AC Cobra GT Coupe Debuts With Up To 720 HP and Classic Fastback Styling
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The new AC Cobra GT Coupe has officially arrived, giving buyers another modern interpretation of one of the most famous British sports cars ever built. Developed by AC Cars, which describes itself as Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, the GT Coupe combines classic Cobra styling with modern engineering, a fixed roof design, and up to 720 horsepower.
Unlike the AC Cobra GT Roadster, this new model adds a permanent roof and a grand touring focus while retaining the aggressive character that made the Cobra name famous.
AC Cobra GT Coupe Inspired by 1960s Racing Heritage
AC Cars says the Cobra GT Coupe takes inspiration from the AC A98 race car that competed at Le Mans in 1964. While the design clearly references classic 1960s sports cars, the overall package is far more modern than the original Cobra models.
The long hood, short rear deck, muscular fenders, and fastback roofline give the coupe a timeless appearance. At the same time, modern materials and engineering help it deliver performance levels that would have been unimaginable in the 1960s.
5.0 Liter Ford V8 Engine Options
Power comes from Ford sourced 5.0 liter V8 engines, available in two different states of tune.
| Engine | Power Output | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Naturally Aspirated 5.0L V8 | 465 HP | 170 mph |
| Supercharged 5.0L V8 | 720 HP | 198 mph |
The naturally aspirated version already delivers serious performance, but buyers looking for maximum excitement can choose the supercharged variant, which boosts output to 720 horsepower and pushes top speed close to the 200 mph mark.
Manual and Automatic Transmission Choices
One of the most appealing aspects of the Cobra GT Coupe is that AC Cars continues to offer a manual transmission.
Buyers can choose between:
- Six speed manual transmission
- Ten speed automatic transmission
The availability of a manual gearbox is becoming increasingly rare in high performance sports cars, making the Cobra GT Coupe particularly attractive for driving enthusiasts.
Grand Touring Focus Instead of Track Only Performance
Although the car’s appearance suggests serious track capability, AC Cars has positioned the GT Coupe as a grand tourer rather than a stripped out track machine.
According to comments shared with Top Gear, the company wanted the coupe to deliver comfort and usability alongside performance. The fixed roof design also improves refinement and practicality compared with the roadster version.
This approach places the Cobra GT Coupe closer to a traditional high performance GT car than a dedicated race focused sports car.
Interior Mixes Classic Design With Modern Technology
Inside, the AC Cobra GT Coupe blends old school character with modern conveniences.
Key interior features include:
- Analog inspired controls
- Phone mirroring compatible infotainment display
- Powered windows
- Leather upholstery
- Suede trim
- Carbon fiber accents
- Exposed metal details
The result is a cabin that feels handcrafted and exclusive while still offering the technology expected in a modern performance car.
AC Cobra GT Coupe Price
Exclusivity comes at a significant cost.
Pricing starts at approximately $315,105 for the naturally aspirated version. The supercharged 720 horsepower model raises the price to roughly $345,000, depending on exchange rates and market conditions.
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| AC Cobra GT Coupe 5.0 V8 | $315,105 |
| AC Cobra GT Coupe Supercharged V8 | Around $345,000 |
Production Will Be Extremely Limited
AC Cars has not announced an official production figure for the Cobra GT Coupe. However, the company has indicated that production will be extremely limited.
That exclusivity is likely to make the GT Coupe one of the rarest modern performance cars available, especially when combined with its manual transmission option and distinctive design.
Final Thoughts
The AC Cobra GT Coupe brings together classic British sports car styling, Ford V8 power, and modern grand touring comfort in a package that stands out from today’s increasingly digital performance car market.
With up to 720 horsepower, a six speed manual transmission option, and styling inspired by AC’s racing history, the GT Coupe offers something different for buyers who want a modern car with genuine old school character. The price is high, but exclusivity, craftsmanship, and performance have always been part of the Cobra formula.
Sources and References
Official Sources
- AC Cars Official GT Coupe Page
Official AC Cars page covering the GT Coupe, specifications, design details, and reservation information. - AC Cars Official Website
Main AC Cars website with company history, model lineup, and official announcements. - AC Cars GT Coupe Configurator
Official configurator showing pricing, options, and customization details. - AC Cars History Page
Background on AC Cars, including the history behind the Cobra GT Coupe project.
Trusted Automotive Media Sources
- Car and Driver GT Coupe Coverage
Detailed report covering pricing, engine options, performance figures, and production details. Highly trusted in the US automotive industry. - Top Gear First Look Review
Covers the GT Coupe’s grand touring focus, design inspiration, and engineering details. - Autoblog GT Coupe Report
US-focused coverage discussing pricing, construction, and market positioning. - CarBuzz GT Coupe Coverage
Explains the car’s platform, roof design, and performance specifications. - Ford Authority GT Coupe Report
Useful source for the Ford 5.0-liter V8 details, power figures, and transmission information. - Octane Magazine GT Coupe Feature
Covers dimensions, cabin space, and grand touring characteristics.
