in , , , ,

FORD’S LATEST DRAG RACER IS AN ELECTRIC MUSTANG

The Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 Is Ford Charting New Waters

Electric Mustang Cobra Jet
Ford

How does completing the quarter-mile in the low-eight second range at 170 mph sound? As it turns out, almost silent if you’re asking Ford. The Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 has 1400 all-electric horsepower and 1,100 lb-ft of torque, and Ford says it’s even faster than its gas powered brother. Although its a one-off prototype, this electric Mustang dragster could push things into uncharted territory for Ford Performance.

To compare, the supercharged 5.2 liter V8 gas powered Cobra Jet finishes the quarter mile mid-eight second range at 150 miles per hour, around a half second and 20 mph behind this new electric Mustang dragster. Powertrain specifics and a theoretical price of the electric Cobra Jet were not immediately disclosed.

While this vehicle is indeed a demonstration of engineering prowess, it’s likely that one could own and operate a small fleet of standard Cobra Jet Mustangs, which were priced at $130,000 in 2018 when new, for the equivalent cost and pricing of this electric version.

The Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 is the latest edition to a growing electric Mustang family. The Mustang Mach-E all electric SUV created uproar with purist after its debut last year. Then there was the Mustang Lithium, an EV muscle car concept for SEMA. So it’s not that surprising to see Ford bring out another electric addition to the Mustang family, especially as a drag racer where instant torque is so effective.

Ford Performance teamed up with MLe Racecars to design, build, integrate and tune the Mustang Jet 1400. Watson Engineering provided hassis support and development, as well as the roll cage. AEM EV provided software, motor calibration and controls. And Cascadia supplied the electric motor and inverter units.

Bill Ford Jr. already hinted at a production Mustang coupe powered by batteries, so Rushbrook could be hinting Ford Performance will have some involvement with that car. Although, they’re not the first to do so.

In 2018, Chevrolet revealed the eCOPO Camaro at the SEMA Show that year. It wasn’t exactly met with open arms from the Camaro faithful, who, as with most muscle car buyers, take electrification as a threat to their V8 engines. The eCOPO Camaro was put up for auction last year, which finished as a no-sale. Make of that what you will.

Chevrolet has also teased what may be an electric Camaro, so there is a possibility of new wave of electric muscle cars coming our way. And while they may seem foreign, the original blueprint of a muscle car was powerful, heavy and fast in a straight line. Electric cars behave similarly, but are absent of the drama and raw connection that can be found with an internal combustion engine.

Ford Performance is planning a public debut of the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 later this year at a drag racing event where fans, media and competitors alike will get to meet the race car, as well as witness a demonstration of its capabilities. The coronavirus pandemic is likely putting the timing of this in a state of flux. The electric Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 will otherwise show itself off on Sunday, April 26 on “Hard Cell,” a show about electric vehicles on MotorTrend On Demand.

Written by Sam Krahn

Sam graduated with a communications Degree from Wayne State University, where he was also a member of the swim team. He's interested to see how new technology will affect the American performance vehicle landscape.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2021 Cadillac Escalade Platinum

2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ORDER BOOKS ARE OPEN

Ford F-250 Tremor

2020 FORD F-250 TREMOR QUARTER-MILE TIME TESTED