AC Cobra Series 1 Goes Electric For 2021
Carroll Shelby didn’t design the AC Ace, which was a moderately successful little British roadster with a modest, four-cylinder powerplant under the long hood and a willing chassis. What Shelby did was take that tiny little convertible, stuff it chock-full of American V8 muscle, and give it the best car names ever. Thus the Cobra was born, and its legend has endured for decades, and now, thanks to some forward-thinking people at AC, it might get to live on just a little longer … as an EV.
Electrified Cobra Series 1
The look is virtually identical to the original series 1 AC Ace launched in 1962, but the sound — or, I guess, the lack of sound — is totally different.
Other detail changes made to the new AC electric Cobra include upgrades to the steering, suspension components, brakes, and of course tires. All of which ensure that the electric version’s different weight distribution and torque delivery still deliver the expected “AC feel,” you know?
Speaking of torque delivery, the electric AC Cobra Series 1 offers drivers up to 500 Nm of peak torque. That’s more than 365 lb-ft of torque from 0 RPM for those of you from a country that’s landed on the Moon — good enough to take the next-generation AC from 0-60 MPH in less than seven seconds. That’s more than a second quicker to 60 than the original AC Ace (even if it is slower than the fat-tired, wide-bodied, V8-engined, “Shelby” variety of the car).
Production of the new electric Cobra from AC is said to be limited to 58 cars, each with a starting price just shy of £140,000. With its classic good looks and a 150-mile range, that might not be too bad. That’s just me, though, and I’m an admitted fan of the Ace’s good, roadstery looks — what about you guys? Do you think this is a cynical PR grab from AC cars, or is electrification the only way forward for the British cottage industry? Scroll on down to the comments and let us know!
Electrified Cobra Series 1 (Again)
Source | Images: AC Cars.
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