Bold Moves: Ford to release race-ready 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang

[David Burkart]

Ford has never had any trouble building its legacy and evoking the nostalgic whims of Mustang enthusiasts. And their latest move has racing fans on their feet.

The classic 1968 Cobra Jet Mustang left a lasting legacy—one that the folks at the blue oval feel the S197’s chassis can carry on forty years later as a “true A Stock competitor.” Ford has announced it is developing a factory-built NHRA-legal race car this summer—the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang.

Full disclosure is yet to come from Dearborn, but the company has leaked a few exciting tidbits regarding the project they’re calling the FR00CJ.

Being built for the track, they’ll have serial numbers to replace VINs, and their power will be limited. The vehicle will feature the most powerful modular engine Ford MoCo ever produced—the Romeo 605. The engine is listed as having the potential for “400hp (est.),” perfectly meeting NHRA regulations. But pay attention to that “est.” because she has easily churned out 605hp and 550 lb-ft of torque in the lab.

Like the original, they plan to build only 50, setting the MSRP just under $70,000. The vehicles won’t be built until December and won’t be delivered until February 2009.

Check out the full press release below from Ford.

[David Burkart]

In 1968, Ford took the NHRA Winternationals by storm with the Cobra Jet Mustang. Only 50 units were built and released to Ford Dealers and Ford racers, and in its first appearance, the Cobra Jet won.

Forty years after this historic event, Ford Racing is happy to announce that they are exploring the development of a new NHRA-legal race car - the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang. Some details of this exciting program have already begun to surface, and we want to ensure you hear about it from us first.

The 2008 Ford Racing Cobra Jet Mustang (FR500CJ) will be a factory-built race car, ready for the drag strip with only minor additional prep required. While details are intentionally limited at this time, the following should help you assess the product and its appeal.

Ford Racing Part Number: M-FR500-CJ

Program Intent:

• Provide a Mustang that is a true A Stock competitor
• 50 units initial build
• Off-road only (VIN replaced by serial number)
• Estimated pricing, $64,990 WD, $69,990 MSRP
• Model Year 2008 designation
• Build in December 2008, vehicles delivered February 2009

Vehicle Content:

• 400 hp (est.) 5.4L DOHC supercharged engine
• 6-speed manual transmission standard; optional automatic TBD
• NHRA legal to 10.00 sec ETs
• NHRA Stock Eliminator legal interior
• Lightweight - 3,300 lbs (est.)
• Unique trim and appearance package
• Drag race wheel/tire combination
• Cobra Jet graphics package

Orders/Feedback:

• Vehicle orders should be placed with the Ford Racing warehouse at 1-800-367-3786.
• Priority delivery will be given to orders of multiple vehicles.
• Priority delivery will be given to orders of multiple vehicles
• This order is a placeholder; dealers will not be billed until delivery of the vehicle to the dealer
• An “off-road only” competition release will be required prior to delivery of a Cobra Jet to the dealer
• Only 50 units are under consideration for 2008, so dealers are encouraged to submit their orders before June 30. Delivery will be prioritized based on order entry date.

The Cobra Jet Mustang (M-FR500-CJ) joins Ford Racing’s two successful road racing Mustangs, the M-FR500-C and M-FR500-S, as turn-key race cars available only from Ford Dealers. We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to help rewrite history by ordering and campaigning this new race car.

[4 CRUZEN]

Originally Posted by David Burkart

Ford has never had any trouble building its legacy and evoking the nostalgic whims of Mustang enthusiasts. And their latest move has racing fans on their feet.

The classic 1968 Cobra Jet Mustang left a lasting legacy—one that the folks at the blue oval feel the S197’s chassis can carry on forty years later as a “true A Stock competitor.” Ford has announced it is developing a factory-built NHRA-legal race car this summer—the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang.

I wonder if this is where all the rumours are coming from about Ford using the Mustang for NASCAR?

[Delicious05]

Originally Posted by 4 CRUZEN

I wonder if this is where all the rumours are coming from about Ford using the Mustang for NASCAR?

eh- i think theyre 2 diff things. but the quote from the "anonymous source" bein circulated everywhere did sound pretty fishy ...

"We’re expecting to run the Mustang in 2009”

hmmm

[stangzilla]

i need one of those!

[4 CRUZEN]

Originally Posted by Delicious05

eh- i think theyre 2 diff things. but the quote from the "anonymous source" bein circulated everywhere did sound pretty fishy ...

"We’re expecting to run the Mustang in 2009”

hmmm

Maybe Ford exec.'s see this as a way back to the top however several things work against that. 1/ Ford only producing a limited number of 09 Mustangs (I think it was 40,000 +-) 2/ FFRP has limited resources 3/ Mostly is a single super car the way to win back consumers, agreed NASCAR and NHRA have huge followings but they all don't drive Mustangs? In support however it was not just Ford bringing in the Muscle cars to NASCAR it was all three of the big three, Mustangs, Cameros and Challengers are purported to be the vehilcle of choice 2009 ?

If the NHRA thing is true why would they use the sleepy 5.4 when they have the 5.0 racer engine already and are about to market a 5.0 in 2009-10 in the Mustang? Keeps you guessing and hoping.

[shelbyville]

Originally Posted by 4 CRUZEN

If the NHRA thing is true why would they use the sleepy 5.4 when they have the 5.0 racer engine already and are about to market a 5.0 in 2009-10 in the Mustang?

That's a great point. Makes you wonder what their marketing guys have up their sleeves