THE new AC Cobra GT Roadster has had its global premiere in London as the legendary sports car makes a return.

Hosted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, just 25 miles from where the company was first established, the state-of-the- art roadster wowed customers and assembled VIPs as the all-new design was unveiled for the first time.

Available in both left and right-hand drive and powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering up to 663ps, the car features an extruded aluminum spaceframe chassis and carbon-composite bodywork which AC claims delivers ‘a remarkable driving experience' in a limited-production vehicle.

Speaking at the premiere, David Conza, chief executive officer of AC Cars, said: "Our goal was to surpass the expectations of our esteemed clientele, who have grown accustomed to the finest in automotive luxury. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from the attendees confirms that we have well and truly exceeded those expectations.

The new roadster is the result of a multi-million euro investment over nearly four years and only 250 examples are expected to be built for worldwide markets every year, with the first year of production already allocated.

Designed to be fully road legal and incorporate modern safety features, every aspect, the new car is significantly larger than the original AC Cobra and the car can accommodate drivers more than six feet tall.

The new chassis has a wheelbase of 2,570mm, 284 mm longer than the AC Cobra Mk. VI, yet the car's overall length has grown only 110mm, up to 4,225mm. The car's track has also been optimised to give a wider stance, which, along with the car's weight distribution and centre of gravity, drastically benefits handling and agility.

Its kerb weight remains under 1,450kg and the new Cobra will be available with a choice of two 5.0-litre V8 engines - one normally aspirated and the other supercharged.

Developing up to 654bhp - or 454bhp in standard configuration - the supercharged GT Roadster is capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds. The car is available either with a six-speed manual gearbox for purists or an advanced 10-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.

The car is available to order now with prices starting from £285,000.