Racers Need More Cobra Jet, Get More Cobra Jet : culture|garage

Racers Need More Cobra Jet, Get More Cobra Jet

June 17, 2008

Posted by Jim

Tags: motorsports, new models, new options, news

Yes, folks, that’s right, Ford has revived it’s drag-race-only specials for competition in the NHRA. These factory-backed Mustangs will sport a 3000 lb. curb weight, a 5.4 supercharged engine, rated by Ford at 400 horsepower, and a special wheel and graphics package to differentiate the car from typical Mustangs. Full press release after the jump.

In 1968, Ford took the NHRA Winternationals by storm with the Cobra Jet Mustang. Only 50 units were built and released to Ford Dealers and Ford racers, and in its first appearance, the Cobra Jet won.

Forty years after this historic event, Ford Racing is happy to announce that they are exploring the development of a new NHRA-legal race car - the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang. Some details of this exciting program have already begun to surface, and we want to ensure you hear about it from us first.

The 2008 Ford Racing Cobra Jet Mustang (FR500CJ) will be a factory-built race car, ready for the drag strip with only minor additional prep required. While details are intentionally limited at this time, the following should help you assess the product and its appeal.

Ford Racing Part Number: M-FR500-CJ

Program Intent:

Provide a Mustang that is a true A Stock competitor
50 units initial build
Off-road only (VIN replaced by serial number)
Estimated pricing, $64,990 WD, $69,990 MSRP
Model Year 2008 designation
Build in December 2008, vehicles delivered February 2009

Vehicle Content:

400 hp (est.) 5.4L DOHC supercharged engine
6-speed manual transmission standard; optional automatic TBD
NHRA legal to 10.00 sec ETs
NHRA Stock Eliminator legal interior
Lightweight - 3,300 lbs (est.)
Unique trim and appearance package
Drag race wheel/tire combination
Cobra Jet graphics package

Orders/Feedback:

Vehicle orders should be placed with the Ford Racing warehouse at 1-800-367-3786
- Priority delivery will be given to orders of multiple vehicles
- This order is a placeholder; dealers will not be billed until delivery of the vehicle to the dealer
- An “off-road only” competition release will be required prior to delivery of a Cobra Jet to the dealer
Only 50 units are under consideration for 2008, so dealers are encouraged to submit their orders before June 30. Delivery will be prioritized based on order entry date.

The Cobra Jet Mustang (M-FR500-CJ) joins Ford Racing’s two successful road racing Mustangs, the M-FR500-C and M-FR500-S, as turn-key race cars available only from Ford Dealers. We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to help rewrite history by ordering and campaigning this new race car.

via: The Mustang Source

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4 Responses to “Racers Need More Cobra Jet, Get More Cobra Jet”

Pat Says:
June 17th, 2008 at 7:57 pm

$70k for offroad only?

3,300 pounds and 400 “ford rated” horsepower? Is it really 400? I suspect it is with a blower, but Ford has been inaccurate in the past…

I hope it comes with a solid live axle for drag racing as well.

I think for that money I’ll take a Vette or GTR next year if prices come down to MSRP.
Jim Says:
June 17th, 2008 at 9:20 pm

@Pat: 5.4 engines breathe really well with a blower- and underrating horsepower figures is a time-honored tradition. This thing’ll be killer. Oh, and don’t worry about getting one, they are only making 50- and I’m sure most of those will be sold for $1 to drag teams to promote Ford.
Pat Says:
June 19th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

Yeah, I know it’s a specialty vehicle for race teams.

Still, couldn’t they make it lighter than 3,300 pounds if it’s race only?
Jim Says:
June 19th, 2008 at 6:16 pm

That’s a good point- and that’s what acid-dipping will do for the Mustang like the old Hurst Hemi Darts. Bending the rules is fun!