During the golden age of American muscle cars in the 1950s and 1960s, automakers battled fiercely both on the streets and at the racetrack. Legendary machines like the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 and Plymouth Superbird were born from that rivalry, combining road-going style with race-ready engineering. When the Ford Mustang debuted in 1964, it quickly became Ford’s weapon of choice in motorsports competition. Cars like the iconic Boss 302 dominated Trans-Am racing, with drivers such as Parnelli Jones helping cement the Mustang’s performance legacy.
While the Boss 302 conquered road courses, the Cobra Jet Mustang carved out its own reputation at the drag strip. First introduced in 1968 with just 50 examples produced, the Cobra Jet rapidly became a powerhouse in NHRA competition. Ford revived the legendary nameplate in 2008 alongside the reborn fifth-generation Mustang, followed by additional special editions in 2010 and 2012 aimed squarely at serious drag racers.
Now, Ford Racing has unveiled the latest evolution of the breed: the 2013 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet. Based on the refreshed 2013 Mustang design introduced ahead of the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the newest Cobra Jet made its debut at the Performance Racing Industry event in Orlando, Florida.
Built exclusively for drag racing and not street legal, the 2013 Cobra Jet features extensive modifications designed to improve straight-line performance. Lightweight body components help optimize weight distribution, while aggressive red-and-white graphics inspired by a striking cobra snake give the car a menacing appearance. Riding on Goodyear Eagle drag tires, the Cobra Jet also benefits from revised suspension geometry engineered specifically for stronger launches and quicker quarter-mile times.
Ford Racing added several updates to improve driver control and consistency, including electric power steering, revised pedal ratios, and numerous chassis refinements developed through computer simulations and extensive drag-strip testing.
Inside, the cockpit is purpose-built for competition. A carefully engineered roll cage enhances safety and rigidity, while lightweight fiberglass Recaro FIA racing seats provide support during hard launches and high-speed passes down the strip.
Unlike earlier Cobra Jet models that relied on a supercharged 5.4-liter engine derived from SVT products, the 2013 version switches to Ford’s modern 5.0-liter V8 platform. Buyers can choose between a naturally aspirated setup or a supercharged combination featuring a Ford Racing/Whipple blower system. Both engine options utilize CNC-machined cylinder heads and intake components for maximum precision and performance.
Ford has not officially disclosed horsepower figures for the 2013 Cobra Jet, though previous supercharged models delivered substantial output. Regardless of exact numbers, the latest Cobra Jet is clearly engineered to dominate NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition.
Production will remain extremely limited, with only 50 units planned. Pricing starts at $85,490 for the naturally aspirated version, while the supercharged model carries a starting price of $92,990. Buyers will also have access to an extensive catalog of optional Ford Performance Parts upgrades.
Production of the 2013 Mustang Cobra Jet is scheduled to begin at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, in mid-2012, with competition debuts expected shortly afterward.
Ford also invited fans to participate in selecting the car’s exterior finish through an online vote featuring classic white, silver, and black paint options, giving enthusiasts a chance to help shape the final look of this modern drag-racing icon.
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