2013 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang review and pictures

Ford Cobra Jet Mustang review:

2013 Cobra Jet Mustang continues the evolution of Ford Racing's turnkey race car program

Today, Ford Racing unveiled the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando, Fla. This is the latest in Ford Racing's Cobra Jet lineage that has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph, beginning with its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968.

The legacy was revitalized in '08 when Ford Racing offered a limited run of the 40th Anniversary Cobra Jet Mustang, which quickly sold out. Subsequent CJ offerings have proved just as popular, and the 21st century Cobra Jet has carved its own legacy at drag strips across the country. It is the winningest late model in NHRA, claiming national event wins in 2009, '10 and '11. This season alone it has set numerous class records.

Also this time fans are invited to help choose the color of the '13 Cobra Jet-classic white, silver or black-by voting online or on Ford Racing's Facebook page. Voting ends Dec. 31, 2011.

With that pedigree, the '13 Cobra Jet offers the latest in drag racing technology, delivering speed and consistency for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. After more than three seasons of testing, racing, and customer feedback, the '13 Cobra Jet marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced, ready-to-race car.

Ford Racing is proud to announce that the '13 is better than ever. With new features and more performance, it is priced to be the best value in the market.

"The 2008 Cobra Jet was a great car. It did everything we wanted it to do," said George Goddu, business manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. "We're really proud of that car, but we have spent the last three years improving each offering of the Cobra Jet and we are always trying to make the next one better."

The '13 Cobra Jet offers two 5.0-liter Coyote engine options. Buyers may choose the naturally aspirated Cobra Jet induction system, with CNC-ported heads, high lift cams, and low-drag accessory drive, or the supercharged version with a Ford Racing/Whipple 10-rib, 2.9-liter supercharger, and CNC-port-matched manifold and heads.

Additionally, the 2013 CJ body has been lightened for optimized weight distribution, and the car will feature electric power steering for optimal assist and no parasitic loss.

Other improvements include a roll cage with safety enhancements, improved brake pedal feel, and improved suspension geometry for optimum 60-foot times.

Approximate manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 2013 Cobra Jet is $85,490 for naturally aspirated and $92,990 for supercharged. All 2013 CJs are NHRA tech ready for Stock or Super Stock competition. Additional options and pricing will be announced in January '12.

Like many of Ford Racing's previous ready-to-race cars, the '13 Cobra Jet Mustang will get its start in the Auto Alliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The entire 50-car run will be built on the same line that produces the 2013 Ford Mustang production car. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in June '12, with delivery of all vehicles expected by mid-summer of '12.

All non-production parts for the CJ can be found in the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog. And since the Cobra Jet is produced from a base V-6 Mustang, any consumer can turn a Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing parts through the catalog.

Customers can place their orders for the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustangs at Ford dealers now. Those who miss out on one of the 50 '13 CJs will be given priority on future versions.