The 2018 Mustang Cobra Jet is an 8-second drag car

With a 5.0-liter V8 pushing out 450 PS, the current generation Ford Mustang is certainly no slouch especially at the drag strip. But, what if you wanted more; something to take on the likes of the Dodge Challenger Demon perhaps? Well, Ford has got you covered. 

Enter the 2018 Mustang Cobra Jet. 

Along with the 1 millionth Mustang’s production milestone, the Mustang Cobra Jet is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. To commemorate its golden jubilee, the Detroit based automaker has built a new Cobra Jet based on the current-generation Mustang. The result is a Mustang capable of taking on the drag strip in the 8-second range.

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

To be capable of doing 8-second passes, the Cobra Jet is powered by a ‘special’ 5.2-liter version of the Mustang’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8 which is fitted with a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger. Ford however, has been quiet regarding other modifications as horsepower was not mentioned. Power is then sent to a 9-inch solid rear axle, with the Mustang’s independent rear suspension being ditched. Two-way adjustable coilovers, low-drag disc brake system and four-link rear suspension with anti-roll and panhard bars. Of course, it is also fitted with a parachute.

Inside, the interior has been stripped out to help with the diet. An NHRA-certified roll cage combined with FIA-certified seats ensures the Cobra Jet is legal for competition. 

Unlike the Demon – which can be driven on the road – the Mustang Cobra Jet is strictly for the drag strip only. It will also be extremely rare as only 68 will be produced – 68 cars in honor of the Cobra Jet’s 1968 debut. Each one will cost a whopping $130,000 (around Php 6,900,000).