Mustang Drag Race Cars
(Ford Motor Company Press Release)
- Ford’s support for grassroots drag racing continues with an advanced new Cobra Jet Mustang; limited 50-car run is race-ready for NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition
- New four-link rear suspension and electric water pump applications are firsts for Cobra Jet, which is engineered for performance at the track
- Cobra Jet shares 75 percent of Mustang GT production engine parts – enabling an eight-second quarter-mile race car that’s both durable and accessible
Ford Performance proudly unveiled the 2016 Cobra Jet Mustang today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, marking the newest iteration of Cobra Jet as a limited-edition turnkey race car.
Like its predecessors, the new Cobra Jet is a factory-built race car that is legal for National Hot Rod Association Stock and Super Stock drag racing, as well as several classes in the International Hot Rod Association, National Mustang Racers Association and National Muscle Car Association. Also like its predecessors, the new Cobra Jet is limited to 50 units - making the 2016 edition among the most collectible Mustangs ever.
Since its victorious debut at the 1968 NHRA Winternationals, Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang has represented a legacy of power, performance and triumph. The modern program started with 50 cars for the 2008 model year, continuing with 50-unit limited builds in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014. For 2016, the car is available in Oxford White or Deep Impact Blue, with each color limited to 25 examples.
“The modern Cobra Jet has performed for our customers and put Ford in the winner’s circle consistently since 2008, ” said Dave Pericak, director, Ford Performance. “The new car is the first Cobra Jet built off the all-new 2015 Mustang – the only factory 2016 Mustang with a solidaxle rear suspension. We are excited to see it compete.”
The Cobra Jet engine is made up of 75 percent production Mustang GT components topped by a front inlet Whipple supercharger; as delivered, it’s capable of eight-second quarter-mile times.
“It was important to use production hardware wherever possible to ensure parts are readily available and reasonably priced for racers, ” said Jesse Kershaw, Ford Performance manager for drag racing parts and competition. “The production parts are also incredibly durable in passing our rigorous dyno and drag strip testing.”
For decades, Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of motorsport, including drag racing. Cobra Jet has added to that legacy - posting several high-profile wins including the 2015 NHRA U.S. Nationals Super Stock Eliminator and Factory Showdown races, while also holding multiple track records in various classes in the series.
The 2016 Cobra Jet features such enhancements as drag race-specific coil-over shocks and springs, lightweight racing brakes by Strange Engineering, 8.50-certified roll cage, Aeromotive fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell, Corbeau FIA seats, five-point race harnesses and race-prepped automatic transmission.
Ford Performance engineers tapped internal resources, taking technology from other parts of the company and adapting it for racing. The Cobra Jet engine uses an electric water pump from Ford C-MAX Hybrid that allows cool-down without the engine running – resulting in more consistent racing via improved management of engine temperature. Dyno cells calibrated to simulate drag strip burnouts and quarter-mile runs were used to prove out engine durability.
With the Cobra Jet engine’s highly proven components largely sourced directly from the Ford parts shelf, the car’s parts are durable, efficient and well-engineered. Additional performance parts can be found in the Ford Performance Parts catalog.
Cobra Jet Mustang is getting its start at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan, with production now under way and delivery expected the first quarter of 2016.
The 2016 Cobra Jet is sold as a performance part without a VIN. Customers can order one by submitting a placeholder order for part number M-FR500-CJ through any North American Ford dealer. MSRP for the base car is $99, 990. The popular graphics option costs $1, 995 and a wheelie bar costs $1, 995.
