AC, creator of the AC Cobra dynasty of supercars, is to launch a new AC 289 V8 carbon fibre model in the UK in September. The announcement was made today at a Trade Fair in Malta where AC is in the process of commissioning a plant to produce the cars.

The new 289 V8 model will be priced from £44,950. The car features a 4.6 litre V8 engine developing about 270bhp. The new model will also incorporate a number of technical enhancements over the now discontinued AC CRS model, including power steering.

Before the end of July AC expects to announce new sales and marketing arrangements in the UK.

Alan Lubinsky, AC Motor Holdings chairman, says: "Our new factory in Malta gives us a real opportunity to produce affordable, composite-bodied vehicles from a base within the EU which will attract a new, younger client base for AC. We think that the AC 289 V8 will give new impetus to the AC brand and expect serious interest from a number of major markets".