Autoblog

2014 Ford Cobra Jet announced with new colors, parachute mount

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:13:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, Specialty, Racing

Ford's drag-strip-ready Mustang Cobra Jet is back for 2014, and it's sporting a few changes to make it even better - both in competition and while sitting still. Rolling off the assembly line ready for duty in the NHRA Stock or Super Stock classes, production of the 2014 Cobra Jet is limited to just 50 units.

Racing upgrades for 2014 include the addition of a new three-speed transmission and a parachute mount, and while these will make the car better in the quarter mile, the Cobra Jet's new colors will make it look better tearing down the track. Buyers can now get their racecars painted up in Gotta Have-It Green or a custom, Cobra Jet-exclusive matte black hue. Ford and Ford Racing have already teamed up to make this an incredible factory drag racer with a full rollcage, massive slicks, a race-tuned suspension setup and a supercharged 5.0-liter V8. Now, if only wheelie bars came standard...

Unlike the confusing third-party ordering system announced for the COPO Camaro, all you need to snatch up a 2014 Cobra Jet is $97,990 and good timing (as the cars will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis). Ordering opens up next month with production commencing in July. Check out the press release below.

Continue reading 2014 Ford Cobra Jet announced with new colors, parachute mount

2014 Ford Cobra Jet announced with new colors, parachute mount originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mustang Cobra Jet wheelies with abandon

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Racing

Yes, that is a Ford Mustang Cobra Jet with its nose pointed toward the stars and its rear valance on the ground. Marvel at that image while you can, because the car doesn't maintain that posture for long. Once the front tires re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, the situation goes muddy quickly. There's a bounce or two, some sideways action and a few brief concrete kisses before the party comes to a complete stop. Anyone who says drag racing is boring clearly hasn't watched someone ping-pong their purpose-built factory drag car down the quarter mile.

Word has it the driver of this particular pony-shaped pinball walked away from the incident without injury, though we imagine it was a minute or two before his car crawled up to the Christmas tree once again. Check out the video below for a look at the show for yourself.

Continue reading Ford Mustang Cobra Jet wheelies with abandon

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet wheelies with abandon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Racing continues the Mustang Cobra Jet program for 2013 with new engine options

Drew Phillips — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing

Ford kicked off its turn-key drag racing program with the debut of the Mustang Cobra Jet in 2008, and since then both Dodge and Chevrolet have joined the party with the Mopar Challenger Drag Pak and the recently-introduced COPO Camaro Concept. With the competition from its American counterparts Ford hasn't been able to rest on their laurels, updating the Cobra Jet in both 2010 and for 2012. Now, Ford has revealed yet another revised Cobra Jet for 2013, with the car being unveiled at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Florida.

The biggest change for the 2013 Cobra Jet is the availability of two 5.0-liter V8 options that come in either naturally aspirated or supercharged variants, allowing competitors to compete in the NHRA Stock Eliminator category. Further updates to the 2013 Cobra Jet include a lighter body, electric power steering, a new roll cage and new suspension geometry that allows for quicker launches.

As in previous years, just 50 Cobra Jets will be produced for 2013 at the AAI assembly plant alongside road-going Mustangs, with customers being chosen on a first come first served basis. With the new 5.0-liter engine options the base price has dropped to $86,000, and the optional supercharger puts that number closer to the six figure mark. You can read Ford's official press release after the jump, and live photos of the 2013 Cobra Jet at the PRI show can be found in the gallery above.

