A hint at what is to come (2006/7 Cobra)

[Rootus]

They aren't going to sell a 500hp Cobra for under 50k. It's not going to happen. I would max out a new Cobra at 430-450hp. Anything more would not be good business.

I hope they give the next Cobra a little bump in power. The current one already makes 430 bhp as it is. Heck, with just a filter and cat-back my Cobra makes ~488 bhp . Ford has plenty of room to work with, they can afford to bump the power level up a bit without a serious change in price.

Dave

 

[03 SVT VERT]

I think a lot of you guys are pipe dreamers. One of the guys above had it right.. Ford isn't just going to give away horsepower. If the Cobra is going to compete with the Vette, its going to cost as much as a Vette. $45 grand will get you Vette horsepower, but as we can all see the new Mustang is an aerodynamic flop. The Vette will burn it in handling and probably ways 2/3 as much.

Right now the GT has 550hp and costs 150k. They aren't going to sell a 500hp Cobra for under 50k. It's not going to happen. I would max out a new Cobra at 430-450hp. Anything more would not be good business.

Go back and actually read what was said above. We arn't saying the base Cobra will be 500hp, I think we all agree it won't be more then 450hp, though it probibly will be atleast or more then 420hp so it can compete with the base corvette, base GTO, and (base?) 425hp Charger in 0-60 and 1/4 mile. The price will probibly go up, but I don't think it will go above $45,000, and it will definately stay less then $50,000.

Now however, in 2007 we will have a 500hp GTO Judge, a 500hp (Z06) Corvette, and a limited edition 600hp Corvette, not knowing what Dodge's plans are for a more powerfull Charger. The limited edition Ford GT will not be around anymore, as it will be ending its 3 year production. What looks like a 600hp limited edition will take its place based on the Shelby Cobra/GR-1 concepts (From what I have read the GR-1 concept is more affordable to produce then the Cobra concept and just like the original Daytona's is a better racer, so it may just be affordable enough to be a direct replacement for the Ford GT, though it's price will depend on Ferrari's prices).

Anyway, That means there is a large chance we will see a 500hp special edition of the Cobra inbetween the base SVT cobra/Shelby mustang and the Shelby Cobra/GR-1, which would be priced less then the new 500hp Z06 and around the same price as the 500hp GTO Judge. Now, being Shelby's first mustang with Ford was called a GT350, for Shelbys first mustang back with Ford it would make sense that it will be called a GT350. (which is supported by what I heard and read from many sources) This makes perfect sense if they are using the GT350 name for the base Cobra, as the GT500 name would a logical choice for a special edition 500hp Cobra (Special edition like previous Cobra R's were). It might even be called a GT500R in keeping with previous high performance racing Cobra's using the R designation in the past. That I can't tell you, but I can tell you with almost 100% certanty we will see a 500hp or close to it mustang unless something major happens (gas prices, new emmissions laws, ect).

It won't be a $40,000 car or even a $45,000 car, but I really do think it will be produced. It isn't like it will be that hard to make, possible engines are already there in two forms (Lightning and Ford GT), if they use the lightning motor it will be supercharged, if they use the Ford GT motor it might not be supercharged (maybe they will use the motor directly and instead of a 500hp Cobra we will see a 550hp cobra or maybe they would slightly detune it?). Logic says the base (400hp to 450hp) Cobra will be N/A (which is what I heard from the Ford guy at NY-AS), with the around 500hp cobra being Supercharged, but that is complete speculation that can change very easily depending on what motor they decide to use and how they tune it.

All we know for sure from the SVT guys is a future Cobra mustang will be an absolute beast compared to now, instead of GT500 the higher end Cobra mustang might even be called a GT350H if the base cobra is a GT350. That is another completely feasable option. The original GT350H was a two seater and both the Cobra mustang concept introduced to show off the 2005 mustang and traditional high performance Cobras (Cobra R's) were two seaters.

 

[STUD]

Go back and actually read what was said above. We arn't saying the base Cobra will be 500hp, I think we all agree it won't be more then 450hp, though it probibly will be atleast or more then 420hp so it can compete with the base corvette, base GTO, and (base?) 425hp Charger in 0-60 and 1/4 mile. The price will probibly go up, but I don't think it will go above $45,000, and it will definately stay less then $50,000.

