The first AC Cobra Series 1 electric is undergoing final development work ahead of the delivery of the first customer cars from one of Britain’s oldest vehicle manufacturers. With a heritage stretching back 120 years, the company is heralding a new pure-electric generation of its iconic sports cars, the recreation getting a modern, emissions-free powertrain and more modern ride and handling. The car will make its global debut at the British Motor Show, which takes place August 19-22.
The launch of the Series 1 electric marks a milestone for a company and includes the AC Cobra Series 4 electric announced in June. Working with Derby, UK-based technical partner Falcon Electric, the Norfolk, UK-based AC is intending to ensure that the implementation of EV (electric vehicle) technology into the car is in keeping with its personality and performance.
“This is British engineering and technology at its finest, upholding AC Car’s approach to producing only the finest hand-built sports cars,” said Alan Lubinsky, Chief Executive of AC Cars.
Although its production has been delayed by supply-chain issues, that enabled the car’s engineering team to revisit some of its core principles. As a result, the team selected enhanced and higher-performing parts, which means that the car will exceed original estimates. Weight, acceleration, and handing have all been honed.
The Series 1 electric has similar performance to early AC Cobras, with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of around 4 s, but with the near-instant torque of an electric motor. Power is 230 kW, and torque is 500 N·m (369 lb·ft) peak, with 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) continuous. The range is about 150 mi (241 km) from a battery capacity of 55 kW·h. Vehicle weight is about 1050 kg (2314 lb).
Just 58 examples of the Series 1 electric cars will be made.
“With an unrivaled heritage and a spiritual home just a stone’s throw from our Farnborough venue, it’s an absolute honor to have the new AC Cobra Series 1 Electric at the show,” said Andy Entwistle, British Motor Show CEO. “It’s an incredible vehicle that manages to embody the spirit of electric cars, supercars, classic cars, and new cars.”
While the Series 1 replays the earlier 289 MkII version of the Cobra using a smaller body, the Series 4 electric is based on the AC Cobra Mk IV, with the bigger of the two Cobra body styles shared with the 378 Superblower.
There are two versions of the Series 4 electric. The base 1190-kg (2623-lb) version uses the 230-kW/500-N·m motor of the Series 1 electric for 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.9 s and an estimated range of 190 mi (305 km). The top 1240-kg (2733-lb) model has outputs of 460-kW and 1000-N·m (737 lb·ft) peak, 500 Nm (368 lb·ft) continuous, for a 0-60 mph (0-97 k/h) run in 3.8 s and an estimated range of over 160 mi (257 km). Both versions have a battery capacity of 54 kW·h and a charging capacity of 6 kW.
A lightweighting process improves the car’s on-the-road performance.
“Eliminating excess weight brings with it positive benefits for the car’s owner,” said Lubinsky. “Lower overall weight reduces energy consumption, allowing the batteries to deliver a longer range and the ability to drive the car to AC’s traditionally high standards for speed and acceleration which the marque has achieved over many years.”
Reservations for Series 4 electric production cars are now being taken on the AC Cars website, with first customer deliveries this summer.
