(VIDEO) An atypical launch for these days: this is the new AC Cobra, a car true to its philosophy from the 60s

The AC Cobra has long been one of the best performing models in the world, especially in its interpretations signed by Shelby. Originally created as a British roadster, but later benefiting from Ford technology and the skill of Shelby, the AC Cobra was a light car, with a low center of gravity, but with a dizzying performance under the hood, coming mainly from V8 engines, coupled to manual boxes. Surprisingly, but in an atypical launch for these days, AC Cars in the UK have launched a new generation AC Cobra, which remains true to its 60s philosophy. It also comes with a huge V8, also with a manual gearbox and it looks exactly as you would want an AC Cobra to look, with just a few well-dosed accents of modernism.

Among those small accents are the headlights with a circular LED outline, the slightly larger rims, which hide better performing brakes. These accents continue with the rear optical blocks, with double circular LEDs, as well as clamshell seats, made of carbon fiber. And that's about it. There is no large display, at least as far as can be seen from the first images. The dashboard dials are still analog, and the car has the same wavy shapes that brought glory to the previous generation. Basically, if you see one on the street, you'll know right away that it's a Cobra, without even having to get to know the new generation.

The new AC Cobra GT Roadster has grown slightly in size — the wheelbase is 28.4 cm longer than the Cobra Mk 6, but the overall length of the car has increased by only 11 cm. The car has become even wider, to offer the same stability of the lowered center of gravity.

And more importantly, under the hood is a V8 engine with a mechanical compressor, also of Ford origin, from the Coyote family, which delivers 663 HP and 780 Nm! The engine can be coupled to a 6-speed manual box, from those used on Mustangs, or to a 10-speed automatic, also from Ford. So, a huge engine and a manual gearbox, with rear-wheel drive — all on a car weighing only 1,500 kg! Without any electric motor to help that V8, because it does just fine on its own. No battery, no GPF filters in the exhaust pipe of the gasoline engine, as some manufacturers already practice. It is an engine that can be revved in absolute freedom, and the car - driven in all the splendor of its sensations.

Ah, yes, we should also say how much it costs. At her home, in Great Britain, it will start at 285,000 pounds, that is, over 300,000 euros/dollars, including taxes. In other countries, therefore, it will not cost less. However, it will offer sensations that very few cars today can compete with. See below also a video with the previous AC Cobra, to see the tradition that the new model follows.