AC COBRA PREPARES FOR LAUNCH SUZUKI JIMNY HERITAGE LIMITED EDITION

By CHRIS RILEY

By CHRIS RILEY

AC Cars is getting set to unveil its stunning new AC Cobra GT Roadster next month.

The all new, and exclusive high-performance roadster is the return of one of motoring’s most famous names.

With a clean sheet design, the AC Cobra GT Roadster is a cutting-edge modern sports car, produced using the latest technology and engineering processes, yet it remains faithful to the spirit of the original AC Cobra from the 1960s.

AC Cars is Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, having been in business since 1901.

A highly accomplished and usable GT sports car, the new model shares no components with the original yet is instantly recognisable.

Incorporating competition derived engineering, the car is a pure-bred sports car with phenomenal handling and performance.

The new aluminium spaceframe chassis has a wheelbase of 2570mm, 284mm longer than the AC Cobra Mk. VI, yet the car’s overall length has gown only 110mm, up to 4225mm.

The car’s track has also been optimised to give it a wider stance, which together with the weight distribution and centre of gravity, has drastically improved handling and agility.

Powered by a petrol V8, but this time delivering up to 488kW of power and 780Nm of torque, with the choice of a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearbox, the car weighs under 1500kg and accelerates from 0-60km/h in approximately 3.5 secs.

Styled by a team of world class designers, the exterior bodywork and interior of the new AC Cobra retains a modern personality but with a timeless aesthetic, and incorporates some of the latest materials and technology.

The interior includes hand fnished unique elements, unseen in the automotive world before, and the augmentation of analogue instruments with digital glass displays – a bespoke combination.

Substantially improved ergonomics mean that the cabin suits drivers of all sizes, with the space afforded by the new chassis design providing a high level of comfort and refnement.

With orders already taken, following release of the frst details in December, the car’s limited production means customers will need to act quickly to secure one of the frst cars due in 2024.

AC Cars David Conza said developing and delivering a car worthy of the AC Cobra name has not been an easy task.

“But I am delighted and immensely proud of what we have achieved. This is a sports car like no other, and we have employed some of the industry’s leading designers and engineers to craft an outstanding automobile that is extremely beautiful as well as fantastically quick and amazing to drive,” he said.

“We wanted to respect the AC Cobra’s heritage, and while the design has taken infuence from the ‘restomod’ approach it has a more sophisticated feel in keeping with a classic British roadster.

“This, along with the race-bred personality of the original AC Cobra, means we have produced an unrivalled vehicle that’s totally modern and relevant to today’s connoisseurs – a true 21st century sports car.”

The new AC Cobra GT Roadster is expected to cost from £285,000, including VAT in the UK (about $508,000 Aussie dollars).

It is available to order for clients worldwide, and customers can schedule a personal consultation with a member of the team, as well as reserve their new AC Cobra GT Roadster, at accars.eu.

It could be having trouble getting stock, but that hasn’t stopped Suzuki releasing a ‘heritage’ edition of its tiny Jimny off-roader.

Just 300 of the cars will be up for grabs, tapping into Jimny’s enviable 4x4 history from the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s – where it all began.

Jimny Heritage will be available in manual only, with a choice of four colours: Jungle Green, Bluish Black, Medium

Jimny Heritage is priced from $33,490 plus onroads, with metallic paint extra.

Suzuki’s Michael Pachota said strictly 300 units will be available to buy in all states and territories apart from Queensland.

“These vehicles will sell out quickly. With swift delivery to follow, I encourage all serious buyers to jump in fast” he said.

You can register your interest at your local

Grey and White.

In addition to the GLX grade on which it is based, the heritage edition adds:

• Red front mud faps

• Red rear mud faps

• Jimny Heritage cargo tray

• Heritage decals

• Limited build badge

• Exclusive Jimny Heritage pack dealership or on-line at https://www.suzuki. com.au/vehicles/suv/ jimnyheritage.

Delivery will be based on the current queue process, with frst deliveries expected in April.

‘Sold out’ colour announcements will be made via Suzuki Australia social media channels and advised to the dealer network as they happen.