Ford Performance Unveils the 2016 Cobra Jet Mustang at SEMA
Hot on the heels of Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustangs sweeping the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown series, Ford Performance unveils the 2016 Cobra Jet Mustang at SEMA. Just minutes ago, For pulled the cover off it’s latest turn-key race Mustang to a huge crowd at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.
“The modern Cobra Jet has performed for our customers and put Ford in the winner’s circle consistently since 2008,” said Dave Pericak, director of Ford Performance. “The 2016 car is the only factory 2016 Mustang with a solid axle rear suspension, and the first Cobra Jet built off the all-new Mustang introduced in 2015. We are excited to see it compete.”
The original Cobra Jet debuted in 1968 with a win at the NHRA Winternationals, and Ford revived the model in 2008, with 50 special-production units designed for NHRA Stock Eliminator competition. The program has continued with limited 50 unit builds in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The 2016 model is based off the S550 chassis, but utilizes a live rear axle with a four-link rear suspension. It’s also available in Oxford White or Deep Impact Blue with each color limited to 25 examples. Other options include the popular “Cobra” graphics and a wheelie bar.
Amazingly, about 75-percent of the engine is sourced from the production Mustang GT. And boost comes from a Whipple supercharger. The 2016 Cobra Jet is will be ready to run 8-second quarter-mile times as delivered to the customer. “It was important to use production hardware wherever possible in the engine to ensure parts are readily available and reasonably priced for racers,” said Jesse Kershaw, Manager Drag Racing Parts and Competition. “The production parts are also incredibly durable in passing our rigorous dyno and drag strip testing.”
Not resting on its past, S197-based Cobra Jets have made their own history scoring wins in NHRA, NMRA and NMCA action. Cobra Jets have dominated the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown series, the heads-up playground for the Chevrolet COPO Camaro, Dodge Drag Pak Challenger and the Cobra Jet Mustang.
To ensure consistent winning performance, Ford fitted the 2016 Cobra Jet with drag-race-specific coil-over shocks and springs, lightweight Strange Racing brakes, 8.50 certified roll cage, an Aeromotive fuel system with trunk mounted fuel cell, Corbeau FIA seats, 5-point race harnesses, and a race-prepped automatic transmission.
“Ford Performance engineers were able to tap internal resources taking technology from other parts of the company and adapting them for race purposes. For example, the Cobra Jet engine utilizes an electric water pump from the C-MAX Hybrid that allows cool-down without the engine running,” added Kershaw. “The result is more consistent racing via improved management of engine temperatures. Dyno cells calibrated to simulate drag strip burn-outs and quarter-mile runs were utilized to prove out engine durability.”
And because 75-percent of the engine parts come directly from the Ford parts shelf, the Cobra Jet will be durable, efficient, and well-engineered. You can also select many of the specific Cobra Jet Parts from the Brothers Performance huge catalog of Mustang parts.
Cobra Jet Mustang begin life at the Flat Rock assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan and delivery is expected in the first quarter of 2016.
“The 2016 Cobra Jet is sold as a performance part without a VIN. Customers can order a Cobra Jet by submitting a placeholder order for part number M-FR500-CJ through any North American Ford dealer. The MSRP for the base car is $99,990 with optional graphics for $1995 and a wheelie bar at $1995,” Kershaw stated.
2016 Cobra Jet Engine
• Supercharged Ford V8, 5.0-liter (302 cubic inches) displacement
• 92.2mm bore x 92.7mm stroke
• 9.5:1 compression ratio
• 2.9L Whipple supercharger – front entry
• Forged steel crankshaft
• Billet steel gerotor oil pump
• Mahle forged and anodized pistons with Grafal® coated skirts
• Manley H-beam connecting rods with ARP 2000 bolts
• American Racing Headers 304 stainless-steel headers
• Aeromotive fuel rails
• ATI SFI-approved crank damper
• Proprietary engine control software and calibration
• New electric water pump derived from CMaxx hybrid
