AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled the AC Ace Classic electric at the SEMA 2024 show in Las Vegas with electrified performance technologies partner TREMEC Electric GT. A stunning combination of classic styling and cutting-edge powertrain design, the new AC Ace Classic electric is a bold new model for the company behind many iconic AC sports cars, returning to the famous Brooklands record-breaking car of 1922. The new roadster also marks the start of a new partnership between industry leader TREMEC and the British marque as it expands its range of exclusive sports cars and looks to develop future models.
Quality First
With a hand-laid carbon fiber body and a unique hand-finished interior, the new AC Ace Classic electric perfectly encapsulates the halcyon days of sports cars, but packs the punch of a bespoke 300 bhp (225 kW) TREMEC EV powertrain With 500Nm (369 ft-lb) of torque and 200+ mile range, the new AC Ace Classic electric accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.9 secs and has a total battery capacity of 72 kWh.
Limited Production
With just 49 examples available for the launch, the new AC Ace Classic electric can be reserved exclusively at the SEMA show and by visiting here. Speaking at the SEMA show, Alan Lubinsky, Chairman of AC Cars, said: “It’s an honor to be at SEMA with TREMEC, and the response to the new AC Ace roadster has been phenomenal. To craft such an amazing looking car that draws on the latest EV technology is a milestone for a company celebrating its 123rd anniversary.”
Antonio Herrera, Managing Director of TREMEC, added: “TREMEC and AC Cars are two companies that understand the importance of heritage and integrity, yet both are committed to challenging convention and breaking new ground. The development of the new AC Ace Classic Electric has seen us embrace fresh thinking and new concepts to innovate, and we’re excited about the road ahead together.”
Pricing
The new AC Ace electric is available to order now, and prices for this unique sports car start at $275,000 (£212,000) before local sales and state taxes. Deliveries for the first 49 cars will start in 2025. More details here.
AC Ace’s high in Las Vegas
Proving a star attraction at this year’s SEMA show in the Entertainment Capital of the World, the new AC Ace Classic Electric shocked guests with both its brawn and beauty. Fully integrated into the new roadster, the TREMEC Electric GT turnkey eGT413 Modular EV platform is a bespoke installation with 300 horsepower (225 kW) and 500Nm (369 ft-lb) of torque. With 100% of the torque available at 0 RPM, the AC Ace Classic electric retains the same reputation as a ‘streetable’ car with race pace as did the 1950’s original
Despite its speed, TREMEC’s expertise in electrified performance technologies means the dynamics and handling of the car are unaffected. With the 72-kWh battery installation in place the roadster retains a 50/50 weight distribution, for predictable and balanced handling, and despite the 200+ mile range the car only tips the scales at 1,134 kg (2,500 lb). DC Fast Charging completes the package to ensure the AC Ace Classic electric remains as functional as it is high-spirited.
As with the petrol version of the AC Classic, the new electrified AC Ace will be available in two distinct personalities of car – reflecting the evolution of the original AC Ace over its 10-year production run 1953-1963. For fans of the later cars the AC Ace Classic electric uses the open grille design of the AC Ace before its transformation into the famed AC Cobra, while the AC Ace Bristol Classic electric employs the earlier ‘smiling face’ that graced the model for its launch in 1953. Both models feature graceful rolling flanks and wheel arches, contrasting to the original flat-sided design.
In keeping with the historic company’s reputation for unique coachwork, AC Cars follows traditional techniques to create and refine the car’s graceful lines. However, also incorporates a precision carbon-fiber body that will be crafted at the company’s facility on the UK’s south coast. Immensely strong, yet light, the work employs the same techniques as AC Cars’ flagship model, the AC Cobra GT Roadster. As standard and reflecting the two flags of this Anglo-American partnership, the new AC Ace Classic electric is available with bodywork in red, white, or blue and comes with a black hand-finished interior complete with a classically styled leather sports seat. However, as with all AC Cars’ model, a bespoke service allows clients to configure their perfect AC Ace Classic to a unique masterpiece.
Specifications
| Performance | |
| Engine | TREMEC Electric GT eGT413 |
| Induction | 400v |
| Peak Power | 300 bhp (225 kW) approx. |
| Battery size | 72 kWh |
| Range | 200+ miles |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| 0-100kh/h (0-62mph) | 4.9 secs approx. |
| Peak Torque | 500Nm (369ft lb) approx. |
| Brakes front and rear | Disc brakes with 4-piston callipers |
| Rims & Tires | 15″ wire wheels and tyres |
| Transmission and Chassis | |
| Transmission | Direct Drive |
| Frame | 3″ steel tubular frame chassis |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive |
| Steering system | Rack and pinion |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Wheelbase: | 2,286 mm (90 in) |
| Length: | 3,848 mm (151.5 in) |
| Width: | 1,579 mm (62.1 in) |
| Height: | 1,245 mm (49 in) |
| Kerb Weight | 1100 kg (2425 lbs) approx. |
On display at SEMA 2024 on the TREMEC stand (#21455), the new AC Ace Classic and AC Ace Bristol Classic electric will be delivered as brand-new, road-registered cars. Just 49 examples of the roadster will be available for the initial production, priced at $275,000 (£212,000) before tax and any personalization or bespoke options. Available as left-and-right-hand drive and intended for US and UK clients, each car will bear an official chassis number, denoting it as a true AC and a descendent of the historic AC Ace.
