that's a photoshop and I believe a lot of the information from that site is from Steve's source:

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=10660
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=10791

The article itself I don't know where its from, but saw it here awhile ago.

 

i just noticed that in the small print in the january 2005 edition of motortrend mag on page 18 bottom paragraph says that the next cobra will be 5.4 s/c with 500hp
as the goal and other interesting tidbits. sorry if this is a repost,i looked but didnt see anything. also sorry but i am at work with no way to scan and post it. i know that they are not the most reliable source of info but it sure looks good in writing. also mentioned it being an 06 model. again, i will believe it when i see it.

 

Glad I could help with those articles. Like the rest I can't wait to see what the next Cobra will bring. I've already started saving for mine. I really like the silver Topnotch chop with the Saleen wheels, F-150-ish headlights and foglights in the traditional location. Regardless of how close we are with our best guesses, I know it will be one awesome car! And the best Mustang or Cobra yet!

 

EDIT: Looks like someone already beat me to the punch, at least I wasn't lying :
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=14427

I just read the most recent issue of MotorTrend too (Feb. issue?). Sorry I don't have it here at work to scan or quote, but here are some of the highlights I remember:

Name: Shelby Mustang Cobra
Engine: S/C 5.4 essentially the same motor from the GT w/ 550 hp. SVT wants to target the Corvette Z06.
Rear: NO IRS!! Test showed the IRS setup only marginally increased torsional rigidity. The new frame is substantialy stiffer (saved Ford $40-70 Million in development costs).
The exterior looked little changed. Photo had White body w/ blue stripes, no pony on the grill, same fog light locations, even the rear wing was the same. More aggressive front facia, subtle hood scoop, and (looked to be) functional rear brake vents. Exhaust exits in front of rear wheels.

It was a neat article! Did anyone else see it yet?

 

I ain't buying it. No way Ford will go from a $30K GT to a $70K Shelby with nothing in-between.

There has to be a 400+ bhp Mustang in the Ford stable priced around $42K, unless they plan to scrap the "SVT Cobra" and fill that market with a powerful Mach 1 or Boss.

But it's too big of an enthusiast market share to write off - and most of those enthusiasts ain't gonna spend $70K for a Stang. The Shelby is for the elite Mustang buyer who wants a piece of history and probably plans on garaging it most of the time anyway due to the collectible value it's sure to have as the years go by - especially after Carol Shelby passes on.

 

I totally agree. Even if the Shelby is $50K, they are still pricing themselves out of the market that buys Cobras. So i expect to see a Shelby MUstang Cobra and a Regular SVT Mustang COBRA. Sounds funny but it's possible that the SHELBY version will be an UPGRADED Cobra. Just like the Cobra is an Upgraded Mustang.

 

The engine in the Ford GT is a 4V DOHC, rather than a 3V SOHC. I wonder how that is reconciled between what was printed in the insider info from Steve, the SVT Enthusiast magazine article and the Motor Trend article?

Anyone?

 

I just went through these 9 pages of posts and didnt see these, got these from another guy who posted them on another site so if its a repost they are posted in the wrong section and thread!:

Old pic from MT I know:


Interesting info from March 05's edition:




Again take it for what it is, it is out of MT after all but it nice to atleast see someone with some sort of info that is being printed.

 

Just a little thought here... take it as you will:

For all of you die-hard SVT cobra fans out there, remember this: The snake would not have shown up on a mustang if it weren't Carol Shelby's symbol. If you all will walk with me down memory lane for a moment:

First cobra to be built - 1965 Shelby GT350 (Cobra).
This is the steering wheel emblem from that car:


So to all of you who believe that the cobra is an SVT original, I say look to your past to realize that the snake is ALWAYS synonymous with Shelby. YES, the new SVT's are cobras, but look at it this way...

Up until '05, the mustang was a futuristic looking car with hints of the classics. The '05 COMPLETELY harkens back to vintage mustangs. It conjurs up images of 68 Shelbys. IF Ford wanted to keep with the retro theme, what would keep them from giving Shelby his cobra back and simply having SVT build something else? SVT is a subset of Ford, and as such, SVT could easilly take on any of the Ford owned nameplates.

