AC Cobra GT Coupe Turns the Classic Cobra Formula Into a Carbon-Bodied Hardtop
AC Cobra GT Coupe gives the reborn British brand a carbon-bodied grand tourer with V8 power, manual transmission and pricing deep into supercar territory.
AC Cars is celebrating its 125th anniversary with one of its most ambitious modern models yet: the AC Cobra GT Coupe. The British company is best known for open-top Cobra roadsters, but the new coupe is intended to push the brand into a more exclusive and profitable part of the sports-car market.
The GT Coupe is based on the same platform as the AC Cobra GT Roadster, but it receives its own carbon-fiber bodywork. The biggest change is the fixed sloping roof, paired with a redesigned rear section inspired by the AC A98 race car from 1964.
The coupe measures 4,225 mm long and 1,980 mm wide, with a 2,570 mm wheelbase. Underneath, it uses an aluminum spaceframe and independent double-wishbone suspension at both axles.
The interior keeps a mix of old and new. Traditional analog gauges and physical toggle switches sit alongside a digital display, compact touchscreen, modern center console, lightweight three-spoke steering wheel and sport seats. Buyers can choose leather, Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim.
Power comes from Ford’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8. In naturally aspirated form, it produces 456 hp and 555 Nm. A supercharged version raises output to 730 hp and 820 Nm, while a future limited Clubsport Edition is planned with 810 hp.
All versions can be ordered with either a six-speed Tremec manual or a 10-speed automatic. The supercharged coupe weighs around 1,600 kg and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The car also gets a limited-slip differential and a serious braking package, with drilled discs, six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers.
Pricing puts the Cobra GT Coupe far above most retro-inspired sports cars. In the UK, the naturally aspirated version starts at £234,300, or about $316,400. The supercharged model begins at £256,300, around $346,000.
Production is scheduled to start next year, but first customer deliveries are not expected until 2028.
AC Cars currently builds fewer than 100 vehicles per year, but the company hopes the GT Coupe and future special editions will help raise annual sales toward 1,000 cars. Major components are produced in Germany, while final hand assembly and trimming take place in the UK.
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