2018 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet teases 8sec 1/4-mile brag

FORD Performance Parts has teased a ‘roid popping tribute to the original Cobra Jet dragster, which it says will be 'the quickest straight-line Stallion yet'.

The Blue Oval’s hi-po division has released the first of what will surely be many teaser images of the 50th Anniversary Mustang Cobra Jet – the first Cobra Jet was launched in 1968 – which it says is capable of a mid-8.0-second quarter mile ET and trap speeds of more than 240km/h.

Powered by a supercharged 5.2-litre Coyote V8, the 2018 Cobra Jet is the latest generation of Ford’s purpose-built drag racer designed specifically to comply with regulations set by America’s National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and different National Mustang Racers Association and National Muscle Car Association classes.

This includes adding race specific underpinnings including four-link rear suspension, coil-over shock absorbers, a Ford 9-inch solid rear axle from Strange Engineering, as well as NHRA-certified roll cage, Racetech FIA seats, and specially designed Weld Racing wheels.

The 5.2-litre Coyote V8 is 200cc bigger than the 5.0-litre donk in the last Cobra Jet from 2016, which was made from 75 percent stock Mustang GT parts and was also said to be capable of a sub-9.0-second quarter mile – though it’s presumed that was in the high eights.

Building on the latest Ford Mustang as a base, the 2018 Cobra Jet will be limited to 68 track-only units (no VIN will be stamped), with a choice of Race Red or Oxford White paint and an option to add a commemorative 50th Anniversary graphics package and anniversary badging if desired.

Final specs and pricing will be announced during the US summer this year.

The Cobra Jet name goes back 50 years, when it was designed to compete against ‘Big Block’ Chrysler and GM models. Powered by a 335hp (250kW) 428 cubic inch V8, the original Cobra Jet dominated the 1968 NHRA Winternationals in California.

Ford celebrated its 40th anniversary with a fresh version in 2008, which went on to win the 2009 Winternationals. Only 50 were produced and subsequent demand saw Ford Performance release new models in equal numbers for the 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016 seasons, cementing its iconic status within an already legendary nameplate.

“From the very first Mustang Cobra Jets dominating the 1968 NHRA Winternationals to our modern-day Cobra Jet racers, the Ford Performance Parts team continues to build the Cobra Jet brand based on its success at the track over five decades,” said Ford Performance Parts global director Eric Cin.

“That, in turn, has inspired generations of Mustang fans to create their own performance machines for the street.”