AC Cobra in electrification shock
In a move that will stun die-hard enthusiasts, AC Cars has unveiled an all-electric Cobra.
Just 58 will be built, closely based on the original AC Cobra, but instead of Ford V-8 power there will be an electric drive system. A 54-kWh battery pack and 230 kW (312 hp) motor will launch the electric Cobra from 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds and provide a driving rage of 150 miles.
A traditional ladder frame chassis will wear a composite body, and the car’s weight of 2750 pounds means it’s relatively light for an EV but still considerably heavier than a Shelby 427.
The electric Cobra will cost $170,000.
If electrification alone isn’t enough to make Cobra fans bristle, AC is also introducing a run of 58 four-cylinder gasoline-powered Cobras. At least Ford’s 2.3-liter Ecoboost motor, used in the outgoing Focus RS and current Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Pack, is good for over 350 hp and the car is some 200 pounds lighter than the electric model. At $105,000, the price is lighter as well.
Does this future-proof the Cobra or should history never be re-written? Sound off in the Hagerty Community below.