Now however, in 2007 we will have a 500hp GTO Judge, a 500hp (Z06) Corvette, and a limited edition 600hp Corvette, not knowing what Dodge's plans are for a more powerfull Charger. The limited edition Ford GT will not be around anymore, as it will be ending its 3 year production. What looks like a 600hp limited edition will take its place based on the Shelby Cobra/GR-1 concepts (From what I have read the GR-1 concept is more affordable to produce then the Cobra concept and just like the original Daytona's is a better racer, so it may just be affordable enough to be a direct replacement for the Ford GT, though it's price will depend on Ferrari's prices).

Anyway, That means there is a large chance we will see a 500hp special edition of the Cobra inbetween the base SVT cobra/Shelby mustang and the Shelby Cobra/GR-1, which would be priced less then the new 500hp Z06 and around the same price as the 500hp GTO Judge. Now, being Shelby's first mustang with Ford was called a GT350, for Shelbys first mustang back with Ford it would make sense that it will be called a GT350. (which is supported by what I heard and read from many sources) This makes perfect sense if they are using the GT350 name for the base Cobra, as the GT500 name would a logical choice for a special edition 500hp Cobra (Special edition like previous Cobra R's were). It might even be called a GT500R in keeping with previous high performance racing Cobra's using the R designation in the past. That I can't tell you, but I can tell you with almost 100% certanty we will see a 500hp or close to it mustang unless something major happens (gas prices, new emmissions laws, ect).

It won't be a $40,000 car or even a $45,000 car, but I really do think it will be produced. It isn't like it will be that hard to make, possible engines are already there in two forms (Lightning and Ford GT), if they use the lightning motor it will be supercharged, if they use the Ford GT motor it might not be supercharged (maybe they will use the motor directly and instead of a 500hp Cobra we will see a 550hp cobra or maybe they would slightly detune it?). Logic says the base (400hp to 450hp) Cobra will be N/A (which is what I heard from the Ford guy at NY-AS), with the around 500hp cobra being Supercharged, but that is complete speculation that can change very easily depending on what motor they decide to use and how they tune it.

All we know for sure from the SVT guys is a future Cobra mustang will be an absolute beast compared to now, instead of GT500 the higher end Cobra mustang might even be called a GT350H if the base cobra is a GT350. That is another completely feasable option. The original GT350H was a two seater and both the Cobra mustang concept introduced to show off the 2005 mustang and traditional high performance Cobras (Cobra R's) were two seaters.

The cobra already is a beast, now. If you think Ford is gonna raise the level to some outrageous HP number you're wrong. The next mustang cobra base model is most likely gonna be a NA 425-450 forged 5.4. The price will go up a tad, but not huge. How the heck do you know if there is gonna be multiple models of cobra's, that's ridiculus. There is gonna be 1 svt mustang cobra, the rest, who knows. All you people who think the next cobra is some 500hp monster are crazy, ford would up the price and lose the mustang cobra market and nobody will be able to afford it.

Let's keep it simple. 2006-07 SVT Mustang Cobra, 425-450hp NA 5.4L forged motor. 35k for the coupe and 40k for the vert. Raw cheap HP. Just mod it with gears, chip, exhaust, and you'll own 99% of cars on the road. Throw in a s/c, and it will be untouched. No overpriced Cobra's, nobody will buy them, (unless you're rich of course).

P.S. And to all of you who don't like the new retro mustang, it's the best lookin mustang ever. So I'm glad you don't like it, that means less people will buy it and the price will drop so I can afford one.

Later

 

[351CJ]

P.S. And to all of you who don't like the new retro mustang, it's the best lookin mustang ever. So I'm glad you don't like it, that means less people will buy it and the price will drop so I can afford one.

Later

I agree, I hope a lot of people hate the 2005 so I'll be able to find one you suckers to pay a lot of $$ for my 2001 GT and I'll be able to get a big discount on my 2005 GT.

 

[Omegalock]

I gotta disagree with you slightly there STUD

People said nobody would buy a mid 30k Mustang when the 03 Cobra came out and people where all over those like stink on a Frenchman.
While no I don't think there will be a 40k Mustang I don't think it's out of the question that they would produce a high horsepower Cobra.
I mean look at the Lightning. It's going to likely get the 500 horsepower treatment and I don't think it'll be excessively expensive.
Whether or not the Cobra will get that supercharged 5.4 everybody seems to want remains to be seen(I doubt it) but I strongly doubt Ford would go through the problem of building up a forged motor for a N/A car. What would be the point?

