AC Cobra GT Coupe debuts as hardtop supercharged V8 grand tourer

The AC Cobra GT Coupe has been unveiled as the fixed-roof sibling to the modern Cobra roadster, combining classic styling cues with a supercharged V8 and a claimed 320km/h top speed.

Revealed as part of AC Cars' 125th anniversary celebrations, the GT Coupe is based on the Cobra GT Roadster launched in 2023 and is the first production Cobra hardtop coupe in the marque's history.

The new GT Coupe design draws inspiration from the rare AC A98 Le Mans racer of 1964, featuring a distinctive double-bubble roof and Kamm-tail rear end intended to improve aerodynamic efficiency while preserving the traditional Cobra silhouette.

The coupe shares around 75 per cent of its engineering with the 2023 roadster, including an aluminium spaceframe chassis and carbon-fibre body construction. AC says this helps deliver near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

Power comes from a Ford-sourced 5.0-litre V8 offered in naturally aspirated and supercharged forms. The entry-level version produces 336kW of power and 555Nm of torque, while the flagship supercharged model develops 537kW and 820Nm.

AC claims the latter can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in less than 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 320km/h.

Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Despite its motorsport-inspired appearance, AC says the GT Coupe has been developed primarily as a grand tourer rather than a track-focused special.

The coupe weighs approximately 1600kg, around 100kg more than the roadster, though the company says improved aerodynamics should help offset the weight increase in real-world driving.

Inside, the hand-finished cabin combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Leather trim, analogue-inspired design elements, and a digital driver display are joined by climate control, electric windows, and touchscreen infotainment.

AC also claims the cabin has been designed to comfortably accommodate occupants taller than 183cm.

Pricing starts from £234,300 (about NZ$540,000) before taxes for the naturally aspirated model, while the supercharged version starts from £256,300 (about NZ$590,000).

Reservations are now open, with first customer deliveries expected from 2028 after AC completes initial production of the Cobra GT Roadster, which entered production in 2025.

AC Cars CEO David Conza said the new model represents an important milestone as the company broadens its lineup beyond traditional low-volume production.

Founded in London in 1901, AC Cars is widely recognised as Britain's oldest active vehicle manufacturer. The company achieved international recognition with the launch of the AC Ace in 1953, which later evolved into the iconic Cobra after adopting Ford V8 power.

The latest chapter in AC's history began with the launch of the Cobra GT Roadster in 2023. Built around a clean-sheet aluminium chassis and carbon-fibre body, it represented the company's most ambitious production programme in decades and laid the foundations for the GT Coupe.

AC currently produces around 100 hand-built vehicles annually, though it has previously outlined ambitions to significantly increase output to around 1000 units as it expands into new markets including Asia and the Middle East.