I don't know about that....we've read the Powerlease info that says the Cobra will be reintroduced as an 07. And that's just one of a few sources confirming that.

 

Isn't speculation fun?!

I want an SE or Cobra. My biggest problem isn't the wait, it's not knowing how long I have to wait! I'm trying to save my pennies, and keep thinking about 450HP and a shaker hood scoop, but if I have to wait until 07 then I want to know so I can reconsider the 05-1/2 GT vert.

 

Ok....to clarify. The rumor I heard was...the '07 Cobra isn't actually an '07 Cobra. My understanding is...Job 1 is scheduled for March of '06, effectively making the new SVT model an '06 1/2. I don't know if that means that they may be calling it '06....or if they are going to make it '07. That is what I am trying to confirm or negate. I just want my car, with all the kinks worked out, ASAP. You know........it is hard holding out when I have been waiting almost two years for this new body...only to find out the Cobra is going to be a delayed release.

 

I called SVT a few months ago. They said Mid '06 for Job 1 and call it an '07. Much like they did with the '03 Cobra (early summer '02 release). From what they said, expect the Cobra on the lots in June/July '06.

 

Ok....so.....if that is the case.....when should I be able to order the Cobra? A year out? or six months? or now?

 

I don't know.

You could probably get a dealer to take your money, but, I doubt Ford will be accepting orders until 3 or 4 months before job 1

 

the Z06 doesn't come out until late '06, the Cobra is sure to be fast on its heels...

 

yep, and the Z06 is supposed to have 500Hp. so i imagine the cobra will be faily close to that in actual numbers. but ford probably wont rate it at 500 for insurance reasons. i wouldnt be surprised to see a real SE with close to the 05 vette numbers for acceleration. MT had 4.6 0-60 and 12.7 for 1320. i would expect atleast that and more from the SE version

 

I'm suspecting the 3 valve SC 4.6 425hp in the SE and 3 valve 5.4 SC 500 hp in the Cobra. Prices of the SE will be low-mid $30,000.00 and Cobra in the upper $30k to mid $40k (after the 6 months price gouging dealers will put on these cars making them impossible for the avg. person to purchase).

 

Well, since we are speculating, i will too.

I would love to see a SC 3 valve 4.6 in a SE, but 425hp is very unlikely. They rated the current Cobra's 4 valve SC engine at 390hp. So, most likely a 3 valve motor would be rated around 375-385hp. Which would be perfectly fine, because if it is built for boost like the Cobra's motor, then big horsepower gains are just a chip and pulley swap away.

Now, the next Cobra will likely have somewhere between 450hp and 500hp. Let's call it 475hp to be safe. Ford is unlikely to call it 500hp. They have enjoyed under-rating their performance numbers lately. That way, they can sneak up on unsuspecting competitors' products. The motor will most likely be a slightly de-tuned version of the Ford GT's 5.4 SC 4 valve motor.

That would give Ford a Mustang lineup of the V6 - 200hp, GT - 300hp, SE - 375hp, Cobra - 475hp. Sounds about right to me. I'm ready for that SE already.

 

I agree about the SE having 350-375hp and being C5 fast. However, I wonder if Ford (if they bring out an SE before the Cobra) will throw a shaker and tweak the 4.6L 3-valve to make 330-340hp as sort of a quick SE.

The more powerful SE's may come after they release the Cobra since I'm sure Ford is intent on getting it right....especially if its an M3/C6 Z06 fighter.

On a side note, with 9 supposed variations, they will probably be bringing SOMETHING out in the next year