Remember the AC Cobra? The one that was sold as the Shelby Cobra in the U.S.? If you do, you can get an all-electric one soon because the AC Cobra Series 1 Electric is undergoing final development work ahead of the first deliveries. AC Cars. The best part is that the all-electric version will stay true to the original, retaining the same design language as an homage to the brand’s 120-year heritage. Originally announced in June, there will four series of the all-electric Cobras with the Series 1 being the first of the bunch. Under the skin, the cars will get a modern suspension layout to offer a thrilling ride and handling.
AC Cars will work with Falcon Electric in the U.K. to ensure that the AC Cobra Series 1 Electric retains the performance and personality that made the original cars famous. At the same time, the battery-electric powertrain has been developed to make sure the car’s design remains untouched to keep it recognizable as a cobra and not some imitation. “I’m so proud of the team behind this project, and the hours that have been invested in making this car so special,” said Alan Lubinsky, chief executive of AC Cars. “This is British engineering and technology at its finest, upholding AC Car’s approach to producing only the finest hand-built sports cars.”
Although supply chain issues have delayed production, this has given the engineering team time to revisit the car’s key trait. As a result, the Cobra Series 1’s weight, acceleration, and handling have all been optimized further so that it’s worthy of wearing the Cobra name. The original AC Cobras built back in 1962 stuffed a small-block Ford V8 in a small two-seat roadster, which helped it become an icon and one of the early competitors to the equally legendary Chevrolet Corvette. Several versions of the AC Cobra were eventually made include the Cobra 427, which had a chassis co-designed with Ford and initially came with a 425-hp 7.0-liter V8. The S/C or semi-competition model had a top speed of 185 mph and had a more powerful 485-hp version of the same V8 engine. In the U.S., the AC Cobra was considered a financial failure by Ford and Carroll Shelby, which led to them stopping importing cars from the U.K. in 1967.
While the modern all-electric Cobra Series 1 will retain the car’s unmistakable styling, it will have a thoroughly modern powertrain under the skin. A 55-kWh battery pack will allow the car to travel up to 150 miles per charge. The electric motor makes 308 hp and a peak of 368 lb-ft of torque; however, it can also continuously deliver 184 lb-ft. AC Cars says the Cobra Series 1 Electric will be able to hit 62 mph in approximately 4.0 seconds and weigh in at 2,315 pounds. That means it’s lighter than a Mazda MX-5 Miata but has 127 hp more and significantly more peak torque.
Production of the AC Cobra Series 1 Electric will be limited to 58 units since it will be a commemorative vehicle celebrating the production of the first AC Cobra. Pricing starts at a cool £138,000, which converts to roughly $189,000. Four colors will be available: Electric Blue, Electric Black, Electric White, and Electric Green.
