The AC Cobra is one of the most iconic and celebrated sports cars in automotive history. From its humble beginnings as a collaboration between a British car manufacturer and an American racer, it evolved into one of the most revered sports cars of all time. It was offered in several versions with a V8 engine, and from 2026 the company announces a version with a four-cylinder engine.
The AC Cobra’s story begins in the mid-1950s when AC Cars, a British luxury vehicle manufacturer, was struggling financially. The company had produced the AC Ace roadster since 1953, but it was not successful enough to compete with the demand for more powerful cars. To remain relevant, AC Cars needed innovation. Enter Carroll Shelby, a successful Texan racer who had already won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1959. Shelby saw potential in the AC Ace and proposed fitting it with an American V8 engine. This idea led to the creation of the AC Cobra in 1962. Shelby chose the Ford 260-cubic-inch (4.3-liter) V8 engine, which was unconventional for British sports cars, as they typically used smaller engines. The combination of the lightweight AC Ace and the powerful V8 engine resulted in an incredible performance machine. The Cobra’s success was immediate, captivating both road enthusiasts and racers. In 1963, the Cobra was upgraded to the 289 model, featuring a larger 289-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) V8 engine, offering even more power and handling. The AC Cobra’s blend of lightweight design, powerful engine, and aggressive style turned it into an automotive legend.
In 2023, a new version was launched, the AC Cobra GT, with an aluminum frame, carbon body, weight less than 1,450 kg and a supercharged V8 engine. The new option is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and AC Cars did not say who will be the engine supplier. Also, final engine specifications have not been released yet, but it is expected to deliver up to 395 horsepower. Along with the new engine comes a new 6-speed manual transmission, as well as a dual-clutch gearbox. Some information suggests that the offer could also include the same engine but with less horsepower.
Source: AC Cars
Gallery:
