All-new AC Cobra GT Roadster breaks cover
Looks like a classic, comes with a 10-speed auto option - welcome to a Cobra for the 2020s
It hasn’t been the easiest task to keep up with Cobras of late, with an offering that extends from electric to Ecoboost. The GT Roadster is the big deal, however, with an extruded aluminium spaceframe chassis and composite bodywork; it even gets an all-new interior. Having been previewed recently, this is the finished thing. No, really.
Something called a Cobra was always going to look like a Cobra, as there’s simply too much affection for the silhouette to deviate far from it. But there are a few cues that the GT is something new, wider tracked and more muscular than what was once quite a dainty sports car. Though only 110mm longer than a Cobra Mk VI (at 4,225mm), the wheelbase has grown 284mm to 2,570mm, presumably to the benefit of interior space. AC is also promising improvements to weight distribution, centre of gravity and torsional rigidity, all of which bodes well for ride and handling. It even has electric steering. Note the big wheels, tyres and brakes as well, there to ensure this is a Cobra properly capable of containing what’s under the bonnet. Certainly not always the case for AC roadsters with Ford V8s in them.
The 460hp Coyote 5.0 (optionally supercharged to more than 660hp) and six-speed manual/10-speed auto options we knew about; the interior of the GT Roadster remained a mystery, however. Given AC promised ‘thoroughly modern ergonomics’ as well as ‘technologies to validate its grand tourer credentials’, it was at least as important as what’s under the skin. Looks pretty smart, no? There are retro touches in the dials, leather straps and toggle switches, but also concessions to modernity both necessary and desirable: a 10.25-inch screen with Bluetooth, an electric handbrake, a mode switch, head-up display, and the button busy wheel from a Mustang. Nicely trimmed and stitched, it’s a world away from the Cobra stereotype.
"Our goal was to surpass the expectations of our esteemed clientele, who have grown accustomed to the finest in automotive luxury. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from the attendees confirms that we have well and truly exceeded those expectations. The AC Cobra GT Roadster is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. We are delighted that customers could join us from around the world, and thank them for placing the upmost faith in us”, said AC CEO David Conza. The Cobra GT Roadster is available to order now, with a £2,500 deposit securing a build slot and AC expecting to build 250 a year. If new school supercars are a bit too serious, maybe a Cobra is the car for you…
There will be all sorts of huff and puff about it on here, but I think they are probably going about this the right way.
How many of these mythical sub-£100k low-volume sports cars have ever proven to be actually commercially viable?
That sort of buyer will get all anal about kerb weight, styling, not original enough, too original, cheaper to buy a kit anyway, not the right Ford engine, touchscreen too big, touchscreen too small, wrong dials, wheels too big, wheels too small, don't like the headlights, don't like the colour scheme, etc.
Then they'll go and buy a VAG product in any case.
The subsequent 50 or so comments will prove me right.
Trying to sell cars to terminally hacked-off beards and brow-beaten blokes who can't really afford it anyway is a mug's game.
Better to go after the £250k+ market who will just buy it because they now can buy a new AC Cobra.
There will be all sorts of huff and puff about it on here, but I think they are probably going about this the right way.
How many of these mythical sub-£100k low-volume sports cars have ever proven to be actually commercially viable?
That sort of buyer will get all anal about kerb weight, styling, not original enough, too original, cheaper to buy a kit anyway, not the right Ford engine, touchscreen too big, touchscreen too small, wrong dials, wheels too big, wheels too small, don't like the headlights, don't like the colour scheme, etc.
Then they'll go and buy a VAG product in any case.
The subsequent 50 or so comments will prove me right.
Trying to sell cars to terminally hacked-off beards and brow-beaten blokes who can't really afford it anyway is a mug's game.
Better to go after the £250k+ market who will just buy it because they now can buy a new AC Cobra.
ker who's going to whinge endlessly about the monthly cost of £80k. Tough call. 
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