Revealed: new 'AC Cobra'

AC Cars has unveiled its latest incarnation of the classic Cobra. It's called the MKVI and has a Corvette engine and Porsche brakes.

AC Cars has joined into a “long-term strategic alliance” with German company Gullwing GmbH, which will be building the new cars at its factory in Heyda.

The MKVI will be handmade, with a part-aluminium body placed over a triangulated, jig-welded spaceframe chassis.

One engine will be offered, a Corvette 6.2-litre V8, with 437bhp for the GT and 647bhp for the GTS.

With a kerbweight of 1025kg performance should be impressice; the company quotes quotes a 0-62mph time for the GTS of just 3.3 seconds.

Little is known about exact suspension settings, AC Cars simply saying it will be “race-derived but suitably adapted to be road compliant”.

Porsche four-pot brakes with vented discs – 332mm front, 298mm rear – provide the stopping power.

The cars will feature a “luxurious and comfortable” interior with German carpets and leather hides.

AC says the MKVI is based on the Le Mans-winning Cobra and features an integrated lightweight hardtop.

Small gullwings above the doors lift up to ease access, although the car can also be used as a full convertible.

Juergen Mohr, CEO of Gullwing, said: “For over a century AC has built cars with superb engineering, old world craftsmanship and classic designs. We feel extremely honoured that we can now be part of the future of the brand.”

The MKVI will be launched at the Top Marques car show in Monaco on 16 April.