460kW AC Cobra Series 4-electric unveiled

Niche British car-maker AC Cars has announced it is expanding its reborn AC Cobra range to include a battery-powered AC Cobra Series 4-electric – a wild pure-electric take on the iconic 1960s roadster.

But with prices starting from around £148,000 ($A272,500), it isn't cheap.

Based on the wide-body AC Cobra 378 Superblower that was re-introduced in 2018, the new 2021 AC Cobra Series 4-electric was co-developed by fellow Brit-based EV experts Falcon Electric.

Two versions of the battery-powered roadster will be offered, one with a single 230kW motor that can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds and cover up to 306km, and another dual-motor version that produces a mightier 460kW.

The fastest Cobra Series 4-electric costs £168,000 ($A310,000) but sees the plug-in AC complete the 0-62mph dash in just 3.8sec.

It does, however, only offer a driving range of up to 260km between recharges.

Despite using heavy batteries, engineers have managed to keep weight down to 1240kg to preserve the Cobra's agile handling.

Engineers say the clever use of lightweight materials has ensured the lithium-ion battery, motors, inverters and control units weigh no more than the Superblower with the conventional V8 engine and transmission in place.

Unusually, the new battery (thought to have a 54kWh capacity) is mounted under the bonnet behind the front axle.

Maintaining the same weight distribution as its petrol-powered sibling, the single or dual motors (that are sandwiched together) are located where the transmission once lived.

Power and torque is sent to the rear axle that then distributes all that might via a mechanical Quaife-sourced differential for optimum traction.

Available to order now in the UK, the AC Cobra Series 4-electric is available in an exclusive palette of colours.

First deliveries are scheduled to start late this year.

Commenting on its lightweight construction, AC Cars owner Alan Lubinsky said: "Eliminating excess weight brings with it positive benefits for the car’s owner. Lower overall weight reduces energy consumption, allowing the batteries to deliver a longer range and the ability to drive the car to AC’s traditional high standards for speed and acceleration which the marque has achieved over many years."

If introducing the Cobra Series 4-electric wasn't enough, AC Cars has also announced that it has upgraded the current AC Cobra Superblower with a more powerful supercharged 6.2-litre V8 that produces 485kW and 880Nm – a significant upgrade on the 410kW and 550Nm of the previous engine.

No performance claims have been revealed, but pricing remains unchanged, with the Cobra Superblower offered from £139,000 ($A256,000).