AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled the Cobra GT Coupe, a high-performance sports car with up to 799 horsepower, set for production starting in 2028. The model, inspired by the 1964 AC A98 Le Mans racer, features a 5.0-liter Ford V8 engine, a carbon-fiber body, and a price tag ranging from $315,000 to $500,000 depending on configuration. The automaker aims to boost annual production from 100 to 1,000 units, signaling a major expansion.
Design and Heritage: A Modern Take on a Classic
The Cobra GT Coupe draws direct inspiration from the AC A98 Le Mans race car, which once achieved 185 mph on a public motorway in 1964. This new model, however, is designed for broader appeal, blending retro aesthetics with modern engineering. Its aluminum chassis and carbon-fiber body echo the original AC Ace, while the fixed roof distinguishes it from the 2023 Cobra GT Roadster. The car’s dimensions—14 inches longer and 18 inches wider than the original—prioritize passenger comfort over pure racing focus, though it retains the iconic 5.0-liter V8 engine.
CarBuzz notes that the design “rips almost directly out of the 1950s,” while The Supercar Blog highlights its “sharp, purposeful silhouette.” The interior combines vintage touches, like machined toggle switches, with modern amenities such as power windows and navigation systems. “This $314,000 car also has a level of luxury you would never find in a 1960s model,” the publication writes.
Performance: Power and Precision
The Cobra GT Coupe’s performance specs vary by configuration. The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 delivers 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, while the supercharged variant peaks at 720 horsepower and 605 lb-ft. A limited-run Clubsport Edition, mentioned by The Supercar Blog, pushes output to 799 hp, with only 99 units planned. Acceleration is brisk: the car hits 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 198 mph for the supercharged model.
Car and Driver emphasizes the car’s “grand tourer” philosophy, contrasting it with the “stripped-out track car” perception of earlier Cobras. The vehicle’s 50:50 weight balance and double-wishbone suspension aim to balance speed with handling. However, critics note the added weight—3,500 pounds for the standard model—could offset some of its performance advantages.
Pricing and Production: A Premium Offering
The Cobra GT Coupe’s starting price ranges from $315,000 to $500,000, depending on the source. Motor1.com reports the standard model at $315,000 and the supercharged variant at $345,000, while The Supercar Blog cites a $500,000 price for the Clubsport Edition. The car will be available in left- and right-hand-drive configurations, with deliveries slated for 2028. AC Cars plans to produce 1,000 units annually, a tenfold increase from its current output of 100 hand-built cars.
The company’s new production facility, acquired to support this expansion, will handle the coupe, roadster, and a classic version. However, the exact production numbers for the GT Coupe remain unspecified. “We want your opinion!” Motor1.com writes, inviting readers to speculate on the model’s market viability.
Reactions and Market Implications
The automotive press has mixed reactions to the Cobra GT Coupe. Motor1.com praises its “perfect” blend of heritage and modernity, while CarBuzz calls it “a supercharged supercar Carroll would be proud of.” The Supercar Blog highlights its “$500,000 price tag,” questioning whether the car’s luxury features justify its cost. Meanwhile, Car and Driver notes that the model “doesn’t come cheap, though it’s not out of line with models that follow a similar philosophy.”
Analysts suggest the Cobra GT Coupe targets enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for exclusivity and brand heritage. With its mix of classic design and cutting-edge engineering, the car could appeal to collectors and performance enthusiasts alike. However, its success will hinge on AC Cars’ ability to scale production and maintain quality, as well as its capacity to compete with other high-end sports cars in the $300,000–$500,000 range.
For more on this story, visit Motor1.com, CarBuzz, The Supercar Blog, and Car and Driver.
