Ford Tierra Autos

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Since its legendary introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph that has carried through the decades.

In 2008, Ford Racing unveiled the 40th Anniversary Cobra Jet Mustang, which promptly lived up to the legend of the original version, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in its inaugural race.

The subsequent 2010 Cobra Jet, built on the 2010 Mustang platform, has been setting class records and is competitive at drag strips across the country.

Today, Ford Racing unveiled the 2012 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando, Fla., and announced the intention to build 50 turn-key 2012 CJ’s. For the first time the Cobra Jet will be available in three color options—Race Red, Grabber Blue and Winner White—and coordinated graphics.

“Ford Racing is proud to build the 2012 Cobra Jet and continue the tradition of delivering turn-key competitive race cars to Ford drag racing enthusiasts,” said George Goddu, Business Manager Ford Racing Performance Group. “With every Cobra Jet build we strive to carry the spirit of the original Cobra Jet while developing the next generation of drag racing icon. The enthusiast who races the 2012 Cobra Jet can be competitive at virtually any event, from their local track up through NHRA Stock or Super Stock classes.”

For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 and 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang added to that legacy with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous Stock and Super Stock class records across the country.

The goal for the 2012 Cobra Jet is to build a turn-key race car ready to take its own place in NHRA history. The same as its predecessors in 2008 and 2010 it’s a factory-built race car intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing that can also be campaigned in other racing sanctioning bodies such as NMRA, NMCA, PSCA and IHRA. The 2012 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2010 car including a full race-prepared automatic transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromotive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.

For 2012, the Cobra Jet features a 5.4L supercharged engine based on the 2011 SVT Mustang with two supercharger options, a 2.3 liter TVS unit or a 4.0 liter Ford Racing Whipple supercharger. Each vehicle has an aluminum block engine, standard automatic transmission, double keyed crankshaft, Manley H-beam connecting rods, low-drag racing brakes and optimized spring rates for the front and rear. Additionally the Cobra Jet will feature black anodized Cobra Jet wheels from Weld Racing and a new compound tire with unique Cobra Jet branding from Goodyear.

The same as Ford Racing’s Mustang FR500S and the 2010 Cobra Jet, this ready to race Mustang will get its start at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. in the first quarter of 2011. The entire 50-car run of 2012 Cobra Jets will be built on the same production line that produces the 2012 Ford Mustang production car.

The MSRP for the M-FR500-CJ is $91,900 with a fully loaded Cobra Jet priced at $103,980.

For racers who want to build their own cars, there is a Mustang Competition Roller based on the Cobra Jet that is serialized and complete, minus the power train. The third option would be to start with a Mustang Body-In-White or a donor car since nearly all of the CJ components can be found in the Ford Performance Parts catalog found online at fordracingparts.com.

The limited production 2012 Cobra Jet Mustang is available on a first come order, first delivered basis through Ford dealers.

The first Mustang was produced in 1964 and the model quickly became an American classic. The 1966 Ford Mustang was tweaked very slightly from the original model, not very much however. One of the most notable changes was the addition of the stylish “floating horse” emblem placed upon the front grille. Other style changes were made as well like a new gas cap, embellished rocker panel pieces, and hood lip accents. Also noticeable were the different features between GT and standard edition models which were very similar in appearance before the 66′ model year. Overall Ford made the original pony car like its predecessors with more than ample power.

The most common engine found on a 1966 Ford Mustang is a 6 cylinder with 200 cubic inches. A three speed manual transmission was the standard equipment for all models. There is also a “Cruise O Matic” automatic transmission that was offered as well. A special “K” model was produced which was offered with the automatic transmission for the first time. Also available for the 66′ Stang is a V8 engine which could be turbocharged on upper level trim packages. Perhaps the most important aspect of the Mustang throughout the years is the fact that it offered owners a very powerful power train at an affordable price.

