Autoblog

Chevy Camaro to get Ford Mustang Cobra Jet competitor?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, Rumormill, Racing

Word has it that General Motors may be out to finally counter the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet and Dodge Challenger Drag Pak. Until now, Ford and Dodge enjoyed nearly unhindered dominance of the turn-key dragster market, but LSXTV is reporting that GM is planning to unveil its answer at this year's SEMA show in November in the form of a Stock Eliminator Chevrolet Camaro. Details are markedly scarce at the moment, but that didn't stop LSXTV from hypothesizing about exactly what the quarter-mile Bowtie could bring to the table.

Chances are the Camaro will come with a serialized nameplate but won't be street-legal, and it will boast a track-specific suspension, brake and chassis package. Even so, as LSXTV points out, the Cobra Jet is feathery light compared to the big-bodied Camaro, so odds are the machine will need more horsepower to get it down the straight ahead of the Ford. That may mean a factory LS7 will be behind the headlights. Either way, we can't wait to see the machine in the flesh.

Chevy Camaro to get Ford Mustang Cobra Jet competitor? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mustang dragster mule caught brandishing gargantuan hood scoop

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:47:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Racing

Spy Shots: Ford Mustang Drag Racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our spy photographers have trained their expensive camera lenses on something very interesting. Caught running around one of Ford's private test tracks, this Mustang is clearly set to live life a quarter mile at a time. Out back sits a pair of massive Hoosier slicks, while up front, a set of skinny Hoosiers are tucked under the fenders. Oh right, we're not sure if you noticed, but there's a massive hood scoop planted on the front of this pony car.

What's going on under the hood? We don't know. The front-end (minus the scoop) is from a GT500, while the rear end is standard Mustang GT attire. That scoop, however, looks like it was pulled off a Donzi 22 Shelby GT speedboat. Actually, scratch that... it looks even bigger. Check out this possible next-generation Mustang Cobra Jet by clicking through the gallery below.

Ford Mustang dragster mule caught brandishing gargantuan hood scoop originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video]

Chris Shunk — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Videos, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We're all for an event that culminates with the serving of cake, especially when the sweet stuff is delivered in tandem with supercharged Mustang coupes built especially for drag racing. Ford recently threw a party at the Auto Alliance Mustang factory in Flat Rock, MI to celebrate the official delivery of its new 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet, a vehicle that the company proudly maintains is quickest accelerating production vehicle ever made. When pressed, Ford tells us the CJ will do a 60-foot launch in 1.3 seconds and the quarter-mile in under 10 seconds. We asked about a 0-60 mph time, but we were reminded that measurement is pretty meaningless in drag racing.

Cobra Jet buyers from all over came from as far away as Calgary, Alberta and Puerto Rico to participate in the ceremony and take delivery of their new racecars, and we're betting they would have made the trek even without the sheet cake. All attendees signed a 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet hood that will later be placed on the walls of the production facility.

Continue reading Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video]...

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Delivery

Continue reading Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video]

Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Racing officially announces the 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet

Drew Phillips — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, Racing

2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week it was leaked that Ford would be bringing its purpose-built drag racer, the Cobra Jet, back for another year in 2012. Today Ford made it official by revealing the car at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Florida alongside its road racing brother, the Boss 302S.

After getting an upgrade in 2010, the Cobra Jet is getting revised once again for 2012 with an updated version of the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 and modified suspension, low-drag racing brakes, new black anodized wheels and a stickier set of Goodyear racing slicks. Three colors will be offered - Race Red, Grabber Blue and Winner White - and just 50 will be available from the Ford Racing catalog. Pricing starts at $91,990 with a fully loaded Cobra Jet coming in at $103,980. Follow the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Racing officially announces the 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet

Ford Racing officially announces the 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mustang Cobra Jet specs revealed

Drew Phillips — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, Racing

2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has yet to officially announce the 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet, but the full details on the car are apparently now available thanks to a Puerto Rican Ford dealer that published the specifications early on their website. The car, named after the legendary Cobra Jet drag racers of the late 1960s, was relaunched in 2008 at the SEMA show and revised in 2010 (pictured above).

