In 2008 Ford Racing revealed their modern day Cobra Jet Mustang. The 40th Anniversary edition Mustang, which featured a 400 horsepower 5.4L DOHC supercharged engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, was a force to be reckoned with on the drag strip. Now, just one year later, the company has announced the release of a 2010 model Cobra Jet Mustang. Like the 2008 model, this car is fast, it's sleek, and it's all business on the track.
Special SEMA-Edition Cobra Jet
The announcement was made at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 3, 2009. Onlookers were treated to a one-of-a-kind “SEMA Special” silver Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package. “The 2008 Cobra Jet was a great car, it did everything we wanted it to do,” said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North American Motorsports. “We’re really proud of the car, but then again we’re always trying to make the next one better.” He added, “With the 2010 Cobra Jet, we had the luxury of a longer development cycle and the result is absolutely stunning. Where the 2008 Cobra Jet was an extremely potent starting point for NHRA Stock competition, the 2010 will enhance the car further. We are all excited to see the new Cobra Jet in competition.”
A Mix of Old and New
The 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang will feature all the goodies found on the 2008 model, as well as enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell. In addition, customers can select from two supercharged engine options (425-hp and 475-hp versions), or three normally aspirated engines (pending NHRA approval). These options will allow the Cobra Jet to be eligible for more classes in the NHRA, as well as competition with other sanctioning bodies, including NMRA, NMCA, PSCA and IHRA.
A new Super Cobra Jet engine option features a lighter aluminum block. In addition, the Super Cobra Jet option will feature a Four-liter Whipple blower; not the 2.3-liter supercharger found on the 2008 model and the base 2010 model.
Of note, Ford Racing engineers have developed a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers of the 2010 Cobra Jet to preset the RPM after they stage the car. Upon take off, all that’s required is putting your foot to the floor; drivers don’t have the engine speed to free rev. The launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option on the 2008 model.
Limited Production Run
As with the 2008 model, only 50 of these cars will be built. The entire 50-car run of 2010 Cobra Jets will be built on the same production line that produces the 2010 Ford Mustang production car. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in January, with delivery of all vehicles expected in the first quarter of 2010.
Unfortunately, if you’re looking to buy one of these CJ Mustangs, you’re out of luck. Ford says all 50 of the 2010 CJ Mustangs have already been spoken for. On an up note, Ford says any consumer can turn their Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing the parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog.
Ford Racing has set a goal to provide future versions of the Cobra Jet for those who missed out this time around.