 

[SVTdriver]

I gotta disagree with you slightly there STUD

People said nobody would buy a mid 30k Mustang when the 03 Cobra came out and people where all over those like stink on a Frenchman.
While no I don't think there will be a 40k Mustang I don't think it's out of the question that they would produce a high horsepower Cobra.
I mean look at the Lightning. It's going to likely get the 500 horsepower treatment and I don't think it'll be excessively expensive.
Whether or not the Cobra will get that supercharged 5.4 everybody seems to want remains to be seen(I doubt it) but I strongly doubt Ford would go through the problem of building up a forged motor for a N/A car. What would be the point?

I have to disagree with you. Yes people were all over the 03 cobra's. But now they sit on lots. And realisticly it had nearly the same power as the corvette. But was considerably cheaper. And modified it could keep up with a Z06 corvette for less money. If Ford builds a Cobra that is 40k. It will be getting considerably cloasr to the corvette price. And when you are buying cars that cost that much a few thousand more. Is not neccessarily a problem. The rest of the post I agree with you.

 

[one2gamble]

they sit on lots because the 05 is coming out...not because people dont want them

 

[SVTdriver]

they sit on lots because the 05 is coming out...not because people dont want them

I'm not quite sure that is the only reason. Yes the 05 is coming out. But I have heard of a few people picking up 03/04 cobras recently. Despite the 05 coming out.

 

[03 SVT VERT]

Ford will have to release a higher then 450hp Cobra to go with the less then 450hp one. It would be needed just to compete with the other manufacturers. The Charger, GTO, Corvette, and i'm sure a few others by 2007 will blow away the Cobra if they don't, they won't sell many at all. I know if Shelby is involved in the project he won't let that happen. I'm sure we will see a real beast (with the Shelby name on it), just like the SVT guys said when they released the Mustang Cobra concept to introduce the 2005 stang. It won't be an average Cobra I think though, it would be a collectors car like an R, however no matter what, they need to release something close to 500hp be it the regular Cobra or a limited edition or else they will have a real tough time trying to sell Cobra's. Remember, 2007 is 2 years away, 500hp won't be as amazing a number as it sounds by them.


By the way, it isn't like 2003/2004 cobra mustangs are just sitting in the lot by the ton. It took me a year for my dealer to find my Cobra, compared to Corvettes and GTO's there is barely any Cobras sitting in lots. There just happens to be so many used for sale because people buy them without checking on what their insurence will be. It cost me more to insure my Cobra then it does for my three other vehicles combined. Being most people lease or finance today the insurence combined with the car payments is a lot more then most people think. After all, most people think it is just a little bit faster mustang, how expensive could it be?

 

[SVTdriver]

Ford will have to release a higher then 450hp Cobra to go with the less then 450hp one. It would be needed just to compete with the other manufacturers. The Charger, GTO, Corvette, and i'm sure a few others by 2007 will blow away the Cobra if they don't, they won't sell many at all. I know if Shelby is involved in the project he won't let that happen. I'm sure we will see a real beast (with the Shelby name on it), just like the SVT guys said when they released the Mustang Cobra concept to introduce the 2005 stang. It won't be an average Cobra I think though, it would be a collectors car like an R, however no matter what, they need to release something close to 500hp be it the regular Cobra or a limited edition or else they will have a real tough time trying to sell Cobra's. Remember, 2007 is 2 years away, 500hp won't be as amazing a number as it sounds by them.


By the way, it isn't like 2003/2004 cobra mustangs are just sitting in the lot by the ton. It took me a year for my dealer to find my Cobra, compared to Corvettes and GTO's there is barely any Cobras sitting in lots. There just happens to be so many used for sale because people buy them without checking on what their insurence will be. It cost me more to insure my Cobra then it does for my three other vehicles combined. Being most people lease or finance today the insurence combined with the car payments is a lot more then most people think. After all, most people think it is just a little bit faster mustang, how expensive could it be?

Why do they need to have anything close to 500hp. There is not a lot out that sompetes with it. And it's only speculation that they want to compete with the charger, GTO and corvette. Last article I read it sounded like SVT wants to go after BMW's M series. Which means it doesn't need to worry about any of those others. People will buy the Cobra no matter if it has over 450hp or not. Look at the GTO vs. Mach1. The mach is down on power. But the GTO is such a pig that it makes it a close race.
As for Cobra's sitting on lots. There are several around me. Most dealers don't have used ones. They are all new. The used ones are the ones that are selling. Since you can get in them cheaper.

 

[Rootus]

The Charger, GTO, Corvette, and i'm sure a few others by 2007 will blow away the Cobra if they don't, they won't sell many at all.

