Just figured I'd let you guys know that it is being widely reported that Evan Smith of Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords magazine has been spotted at Englishtown's Raceway Park racing a 2003 Cobra SEVERAL times.

Here's the deal:

He ran a best of 12.4 @ 113 mph bone stock and the factory radials.

He ran a 12.05 @ 117 with a smaller blower pulley and the airbox silencer removed. This run was also with the factory radials.

Wow, this Cobra is gonna be a serious contender. We're talking Corvette Z06 territory!

 

Hollllyyy Cow!!! 12s? WOW!

Obviously this is not 390HP at all. This is at least 440HP. What do you think Tom?

 

 

Let me say that one more time:

WOW!

 

What part did you not understand? The "W" or the "OW" ?

Hehehe... Sorry budd... I had to.

 

Well, from what I've heard, there were several '03 Cobras that have already been put on a dyno, including the Cobra that MM&FF has possession of....

And they claim that it makes more than 370 HP to the rear wheels, which should equate to about 425-430 HP at the motor.

Looks like Ford definitely UNDERRATED them for 2003!

 

This is going to create a Zoo of Mustangs :shakehd: and I thought there are too many Vetts

 

Yeap! I read that the wanted to name it a flat 400HP but deliverately underated to 390HP due to the fiasco of the 2001 (or was it 2000) Cobra with the 20-30 horses, etc. We all know the story.

Anyway, this time, it looks like they underated the sh!t out of it.

Personally, I dont agree with that one either. Cant Ford just post what the engine makes? Like most other companies?

That shows that they know that their manufacturing cannot meet acceptable standards to be consistent. Which is pretty bad. We all know that Ford is in trouble.

 

Yep, i saw it with my own eyes. He was down up at Englishtown two weeks ago. That is ONE BADASS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hold on guys. The more I think about this, the more outragous it gets (I am not saying I dont believe it, I do). But what kind of OEM tires does that car have on anyway? To get to low 12s with RWD and a ton of torque at low rpms, as I am sure this engine makes since it is big and blown, is not easy with stock tires.

Do any of you know the type of tire we are talking about here?

 

The tires are Goodyear Eagle F1s.

And don't forget the most important part-- Evan Smith is an EXCELLENT driver. He seems to get the best times out of ANY car he drives.

 

Gimme a Z06 over a Cobra anyday. I've never been a fan of Mustangs, especially the styling.


Regardless, a low 12 Cobra is quite impressive. It's about time Ford came up with something to compete with the Corvette. It's just too bad Chevy will drop something in the new Vette to lengthen the gap once again.

 

Yeah it's hard to believe. But trust me they were stock radials and he did run those times!

 

Damn.. that's a smokin ride.

Basically 12 Flat with <$100 in mods on Stock tires...

That thing will be a beast on the streets...

DOM

 

You talkin crazy. Z06 out handles and out brakes the cobra by leaps and bounds. The cobra needs more refinement.

 

Zapata-

I meant in terms of acceleration.

It remains to be seen just how well this Cobra will brake and handle. But I'm sure it wont handle as well as the Vette.

 

Right, that's what i thought you were refering too Just wanted to make sure

 

Too bad it retails for $40K+. Plus its a FORD, who cares. Anyone who pays that much for a FORD is dumb, including my friend.

 

I have yet to see the Car and Driver article, but I have read that the new modifications to the handling on the 2k3 Cobra have done great things to the car ...

 

Actually, the MSRP for a 2003 Cobra is just under $35K. And the only option available is for chromed wheels.

People willing to wait until winter will probably be getting a really good deal on them.

Plus, where else can you get a 400 HP car for under $35K?

 

I would get the cobra. Dont get me wrong but Ford has been good to me and my family. I got an explorer when i was 16 for my bday and had it till the year 2000 to trade in for this car. It was in tip top shape and my dad has been thru 3 Ford trucks. My brother also owns the last breed of the 5.0L which is a 94 or 95 and he loves it to death.

All in All i like ford. nothing wrong with it.