Continue reading Ford Racing continues the Mustang Cobra Jet program for 2013 with new engine options

Ford Racing continues the Mustang Cobra Jet program for 2013 with new engine options originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 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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2010 Cobra Jet Mustang hits the drag strip for a test-n-tune [w/VIDEO]

Drew Phillips — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet testing - Click above for high-res image gallery or here to watch video

We learned earlier this summer that Ford Racing would be continuing its Cobra Jet program for the 2010 model year, and the new model has already taken to the strip for a testing session at Milan Dragway in Michigan. From looking at the photos released by Ford Racing, it looks like the updated CJ will get more than just new visual cues from the 2010 model Mustang. Under the hood lies a huge 3.4-liter Whipple supercharger that should be able to push quite a bit more air into the 5.4-liter V8 than the FRPP blower on the '09 version, and the interior looks even more race-oriented with the Liberty clutchless V-Gate style shifter and various gauges, buttons and toggles that adorn the instrument panel. We should have full details when the car makes its official debut at SEMA in November. Until then, enjoy a video of the 2010 Cobra Jet making a very loud and quick 1/4-mile pass after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Testing

[Source: Ford Racing, Streetfire.net]

Continue reading 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang hits the drag strip for a test-n-tune [w/VIDEO]

2010 Cobra Jet Mustang hits the drag strip for a test-n-tune [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, watch out for second!

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, First Drives

2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - Click above for high-res gallery

Saturday afternoon we went for what may have been the shortest and quickest first drive in the history of Autoblog. When we go on a typical first drive with a manufacturer, we get to drive a vehicle around for at least a few hours in a variety of environments. Not so this past Saturday, when we tried out the latest customer race car product from Ford Racing, the Cobra Jet, a Mustang conceived at the behest of drag racers who wanted a factory built car ready to take to their local drag strip.

The original Mustang Cobra Jet appeared back in 1968 with a big, powerful engine and all of the interior bits normally stripped out by racers already absent. Those cars would go on to be some of the most successful factory-built drag cars ever. A year ago, Ford began preparing to build a run of 50 brand new cars bearing the legendary nameplate. Officially designated "FR500CJ," the new cars were delivered to customers last Fall and have been seen racing regularly at strips across the country throughout the year.

Gallery: First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Continue reading First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, watch out for second!

First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, watch out for second! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hajek Motorsports attempts to topple 22-year-old NASCAR speed record in E85 Mustang

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Green, Electric

Ford Racing FR500C Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The current NASCAR top speed record sits at 212.089 mph and was set by Bill Elliot at Talladega Superspeedway in a 1987 Ford Thunderbird. Brent Hajek apparently figures it's about time that 22-year-old record is topped. Next Wednesday, May 13th, Hajek will once again put Bill Elliot behind the wheel of a Ford at the famed Talladega oval in Alabama, only this time, the vehicle in question will be a Mustang FR500C modified to run on E85.

This particular Mustang Cobra Jet has already managed to clock a 252 mph top speed at the Salt Flats in Bonneville, so we can't imagine there will be any problem setting a new record. Of course, there's nothing environmentally friendly about lapping an oval track at high rates of speed for the fun of it. Still, if the record's going to be set, it might as well be in a Mustang burning ethanol. See the full press release after the break.

Gallery: Ford Racing FR500C and FR500GT

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Hajek Motorsports attempts to topple 22-year-old NASCAR speed record in E85 Mustang

Hajek Motorsports attempts to topple 22-year-old NASCAR speed record in E85 Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 17:30:00 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: Ford ready to go drag racing with FR500CJ Cobra Jet Mustang

Drew Phillips — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Ford

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

The introduction of Ford's new FR500CJ Cobra Jet Mustang was no surprise, as we have already seen the photos and even video of the purpose-built drag Mustang in action, but we now have full details on the car as well as a few more photographs. Joining the other FR500 Mustangs in the Ford Racing catalog including the FR500GT, FR500C, and FR500S, the FR500CJ is a race-only model that will be limited to a production run of 50. You're already too late if you're thinking of ordering one through your local Ford dealer, as the initial allotment of cars has already been bought up at $69,900 each, but Ford insists there will be additional Cobra Jet Mustangs to come. Each car comes standard with a 5.4L supercharged V8 producing 400 horsepower, 6-speed manual transmission (optional automatic), and a drag race wheel/tire combination. Follow the jump for additional information in the press release including the history of the Cobra Jet, and check out the new photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Ford ready to go drag racing with FR500CJ Cobra Jet Mustang

SEMA 2008: Ford ready to go drag racing with FR500CJ Cobra Jet Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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