Both Coupe and Convertible body styles were offered for this model year along with a few special edition trim packages. The trim packages offered include the I-6 coupe, V-8 Coupe, I-6 Convertible, V-8 Convertible, I-6 Fastback, V-8 Fastback, and the GT 350 Fastback. There isn’t a lot different as far as interior accessories between these models. The main aspect which differentiates the trim packages is the type of engine offered along with a particular body style. These original Mustangs didn’t have a lot of extra amenities, but most cars of the day lacked the modern features we take for granted.

A new instrument cluster had been introduced as well for the 1966 Ford Mustang. The manufacturer believed that the redesign would make the car easier for drivers to manipulate while driving. New backup lights have been added as well for both style and functionality. The side scoops were made with chrome unlike previous years and had 3 separate splits for wind. For its day the 1966 Mustang was one of the most stylish vehicles available and also offered a great deal of what were the most modern features any car could be equipped with.

The Mustang has always been known for its reliability and relative safety. Being made of solid material and superior materials it gives drivers and passengers a great chance of escaping serious injury in car crashes. Both frontal and side impact crashes for modern models are scored high, and older generation models like the 66′ were very similar. Fuel economy was actually rather decent as well for a car with that much power with an average consumption of 20 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.

There is no wonder why the 1966 Ford Mustang was one of the most popular cars of its day, and remains very popular with the car enthusiast of today. People who are looking for a piece of American history that want a pony car that is relatively easy to find parts for and restore must consider one of these classics cars. It is very difficult to say that there is another older car that is more rewarding to own and fun to drive.

Perhaps the most prolific compact pickup truck is the infamous Ford Ranger. First produced in 1984 these trucks didn’t take long to become the most popular vehicle ever from the segment they belong to. Ford boasts that they have sold more of these pickups than any other manufacturer over its 30 year history. One of the most amazing facts is that not much has really been changed in regards to body styling and power trains over their long history either. The 1994 Ford Ranger looks very similar to the original model with a few curves added to make it appear a little more modern.

The quality engineering that Ford put into making the original 84′ Ranger was very impressive and the pickup remains one of the most trusted and reliable offered from any manufacturer. Competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, and Chevy S10 try to emulate the success of the Ranger yet cost more and still haven’t obtained the same level of popularity. Another great highlight of these vehicles is the fact that they a plethora of body styles, power trains, and accessories available which make them highly customizable. As long as you don’t need a full size pickup for hauling and towing extreme loads it seems as though there must be a Ranger model available to fit anybody’s needs.

Under the hood there a few different options for consumers to choose from. The smaller engine is a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder, next there is a 3.0 liter V6 and finally the largest engine is a 4.0 liter V6. Most of the basic trim packages that are only 2 wheel drive come equipped with the 4 cylinder engine. Most mid-level trim packages that have either 2 or 4 wheel drive are offered with the 3.0 liter V6. Upper level packages and the special themed Fx4 and Sport models come with the larger V6 engine as standard equipment. The standard transmission for a 1994 Ford Ranger is a 5 speed manual with a 4 speed automatic offered for an additional price. The 4.0 liter V6 engines are only offered with the automatic transmission.

Trim packages available include the XL, XLT, Sport and Fx4. The basic XL package doesn’t come with a lot of accessories but is still a more than capable truck. Expect an XL to not have power windows or locks, a tilt steering wheel, no AC, and manually adjustable driver and passenger seats. XLT models offer owners a lot more in terms of refinement. Offered for these models are a better selection of interior fabrics, AC, power windows, and many additional items. Sport models come with a specially tweaked suspension and the larger V6 engine for optimal highway performance. Fx4 models have raised bodies, custom Bilstein shocks, and can be outfitted with many accessories.

Fuel economy ranges from very nice on some models, to a little less than expected on others. The 2.3 liter 4 cylinder gives the best overall mileage with numbers in the mid to high 20 mpg range. The larger V6 however is only able to offer mileage a little better than most V6 equipped full size pickups. Overall the Ranger is a very impressive truck in terms of capabilities but doesn’t offer a lot in terms of interior refinement. Buyers looking for a reliable compact pickup with a history of quality engineering seriously need to consider a Ranger.