Ford Will Debut a New Mustang Cobra Jet at the Woodward Dream Cruse on Thursday!

TopSpeed

By Kirby Garlitos

Published Aug 15, 2018

The drag-spec Mustang we've all been waiting for is about to arrive

Ford is all set to reveal an all-new model at the Woodward Dream Cruise this weekend, and by all accounts, that “all-new” model is going to be a Ford Mustang Cobra Jet. The revelation comes to us by way of Ford Performance Global Director Mark Rushbrook, who flat out told Autoweek that the mysterious production model that will be unveiled at the Woodward event is, in fact, the Mustang Cobra Jet. The debut is expected to take place at the Ford Media Club House on August 16, 10 A.M. Eastern time.

This is not the first time we’ve heard about Ford’s plans to build the Mustang Cobra Jet. Back in April, it was reported that Dearborn was planning to build the fastest Mustang drag racer ever as part of its 50th anniversary. We all came to know that model to be the ‘Stang Cobra Jet, which Ford claimed would be capable of splitting the quarter-mile in the “mid-8-second range” to go with a 150-mph top speed.

To be clear, too, the Mustang Cobra Jet is a purpose-built drag racer, the kind that isn’t allowed on public roads. It’s not like the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, which, at its core, is a road car that can be adapted into a drag racer. Don’t be disappointed about the Mustang Cobra Jet, though. If Ford’s proclamations are on the money, it could shame the Demon into hiding with a quarter-mile time that’s over a full second faster than the Dodge pony car.

Given its purpose, don’t expect the Mustang Cobra Jet to be like any other 2019 Mustang. It may have the exterior styling of the ‘Stang, but a lot of things will be different, including the 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that’s been tipped to sit under the hood of the drag racer. Ford hasn’t mentioned the kind of output it’s capable of spewing, but in keeping with its purpose and identity, the Mustang Cobra Jet will also carry an NHRA-spec roll cage, special race seats, bespoke coilovers, a stronger rear axle, and drag-specific wheels and tires.

So put the surprise to bed, ladies and gentlemen. Ford Performance Global Director Mark Rushbook spilled the beans to Autoweek. Unless Ford has another new model that’s scheduled to debut at the Woodward Dream Cruise, it looks the spotlight will shine the brightest on the Mustang Cobra Jet, alongside, of course, a one-off Kona Blue Bullitt Mustang that will head for the auction block later this year.

With respect to the one-off Bullitt Mustang, though, all eyes will be on the Mustang Cobra Jet, as it should be.