AC's Cobra GT gets new entry-level engine and price reduction

Christmas came early for fans of the modern AC Cobra GT.

AC announced Monday that it will unveil a new 2.0-liter engine option, lowering the retro sports car's starting price to a target of 235,000 British pounds (about $294,400).

Final pricing and specs will be announced closer to market launch next year, but AC confirmed that the 2.0-liter engine will deliver up to 390 hp (in two states of tune) and deliveries will begin in 2026.

The Cobra GT is currently offered only with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, which delivers 454 hp when naturally aspirated and 654 hp when supercharged.

Despite the loss of power, the new 2.0-liter engine will be lighter than the V-8, according to AC; the V-8-powered roadster weighs about 3,200 pounds, so the 2.0-liter engine will be nearly 3,000 pounds lighter. The 2.0-liter engine could reduce the weight to nearly 3,000 pounds.

In addition to the new engine options, AC also announced the availability of a dual-clutch automatic transmission on Monday; the previously announced 10-speed automatic is no longer offered, although a 6-speed manual remains an option.

Reservations for the Cobra GT with the 2.0-liter engine are already being accepted.

AC's Cobra GT is a modern take on the iconic AC and Shelby Cobra sports cars of the 1960s. The modern car uses a custom-built aluminum spaceframe chassis and features a carbon fiber body. It is also larger than the original design to accommodate taller drivers; AC also continues to offer the original design in the form of the modern Ace and Ace Bristol sports cars.