The AC Cobra is set to return in GT guise, complete with advanced materials, a supercar-rivalling power output, and a smattering of Porsche mechanicals.
By Gareth Dean
The AC Cobra has to be one of the most desirable cars on the planet, but getting behind the wheel of one requires either mountains of cash/an import permit/mates in the classic car trade, or braving the creaks and rattles of a fibreglass-bodied imitation. Well, that looks set to change with word that AC is planning to revive its iconic sportscar in time for the Top Marques Monaco Auto Show.
The new MkVI Cobra has been redesigned for modern motoring from the ground up, and will be manufactured in Germany by independent vehicle manufacturer Gullwing. Among the major new features on the Cobra MkVI is an aluminium hybrid body shell that combines the raw metal with advanced composite materials and sits on a tubular space frame chassis. The GT model pictured here features a lightweight removable hardtop with gullwing doors. The interior will feature a luxurious cabin which will come with premium German leather upholstery and standard air conditioning.
In the base GT model, the 6,2-litre Chevrolet Corvette-sourced V8 develops 326 kW, while the GTS model sees this unit’s output boosted to a whopping 482 kW. Combining this power with a kerb weight of just 1 025 kg, the GTS will be able to hit 100 km/h from standstill in just 3,3 seconds.
The Cobra always had a reputation for somewhat hairy handling – and that was just with the old car’s small-block V8. Accordingly, AC has decided to equip the new MkVI with Porsche-sourced brakes with vented discs that measure 332 mm front and 298 mm rear as well as a race-derived suspension, and a limited-slip differential with variable powerlock.
