LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Since its victorious introduction
at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford's Cobra Jet Mustang has created a
legacy of power, performance and triumph.
The 40th Anniversary 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang lived up to the legend of the
original, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in 2009 and dominating
drag strips across the land.
Today, Ford Racing unveiled the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which marks the continued evolution
of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA
introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled 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.
"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."
For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing,
including drag racing. The 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang added to that legacy this
season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals,
and by setting numerous track records across the country.
The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is
intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Cobra
Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA
history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with
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.
Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Cobra Jet a
factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the
rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put
the throttle pedal to the floor; they don't have the engine speed to free rev.
Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an
aftermarket option.
Much like Ford Racing's previous Mustang FR500S race car, the Cobra Jet
Mustang will get its start at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly
plant in Flat Rock, Mich. 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.
All of the additional parts and pieces for the CJ can be found in the Ford
Performance Parts catalog. And since the Cobra Jet is produced from a base V-6
Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing the
parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog.
The 2010 CJ car features a choice for customers between two supercharged
engines 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.
All 50 of the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustangs have already been ordered by Ford
dealers for delivery to customers. For those customers who missed out on the
limited run of 2010 Cobra Jets, Ford Racing has set a goal to provide future
versions of the Cobra Jet.
About Ford North America Motorsports
Ford North America Motorsports, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for
major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup,
Nationwide Series, Camping World Truck), Grand American sports car racing,
NHRA drag racing, USAC midget car racing and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge
for the Miller Cup. Ford North America Motorsports also oversees the
development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the
outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing
of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For
more information regarding Ford Racing's activities, please visit
www.fordracing.com.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
Alan Hall of Ford Motor Company, +1-313-594-3744, ahall32@ford.com; or Brent
Maurer for Ford Motor Company, +1-313-203-7185, bmaurer@pcgcampbell.com
