Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford's Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph. That legacy was renewed in 2008 when Ford Racing offered a limited run of the 40th Anniversary Cobra Jet Mustang, which quickly sold out. Subsequent 2010 and 2012 model year offerings of the Cobra Jet have proved just as popular.
The 21st century CJ has carved its own legacy at drag strips across the country becoming the winningest late model in NHRA with national event wins in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and numerous class records this season alone.
Ford Racing unveiled the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando, Florid, this past week.
With over three seasons of testing, racing, and customer feedback the 2013 Cobra Jet marks the continued evolution of the factory-produced turnkey race car. Designed for NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition, the 2013 model is better than ever and features the latest drag racing technology for greater speed and consistency.
"The 2008 Cobra Jet is a great car. It does everything we wanted it to do," said George Goddu, business manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. "We're really proud of that car, but we improve with each new Cobra Jet offering and 2013 is no exception."
The 2013 Cobra Jet offers two 5.0L TiVCT engine options. Customers may choose a naturally aspirated engine with Cobra Jet induction system, CNC ported heads, high lift cams and low-drag accessory drive, or a 2.9L Whipple supercharged version with CNC-port matched manifold and heads, and a proprietary 10-rib supercharger drive system for high rpm use without a belt.
"The 5.0L has all the attributes to make a world class drag racing engine and is ideal for the Cobra Jet," said Goddu. "Both the naturally aspirated and supercharged engines will be competitive as delivered."
Additionally, the 2013 Cobra Jet chassis has been improved. Lightweight body modifications give better weight distribution and electric power steering provides better drivability without parasitic horsepower loss. A new roll cage design is optimized for safety and chassis rigidity while the brake pedal ratio has been revised for more modulation and stopping power. And the rear suspension geometry delivers faster and more consistent 60-foot times.
The 2013 Cobra Jet is priced to be the best value in the market with an approximate MSRP of $86,000 with the naturally aspirated engine option, and $93,000 with the supercharged engine. Additional options and pricing will be announced January 2012.
Much like many of Ford Racing's previous turnkey race cars, the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang will be built by the United Auto Workers (UAW) at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in June 2012, with delivery of all vehicles expected mid-summer of 2012.
Cobra Jet components will be available through Ford Performance Parts, allowing racers to upgrade their Mustangs to Cobra Jet specifications.
2013 Cobra Jet production is limited to only fifty (50) units and orders placed through Ford dealers will be filled on a first come first served basis. (Part number M-FR500-CJ).
Finally, all Cobra Jet fans can help choose the color of the 2013 Cobra Jet - classic white, silver or black - by voting online at www.FordRacing.com. Voting ends December 31, 2011.