Now Ford Racing is updating the car once again with a slew of new upgrades and options. The 2012 Cobra Jet will come standard with an aluminum block (previously an option) and the 5.4-liter V8 now also boasts a fortified crankshaft and upgraded forged connecting rods. The rear suspension and brakes have also been improved, and springs rates both front and rear have been optimized. New black anodized Weld Racing wheels are wrapped with Cobra Jet branded Goodyear tires with an all new compound. Finally, three colors will be offered - red, white and blue - with an optional graphics package.

Hit the jump for the full list of specs and features for the 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

[Source: Micasa Ford]

Continue reading 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet specs revealed

2012 Mustang Cobra Jet specs revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Ford Mustang FR500CJ catches air

Drew Phillips — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Videos

2010 Ford Mustang FR500CJ testing - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Testing is well underway on the 2010 version of the Cobra Jet Mustang, and from the looks of this new video released by Ford Racing, things are going very well. During a recent test of a development model with the new 2010 powertrain, the FR500CJ pulled a huge wheelie off the line in a perfect display of massive torque and traction. The ability to launch the front wheels off the ground is no doubt helped by the new aluminum-block motor underhood, which weighs far less than its iron counterpart. Will a version of this new lightweight motor make it into the 2011 Shelby GT500? We sure hope so. Watch the brief but awesome video after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Testing

[Source: Ford Racing]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Ford Mustang FR500CJ catches air

VIDEO: 2010 Ford Mustang FR500CJ catches air originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Racing announces plans for 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet

Drew Phillips — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, Specialty

2009 Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet - Click above for high-res gallery

At last year's SEMA show, Ford unveiled the latest Mustang to join the Ford Racing stable, the FR500CJ Cobra Jet. The purpose-built drag racer came standard with go-fast parts from the Ford Racing catalog, including a 400 horsepower version of the 5.4-liter supercharged V8 (de-tuned to meet specifications needed for NHRA's AA Stock class) and a drag-specific wheel and tire combination. The 2009 model was a success both with customers and on the track. Ford Racing sold the entire run of fifty cars in less than two weeks, and it won its very first race at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, CA back in February.

Building on that success, Ford Racing announced today that it will be building a 2010 version of the Cobra Jet, with production to begin during the fourth quarter with deliveries taking place in early 2010. The base price is expected to be less than $75,000, and once again production will be limited to just fifty units. Like the 2009 model, the 2010 Cobra Jet will be modified with all Ford Racing parts including the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that is now rated at 425 horsepower. Perhaps the most exciting news is the availability of an optional 475 horsepower aluminum block motor that we dearly hope will somehow find its way into a production car. Follow the jump for the press release from Ford Racing, and look for more details and photos to come around SEMA in November.

Gallery: Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet

[Source: Ford Racing]

Continue reading Ford Racing announces plans for 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet

Ford Racing announces plans for 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mustang Cobra Jet rumbles off the assembly line

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Ford

Click above to view the first Cobra Jet coming off the assembly line

The name "Cobra Jet" may remind some of an unfortunate Sam Jackson film, but to Mustang and drag racing enthusiasts it refers to the latest addition to the pony-car family, the Mustang FR500CJ. The drag-racing version of the outgoing Mustang was unveiled at SEMA just a few months ago and is already rolling off the assembly line as the latest model in the Ford Racing line-up.

Featuring a modified 5.4-liter V8 with cold air induction, the Cobra Jet features stainless competition headers, upgraded rear axle and driveshaft, drag-optimized adjustable suspension, and unique wheels wrapped in slicks. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or three-speed automatic, and the interior is augmented by racing buckets and short-throw shifter (on the manual version). The vehicles, which receive unique VINs since they aren't street legal, are delivered in body-on-white, with louvered rear window panels. The package presents an affordable and straightforward racing platform for those seeking domination of the quarter-mile. Check it out in the galleries below.

Gallery: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet assembly line

Gallery: Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford FR500CJ Cobra Jet Mustang

[Source: Fuel Slut via WCF]

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet rumbles off the assembly line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Cobra Jet Mustang arrives straight from dragstrip, 400-hp figure explained

Drew Phillips — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of live shots of the FR500CJ Cobra Jet Mustang

Ford apparently brought the FR500CJ Cobra Jet Mustang to SEMA straight from one of its testing sessions, because there was still plenty of shredded Goodyear rubber lining the fenders behind the rear wheels. The graphics package looks fantastic in person, and we're jealous of the 50 lucky owners who have already placed their orders for the car.

