Robert Vasquez: COBRA JET! LA-LA-LA-LA-LA: Ford Debuts New Cobra Jet Mustang Drag Car

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

COBRA JET! LA-LA-LA-LA-LA: Ford Debuts New Cobra Jet Mustang Drag Car

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The Mustang Cobra Jet first reappeared in 2008, as a factory-built drag-race version of the Mustang. Premiering at this year’s SEMA show was the first Cobra Jet to be built from the current-generation Mustang. This new Cobra Jet has the distinction of being the only current factory Mustang to utilize a solid rear axle. Joining said solid axle in its quest for quarter-mile supremacy are racing-specific coil-over suspension bits and lightweight racing brakes from Strange Engineering, a roll cage certified for passes as quick as 8.50 seconds, five-point racing harnesses, Corbeau FIA seats, and an Aeromotive fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell. Basically, this is all the proper kit needed to keep ETs down and sanctioning bodies out of your hair.

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Ford says it used production hardware for the engine wherever possible (to keep a reliable stream of reasonably priced parts available for racers) and claims that the Cobra Jet’s engine is made up of 75 percent Mustang GT components. Definitely not stock is the Whipple supercharger that sits atop the Cobra Jet’s 5.0-liter V-8, force-feeding the engine as much air as it can inhale, while a race-prepped automatic transmission handles the shifting duties. At this point, Ford hasn’t revealed any output specifics (the naturally aspirated V-8 in the stock Mustang GT makes 435 horsepower), but it does say the car as delivered is capable of eight-second quarter-mile times. As a side note, Ford says many of the engine parts that make up the 25 percent that aren’t stock-spec are available in the Ford Performance Parts catalog.

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Ford also looked elsewhere in its global parts bin to make the Cobra Jet more competitive, sourcing an electric water pump from the Ford C-Max hybrid, which enhances engine cooling while it’s turned off, for more consistent engine-temperature management, key in a sport where victories are measured in hundredths of seconds.

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Continuing the tradition established since the Cobra Jet first reappeared, production of the 2016 car will be limited to 50 units, 25 each in either Oxford White or Deep Impact Blue.

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Ford’s Flat Rock, Michigan, assembly plant is currently spooling up for production, and deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2016. Sold as a “performance part” without a VIN, for hopefully obvious legal reasons, the Cobra Jet carries a base MSRP of a cool $99,990. Wheelie bars and the graphics package will set you back an additional $1995 each. Customers interested in snagging one are advised to submit a placeholder order for part number M-FR500-CJ through any North American Ford dealer. If we have to tell you to hurry, you’ve likely already missed the boat.

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