An all-new V8-engined, carbon-bodied AC Cobra is coming

There have been many generations, iterations and continuations of the AC Cobra since Carroll Shelby first fitted an AC Ace with a Ford-sourced V8 engine in 1962.

And now there’s another one – the all-new AC Cobra GT Roadster is set to arrive in 2024, and it’ll be bolted together by the folks who now own the AC Cars name and have established a new HQ at Donington Park.

Oh, and it’ll be powered by a proper V8 engine that makes 654bhp and 575lb ft of torque. There’s no word on where this engine will come from just yet, but we do know that it’ll be paired with either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed auto gearbox and that the aim is for a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds. Weight will be below 1,500kg and it’ll be longer and wider than AC Cars’ most recent Cobras.

The updated Cobra styling is the work of the Icona Design Group and each body will be made from carbon composite wrapped around a new, Italian-designed aluminium spaceframe chassis.

We’re told that the interior will be bespoke with “hand finished unique elements, unseen in the automotive world before” and plenty of kit such as electric windows, climate control and a full infotainment system.

Obviously, it won’t come cheap. Each car will start from £285,000 on our shores, and there’s no word as yet on how many will be built. AC will show us the GT Roadster in full with more details next month, so keep those eyes peeled on TopGear.com if a modern Cobra floats your boat…