The Charger is getting a 340 bhp Hemi. The GTO and Vette 400 bhp. None one of those will "blow away" a current bone stock Cobra. And all Ford would have to do is keep the current setup and put a better filter and cat-back, and the Cobra would walk all of the above cars. Despite rumors, I think it's likely the next Cobra will have a drivetrain strikingly similar to the current one. I wouldn't complain about a 5.4L, but frankly I'd be a bit surprised to see them actually do it.

they need to release something close to 500hp be it the regular Cobra or a limited edition or else they will have a real tough time trying to sell Cobra's.

Not at all. What they need is a solid 400-450 horsepower Cobra, that handles every bit as good as it accelerates, and looks good. The only reason the current Cobra is still on the lots is A) Ford made a buttload of them, and B) a lot of people are holding out to see what the new Mustang is like.

Remember, 2007 is 2 years away, 500hp won't be as amazing a number as it sounds by them.

Yes it will. The horsepower wars will not go on indefinitely, I think we're very close to seeing everything level off -- suspension and tire technology is very good, but a 500 horsepower car is still dangerous.

Dave

 

[02LS1]

Anyway, That means there is a large chance we will see a 500hp special edition of the Cobra inbetween the base SVT cobra/Shelby mustang and the Shelby Cobra/GR-1, which would be priced less then the new 500hp Z06 and around the same price as the 500hp GTO Judge. Now, being Shelby's first mustang with Ford was called a GT350, for Shelbys first mustang back with Ford it would make sense that it will be called a GT350. (which is supported by what I heard and read from many sources) This makes perfect sense if they are using the GT350 name for the base Cobra, as the GT500 name would a logical choice for a special edition 500hp Cobra (Special edition like previous Cobra R's were). It might even be called a GT500R in keeping with previous high performance racing Cobra's using the R designation in the past. That I can't tell you, but I can tell you with almost 100% certanty we will see a 500hp or close to it mustang unless something major happens (gas prices, new emmissions laws, ect).

If Ford does happen to build a 500+hp Cobra...it's pretty obvious that it'd be a special edition/limited production car. However, I'd be willing to bet that they would be priced considerably higher than the C6 Z06, which is supposed to around $60k. Remember the '00 Cobra R was limited to 300 cars and only made 385hp ("track ready" though)...and that was, IIRC, around $55k MSRP. On top of its already kinda high price (for a Mustang), people were buying them for over $100k because it was a very limited run Mustang. So...IMO, MSRP on a new "Cobra R" (or whatever they may call it) would be quite a bit more than the '00 R and you sure as hell wouldn't be able to buy one for MSRP.

 

[CarrollShelby]

Well... That's the white car with blue Shelby stripe!

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=18927

 

[billfisher]

i have heard they are considering a 6.2 litre stroked 5.4 3v.


keeps costs down and makes HP.

 

[351CJ]

i have heard they are considering a 6.2 litre stroked 5.4 3v.


keeps costs down and makes HP.

What are you doing trying to do, set the record for resurecting the oldest topic ever?

It is impossible to stroke a 5.4 to 6.2L. At 4.17", the 5.4 already has the longest stroke ever used by Ford in a passenger car / light truck engine. Yes longer stroke that Ford's last long stroke dog engine, the 400 and longer than the low reving 428. Going to 6.2L with the same bore as the 5.4 would require a 4.76" stroke which is insanely long for a V engine.

Also increasing the stroke doesn't always result in more HP. Should get more torqe but with that long a stroke it would be seriously RPM challlenged. Besides limiting RPM due to high piston speeds and the mass from those super long rods, the small bore of the 5.4 limits valve size which restricts how much air you can get into the cyliners.

 

[ADRENLN]

yea, i dont think they will make the cobra compete hp wise with the ford gt (super car). that dont really make sence. didnt they just test the new cobra in motortrend or somthing. it wasnt all that impressive from what i saw.

 

[TGJ]

That looks like the car on the 2005 FRPP catalog, which I also understand was the race car that was winning a bunch of races for ford with the 5L cammer. I don't think that is the GT350 or whatever the new Cobra will be badged.

 

[DarkFireGT]

Holy crap. And out of the depths, he ressurects.

 

[SVTdriver]

Wow this thread died a long time ago. And is now brought back with info that has been shown false. I think we should add to it.

I heard the car was going to have IRS and an F1 transmission.

Ok who's going to add to it next?

 

[DarkFireGT]

i heard it's also going to have a blowj@b button.