AC confirms four-cylinder option for new Cobra GT
If a supercharged V8 is a little OTT, try 400hp from a turbo four
AC has confirmed that a new engine will join its Cobra GT Roadster and Coupe range from 2026. Alongside the 5.0-litre Ford Coyote V8, which is offered in naturally aspirated and supercharged forms, a ‘performance orientated’ 2.0-litre will soon be available.
An exact spec hasn’t yet been released, though it’d have to be assumed it’s a turbo four-cylinder that’s going in, especially as predicted maximum power (there will be two variants offered) is said to be in the region of 395hp. Nothing so small is making that power without forced induction, and it seems just as unlikely that a new 2.0-litre will have any more than four combustion chambers.
The fact that a DCT will be optionally available alongside a six-speed manual virtually confirms that it’ll be a new-school turbo powertrain. Ford would be first thought, given that the Mustang V8 and 10-speed auto also features in the range, but the Focus ST engine that’s also been seen in some sports cars (like the Ariel Nomad) is 2.3 rather than 2.0-litres. It pairs with a torque converter auto rather than a dual-clutch, too.
AC says it has worked ‘in conjunction with a global leader in hybrid and internal combustion powertrain solutions’ on the new setup, which will ‘suit the characteristics and potential that the GT platform delivers.’ The VW EA888 is the most compatible engine that springs to mind for us, given it’s fairly easily tuneable and pairs with both a six-speed and a DCT. All other guesses gladly received.
As well as the lighter engine, the 2.0-litre GT Roadster and Coupe will benefit from additional carbon in the construction compared to the V8. It promises quite a different experience from the 5.0-litre model, that’s for sure. Full specs are expected in the spring, which is hopefully enough time to get your head around the idea of a dual-clutch, 2.0-litre Cobra.
David Conza, AC Cars CEO, said: “This is a key step in our programme of growth, yet allows us to stay true to what defines us. Offering clients a wider choice of performance engines will broaden the appeal for our exclusive sports cars, and means we can reach the markets that impose higher taxation of large displacement engines.” Reservations are open now - set aside the best part of a quarter of a million…
We really have peaked when it comes to drivers cars.
Dread to think what the motoring landscape will look like in five years from now.
Think that why the likes of max power reunion is making a come back as us oldies cling on to what’s left.
Weird that car engines are getting smaller and bike engines seem to be getting bigger.
would not choose for a 4 cyll though, only a V8 with manual, and 6 speed is noce, but I would be already happy with a sporty 5 speed.
Wheels that size is ok as well, more stable/direct feel, and I guess money can get you smaller wheels as well.
I think a Cobra with a big power four pot sounds great, and I'm sure Carol Shelby would simply put the most powerful, lightest engine he could find into his car, being a racing guy he'd have no emotional attachments to any configuration, jist whatever made it faster...
I think a Cobra with a big power four pot sounds great, and I'm sure Carol Shelby would simply put the most powerful, lightest engine he could find into his car, being a racing guy he'd have no emotional attachments to any configuration, jist whatever made it faster...
Six cylinder ohc AC engine, alloy block cast iron head. Also fitted with Bristol six cylinder 2litre engine with crossover push rod head, and finally Ford Zepher six cylinder engine when supplies of Bristol engines dried up. They also trialled the Daimler sp250 engine, but as you can imagine William Lyonns was having non of it!!
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