Iconic Cobra by AC Revives with V8 Engine and Swedish Control
Rewritten Article:
Carroll Shelby, the mastermind behind the iconic Shelby Cobra sports cars, didn't fashion the open-aired body from scratch. Instead, he brilliantly tucked a tiny Ford V8 into the sleek AC Ace chassis, originating from AC Cars, a British car company. The birth of the Shelby Cobra and the AC Cobra marked their unforgettable entrance into automotive history, sharing a symbiotic bond.
Founded in England in 1901, AC Cars is back in action with the revamped AC Cobra. After navigating some financial hurdles, they have found a new home in the land of toys—Sweden. Initial endeavors from the Swedish owners focused on electrifying the Cobras, but they are now partnering with Ford once again to reintroduce the thunder in the compact engine bay with a 5.0-liter 454-horsepower V8 gasoline engine, delivering a hefty 575 pound feet of torque.
The classic Ace profile stays intact, but a real Shelby Cobra can fetch millions, whereas the new varieties come at a relatively affordable $250,000 price tag—give or take, depending on optional features like the solid-roofed Coupe (+$30,000) and the open-air Cobra GT Roadster. For those who crave more power, a staggering 663 hp V8 is available in the GT Roadster “S” model. No plans for hybrid powertrains are in sight.
Drivers can opt for a six-speed manual gearbox or Ford's 10-speed auto with paddle shifters. Below the retro gauges, a wide-format touchscreen brings contemporary tech on board, offering GPS, performance metrics, and sound customization. The minimalist interior stays true to the original cars, with modern technology seamlessly integrated.
Despite the added tech, performance standards are set to meet the modern era, promising 0-60 mph times under 3.5 seconds in "S" tune, and a top speed around 150 mph. Before the UK imposed speed limits, Cobra owners would navigate expressways at triple-digit speeds without a worry—legend has it that one brave soul even hit nearly 200 mph, prompting the introduction of speed limits.
For those who don't need the full Cobra experience, AC Cars will also offer the AC Ace, a physical replica, powered by a turbocharged inline-4 Ford engine. The base price for the Ace starts around $190,000 USD.
Some of the new Cobras have already been claimed, and production is limited, so interested buyers should act swiftly to snag a spot in the production queue.
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Carroll Shelby, the renowned figure behind the Shelby Cobra sports cars, initially utilized a Ford V8 engine within the AC Ace chassis, a testament to his ingenious mind. The revamped AC Cobra, now situated in Sweden, is partnering with Ford once again to reinstate the V8 engine's thunder, reminiscent of the powertrains in the original model.
Interested buyers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox or a Ford 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Modern tech is incorporated via a wide-format touchscreen, offering features such as GPS, performance metrics, and sound customization, all beneath retro gauges that retain a sense of the classic Cobra.
For those seeking a less expensive option, AC Cars will also offer the AC Ace, a replica of the classic car, powered by a turbocharged inline-4 Ford engine. Priced at around $190,000 USD, potential owners can snag a spot in the production queue to secure their very own piece of automotive history.