Many of you have been wondering, and we've asked the question ourselves, why the Cobra Jet is "only" rated at 400 horsepower. After all, the GT500, which also features a 5.4L supercharged V8, puts out 500. We asked around at Ford and found that the Cobra Jet has been de-tuned to meet specifications needed for NHRA's AA Stock class. The official horsepower figure has yet to be finalized, but expect it to be right around 400 as quoted before.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford FR500CJ Cobra Jet Mustang

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Cobra Jet Mustang arrives straight from dragstrip, 400-hp figure explained

SEMA 2008: Cobra Jet Mustang arrives straight from dragstrip, 400-hp figure explained originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ford Racing tests FR500CJ "Cobra Jet" Mustang

Dan Roth — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Tuners, Videos, Ford

Click above to watch video after the jump

Back in the first Ponycar era, a Ford Mustang packed with a Cobra Jet V8 was a mighty drag strip warrior. Better still was the Super Cobra Jet, augmenting the CJ's enhanced breathing with a stouter lower end. Either way, a 428-powered Mustang would tear off elapsed times in the high 13s - still fast today. Since the current Mustang is a headlong dive into nostalgia, it stands to reason that Ford's working up a new Cobra Jet and eyeing drag racing domination yet again. We have no details other than a video after the jump that shows an obviously tweaked Mustang making a quarter mile run at Milan Dragway in Michigan, but the actual car will be coming to SEMA very soon, so Ford Racing is likely making sure that nothing blows up once the package is offered for sale. We've sent in our resume for the job of drag-race test driver; shoot, you don't even have to steer!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford Racing tests FR500CJ "Cobra Jet" Mustang

VIDEO: Ford Racing tests FR500CJ "Cobra Jet" Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Romeo 605 blown 5.4L crate engine appears in Ford Racing catalog

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Ford

Ford Racing has added a new toy to the catalog, the Romeo 605 crate engine. As the name implies this one is built at Ford's Romeo MI engine plant alongside the the other 5.4L supercharged V8s used in the Mustang GT500. This fully dressed crate engine forms the basis of the Shelby Super Snake and the upcoming limited run Cobra Jet drag car. In its current form the engine puts out 605hp thanks to the installation of a new supercharger.

The supercharger is an Eaton 2.3L unit for four lobe rotors. The rotors have 160 degrees of twist. If those specs sound vaguely familiar, that because it matches the unit GM is installing on the LS9 engine for the ZR1 Corvette. This one is of course not street legal and is intended for off-road use. At 605hp and 550lb-ft, Ford claims this is the most powerful off the shelf modular motor yet. At a list price of $18,150 it may also be the most expensive running almost the same price as a base V6 Mustang. Thanks to Paul for the tip!

[Source: Ford Racing]

Romeo 605 blown 5.4L crate engine appears in Ford Racing catalog originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Money for nuthin'?: Musclecar VIN Decoder

Scott Davis — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Auctions, Marketing/Advertising

Musclecar collecting is as speculative as the oil market. Prices on the same model can vary as much as 1000% depending on how they are optioned. HEMI, Boss, Shelby, RS/SS, Z/28, COPO, Cobra Jet, L89. To the musclecar enthusiast, these legendary nomenclatures are musclecar gold.

With the vast array of information available today, the unscrupulous among us have become quite adept at building "clone" cars. These cars began life as an entry-level model and are transformed, quite accurately, into the fire-breathing monsters that bring the big bucks. That's where the website http://www.decodethis.com steps in.

From any Internet connection, even mobile phones and PDA's, they can decode the VIN for many of the hottest musclecars. 1965-73 Mustang, '67-'71 Camaro and Firebird, '53-'74 Corvette, any 1966-70 Chrysler (Dodge, Plymouth or Chrysler), '60-'69 Fords, and '60-'65 Chevrolets, quite a comprehensive list.

Take a minute to check this out. You guys at the auctions now have one more tool to be sure that the Hemi Dart you are bidding on wasn't born with a Slant-Six! Wherever there is money, counterfeiters will surely follow and as we all know, money doesn't always come with brains attached.

Thanks to Richard Brown for the tip!

[Source: decodethis.com]

Money for nuthin'?: Musclecar VIN Decoder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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