Ford Performance promised us that something fast was on the way to the annual SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas, and Ford Performance did not disappoint: introducing the new, 2016 Ford Mustang “Cobra Jet” turnkey drag racer.
If you were hoping for still another super-fast, street-legal race car out of the Blue Oval’s pony car, you’re out of luck; the Cobra Jet has not historically been legal for road use, and this iteration is no different. And, at a base price of $99,990, it may seem like a difficult proposition to swallow, but that cost becomes much more justifiable as soon as the 2016 Cobra Jet’s content is taken into account.
The new Ford Mustang Cobra Jet will be limited to just 50 units, each eligible for duty in the National Hot Rod Association’s Stock and SuperStock series, as well as some International Hot Rod Association, National Mustang Racers Association, and National Muscle Car Association classes. Ford Performance claims that the car can achieve an 8-second quarter-mile, even while the engine shares 75 percent of its content with the regular Ford Mustang GT.
We likely have the Whipple supercharger to thank for that feat.
This new, 2016 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet also boasts a four-link rear suspension, drag race-specific coilovers, Strange Engineering lightweight racing brakes, an Aeromotive fuel system with a trunk-mounted fuel cell, five-point racing harnesses with Corbeau FIA buckets, an 8.50-certified roll cage, and a race-ready automatic transmission. To create such a drag machine oneself from a base 2015 Mustang GT, one might well spend much more than the Cobra Jet’s MSRP.
The 2016 Mustang Cobra Jet also features a nifty new electric water pump, sourced from the Ford C-MAX Hybrid. This unit can keep circulating coolant even while the engine is not running, allowing for better overall engine temp management.
Says Ford Performance Director Dave Pericak: “The modern Cobra Jet has performed for our customers and put Ford in the winner’s circle consistently since 2008. The new car is the first Cobra Jet built off the all-new 2015 Mustang – the only factory 2016 Mustang with a solid-axle rear suspension. We are excited to see it compete.”
No Comments yet