Factory Drag racer from Ford

[Birdman]

Roger linked this on the TS site , thought it might be of interest here to the Family as well.
Not sure it will be a hit or not but they are obviously trying to get into the NHRA scene. Only 50 cars made though.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/15/f...r-this-summer/

[TOMMY GUN]

Who's Roger?

[Fllaw1]

Originally Posted by Birdman

Roger linked this on the TS site , thought it might be of interest here to the Family as well.
Not sure it will be a hit or not but they are obviously trying to get into the NHRA scene. Only 50 cars made though.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/15/f...r-this-summer/

They may only make 50, but I bet they spec out the CJ parts as a kit and sell them through Ford Racing at a hefty price.

[Birdman]

Originally Posted by TOMMY GUN

Who's Roger?

rosssgt (member here too)

[Birdman]

Originally Posted by Fllaw1

They may only make 50, but I bet they spec out the CJ parts as a kit and sell them through Ford Racing at a hefty price.

I wonder if it's connected with Tasca Ford since I think they started the CJ name.

[Birdman]

This is welcome and historic news to the drag racing Ford family IMO. It says to me that ford is really serious about being #1 in the drag racing world and this will be direct competition to the drag prepped Challenger that has been slated to make it's debut possibly next year.

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. (By David Burkart )

Check out the full press release below from Ford.

Ford Press Release: 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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
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.

[rown4au]

Pretty interesting, seems like a good motor choice for the car with all the aftermarket parts avail for our cars. Am a bit surprised that they could get the funding for this given the problems Ford is having and the price of gas right now. (not that I am complaining)

I also wonder about the Tasca tie in that you mentioned, Tasca is producing "cobra jet" packages on standard GT's at their dealership I believe and "super cobra jet" pacages to Shelby's too so I wonder how this will affect their ability to use the name for these. I spoke to the Owner of the first super CJ about what he has had done to his car and it was pretty extensive but sounds like its more of a custom build than a standard thing.

[68fastback]

In those states that have passed SEMA-modelled retro-car legislation, even tho Ford is offering those as off-road only, they very likely could be registered as owner-built 1968 'vintage' cars and get a new DMV serial applied since such 'vintage' cars are permitted to be built from all new (not NOS) parts. At last count some 27-30 states had passed such SEMA model legislation. Best of all, 1968 polution levels would apply!!! ...would make the basis for one mean 600-700HP retro street car (with a few tweaks -- what a sleeper that would have been for choosing a match-up at White Castle in 1968!!
;-)