Yahoo Autos Born-again AC Cobra gets subtle design tweaks, 654-hp supercharged V8
England-based AC Cars has kept its promise of unveiling a modern take on the emblematic Cobra. While it looks unmistakably like the original model, the new roadster features a handful of visual updates, an aluminum chassis and a V8 engine rated at 654 horsepower.
We know what you're thinking: "isn't that a Shelby?" The answer is both yes and no. Shelby popularized the Cobra and later made it an icon on and off the track but it didn't create it. The roadster started life in England as the straight-six-powered AC Ace, which explains why the British firm can resurrect the basic design and proportions without summoning a dark cloud of disapproval from Shelby's legal team.
Back to the road: called Cobra GT Roadster, the modern-day two-seater is entirely new in spite of its retro design. Computer-generated images published by the company suggest that the list of updates includes LED lights on both ends, modern-looking door mirrors, twin exhaust tips integrated into a diffuser, and bigger wheels. Most of the bright trim has been removed for a cleaner, more contemporary look.
