powered exclusively by LPG will also be available, with an auto box as standard.

Twin Turbo

For Mamba owners who don't give a stuff about fuel costs and crave power above anything else there's the now familiar Lotus V8 twin turbo (350bhp) as fitted to the AC 212 S/C. This will be coupled to a six speed gearbox.

AC are aiming to deliver the first customer cars in the first quarter of 2002 with the cars being pitched in for as little as £45,000 rising to £59,000, not unreasonable for such a motor.

AC's main main, Alan Lubinsky is obviously excited about the new era that this heralds for the marque: "With this new AC Mamba we have created a whole new dimension to AC motoring. This is the car that will bring AC's model range right up to date. This is a luxurious and completely useable AC with all the features which are essential to drivers using their cars every day rather than, as with our current cars, only when the sun comes out."

Links: AC Links