With a curb weight of about 1134 kg, AC Cars’ electric Ace roadster is among the lightest open-top EVs available for purchase.
Just to put things into perspective, its rivals include the Wiesmann Project Thunderball that reportedly weighs little more than 1700 kg, and the single-motor MG Cyberster that tips the scales at a hefty 1885 kg. In contrast, the Ace with a combustion engine weighs 1100 kg.
It reportedly fits into the same space that Chevrolet’s ubiquitous LS engine might fill by combining a 26kWh battery pack, a 300-hp motor, and control electronics into a “block.”
The petrol Ace’s carbon fibre exterior contributes to the EV’s low weight.
Although AC has not yet disclosed performance metrics, the Ace Classic Electric should outperform the 276-hp ICE model’s 0-100 kph time of 4.6-seconds. The V8-powered Cobra GT by comparison can jump from 100 kph in 3.4 seconds.
Of course, many readers will recall that bonkers chase scene between Will Smith’s Porsche 911 Turbo and his arch villain’s Shelby Cobra 427 in the hit flick Bad Boys. And as you will remember, the bad guy lost out to the 911 and crashed, no doubt causing Cobra fans to gasp in despair.
So what about the new EV model? AC asserted that the EV can travel over 180 miles between charges which is only just acceptable in this day and age.
Drawing inspiration from the Ford and Bristol-powered roadsters of the 1950s and 1960s, the EV will be available in the same two body variants as the gasoline-powered vehicle.
Delivery is expected to start in the spring of next year, with prices starting at $275,000 before tax or customisation.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
In line with a whole bunch of EV—from SUVs to crossovers to sedans to sports cars, we can expect to see the AC car appear at SEMA in Las Vegas on November 5. With a curb weight of just over 1130 kgs, its 300 hp will generate considerable G forces while accelerating to 60mph in under 5 seconds.