Reborn AC Cobra gets 308bhp pure-electric powertrain

AC is putting the finishing touches to its pure-electric version of the Cobra. The reborn icon is being pushed through the final stages of its development programme, ahead of the first customer deliveries arriving later this year.

Production of the AC Cobra Series 1 electric will be limited to just 58 units, to honour the number of years which have passed since the launch of the first AC Cobra. Prices start from £138,000, excluding road charges.

The Cobra Series 1 electric features a powertrain from Derby-based EV specialist, Falcon Electric. It produces 308bhp and 500Nm of torque, which AC says is enough for a 0-62mph time of around four seconds.

The motor is powered by a 55kWh battery, which provides a maximum range of 150 miles. The electrical system is compatible with a 6kW charging source, meaning it should take around 10 hours to fully recharge the battery.

As its name suggests, the Cobra Series 1 electric is designed to look like the Mk1 AC Cobra from 1962. It will also share a similar ladder frame chassis, albeit with a couple of tweaks to suit the electric powertrain. There’s also modern braking, steering and suspension systems, which means the car complies with 21st century safety regulations.

However, if that’s not enough performance for you, there’s also the Cobra Series 4 electric. The fastest version, priced from £168,000, has a more potent electric motor with 617bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. That’s enough to drop the car’s 0-62mph time to a claimed 3.8 seconds.

What’s more, if you’re the type of classic car purist who views an electrified Cobra as heresy, AC also sells two petrol options, powered by either a 424bhp V8 or a Ford-sourced turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder unit.

The latter option is called the Cobra 140 Charter Edition, and it produces 350bhp and 440Nm of torque – all of which is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Production is also limited to just 58 units, although it is a little cheaper than the EVs, at £89,500.

All of AC’s modernised Cobras feature period-correct wire-spoke wheels and composite plastic bodies, which can be specified in a broad range of colours. Naturally, British Racing Green is one of the options, joining Guardsman Blue and Wimbledon White.

Despite being completely new underneath, the AC Cobra’s interior looks straight out of the sixties. There’s a host of yesteryear details, such as white-on-black dials, narrow-backed bucket seats, a leather-trimmed aluminium steering wheel and organ-stop switchgear.

Now check out another modernised British icon. Click here for our review of the DBA Mini Remastered Oselli Edition…