We recently drove a Superformance Cobra MkIII R and loved it. The looks, the power, the feel – just a wonderful, special vehicle. Perfect? No, and we said as much. "[T]urning the wheel reminds you that the chassis layout dates back to the 1950s, if not earlier." Still, we were tickled by the straight line thrust. Truth be told however, we've experienced faster. If only someone would build a Cobra with even more power (remember the MkIII R has "only" 520 hp) and modern suspension.
Meet the CB/1. First thing's first: under the fiberglass hood sits a twin-turbocharged/intercooled Ford 385 V8 good for – get this – 650 horsepower and 640 pound feet of torque. Put that in your ZR1 pipe and smoke it. Speaking of smoking it, all that fury iS routed through a Porsche 930 5-speed transaxle. And the whole enchilada weighs just 2,600 pounds. The results? Zero to 60 miles per hour in a blistering 2.85 seconds and the quarter-mile in 10.5 at 135 mph. Whoa doggie, right? And the suspension is more than up to the challenge, pulling 1.15 lateral Gs. Full specs, after the jump.
[Source: Bell Engineering | Photos: Jeff Hartman]
Press Release
CB1 Specs and Overview
Performance
(estimated)
0-60 mph: 2.85 sec
0-1/4 mile: 10.5 sec @ 135 mph
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Lateral Acceleration: 1.15 g
Fuel Economy
Highway: 20 mpg
City: 14 mpg
Specifications
Engine
385 cid / 6.3 liter V8, Ford Windsor based
Twin Turbocharged, Intercooled
Boost: 12 psi
Output: 650 hp, 640 lb-ft
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
Fuel Requirement: 91 octane
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission: Porsche 930 5–speed manual, transaxle
Chassis
Body-on-frame
Monocoque reinforced, central backbone space
frame
1018 and 1020 Alloy Steel
TIG Welded
Body
Prototype: Fiberglass molded from Cobra 427SC
Production: Carbon Fiber or Aluminum
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 90 in
Track (front/rear): 56/60 in
Length: 156 in
Width: 68 in
Height: 49 in
Curb Weight: 2600 lbs
Wt Distribution (front/rear): 44%/56%
Suspension
Front: Long A- arm style, zero scrub, cast aluminum
uprights, coil spring, adjustable gas-charged shock
absorbers, antiroll bar
Rear: Long A- arm style, zero scrub, cast aluminum
uprights, coil spring, adjustable gas-charged shock
absorbers, antiroll bar
Wheel/Tire
Front: 17x9 in, 285/40-17
Rear: 17x12 in, 345/35-17
Steering
Power assisted, ball bearing steering column
Brakes
Power assisted
13 in vented rotors (front and rear)
Four piston aluminum calipers (front and rear)
Capacities
Fuel: 15 gallons
Cargo: 9.5 cubic ft
Design Philosophy
The CB/1 represents the engineered blending of modern automotive and racing technology with one of the all time high performance legends, the venerable 427 Cobra. The ultimate performance version of this classic powered by a twin turbocharged, 385 cubic inch V8, delivering a track tearing 650 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. Meld this brutal power with a race designed chassis and modern suspension components for precise control, then add an ergonomically corrected cockpit and you have the most potent, most useable, most enjoyable evolution of the 427 Cobra.
The CB/1 is based on a newly designed platform, engineered specifically for the performance and usability requirements of this vehicle. No cut corners, no secondhand components, no compromises. This vehicle is engineered from a clean sheet of paper to yield unparalleled performance. Modern control, power and driveability all tucked under one of the most beautifully forceful shapes in automotive design.
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