Additionally, SVT could be issued a NEW nameplate that is entirely different. This may not be the case at all, but it certainly makes sense if you think about it. Ford returns the Cobra to its roots. We see a Shelby Mustang Cobra (or a Shelby GT350/500 with the snake badges), and SVT gets another nameplate.

In terms of where a Shelby model will fit in, I have no idea, but I can speculate based on the history of the mustang. Shelby was hired originally to give a secretary's car some cajhones. He took the car and made it race ready. They stepped that down slightly (GT 350R turned into GT350), and put it on the streets.

His were the first High performance models. I would say that Shelby gets top honors (because I doubt his stuborn behind would take less), and SVT picks up something more like the BOSS nameplate. Shinoda and Ford are always back and forth on who owns it, but I wouldn't discount Ford attempting to revive that as their own. I believe Team Shinoda has told us (Right here on these forums) that they can't put the classic BOSS decals on the 05 Shinoda because Ford owns the rights.

What's more... Ford has demonstrated the classic BOSS scheme on the Grand Am 05 Mustang (the orange one). I think SVT will get that BOSS style and we'll see the return of it with SVT (I envision hints of the GTR showing up). I kind of like that as well because the BOSS 429 was the baddest Mo Fo in the yard. So you might even see the Cobra name plate take a step down BELOW the BOSS which really had bragging rights back in the day anyways.

Those are my thoughts. Do with them what you will. Just remember that the Mustang is RICH in history. This retro car will draw many people to learn about the history, and Ford would be foolish not to attempt to tap into that and fine tune the new legacy using the old heritage.

 

I am all for Mustang history. I think Ford should remember that. That is why I welcome a Shelby version. If that version ends up being a $60k+ car, then great, Ford has done Mustangs a favor. We can't all afford one, but, those lucky few that will have something very special. I hope it is under $50k, then I will buy one. If not, I'll buy whatever is in that range and it will still be a special car.

I don't really care what the name is. It would be cool to own a Shelby or Boss or whatever, but, that isn't why I am buying it. I am buying because it is the most performance I can buy at my price range.

What I think would be cool: Call the Cobra R level the GT 500, the Cobra level car the GT350. put the 5.4 in both. detune the 350 a little. Call both motors Cobra Jet. Put Shelby's name on them with an SVT badge on the back.

Don't kill SVT. In a few years, the Shelby needs to be discontinued and replaced with another hi-po car. These cars need limited runs to retain their specialness. SVT needs to be in charge of controlling and developing those special Mustangs and other cars.

Like it or not, Ford needs to look to the future. That means the Rice minded teenagers are going to want to buy smaller, more agile cars. So, the Focus and others will need to stay attractive to those buyers.

 

I'm just suprised that with the unveiling of the new Cobra in less than 2 months, there hasn't been any picture leaks of it of any kind. Unless I've missed something in the last day or two. I just hope it doesn't look like the black photo shop that's been floating around. That thing looks terrieble. It looks like a Mad Max version of a Mustang that I don't like one bit.

 

I called SVTa while back to ask them about NYIAS. they said they were going to make an announcement and were not sure if they were going to have something to show. It almost sounded like they were working on something, but, did not know if they would meet the deadline (of course, me reading into the conversation).

 

http://www.svt.ford.com/home.asp

this website from ford SVT clearly states that there will be a new mustang cobra from SVT. first listen to the car barking in obviously second and third!!!! and then click on the link to the SVT newsroom for this.

As the Ford Special Vehicle Team closes the door on 2004 model-year sales, it now turns its full attention to the work of bringing to market an all-new generation of high-performance Ford vehicles, beginning with the next SVT Mustang Cobra.
http://www.svt.ford.com/newsRoom.asp


Sorry if this is a re-post
Dave

 

I'll bet 20 bucks I know EXACTLY what's going to happen here - and it's plainly right in front of us.

Here's what's happening, IMHO:

There will only be ONE Cobra, and yes, SVT is building it. They will not put their name on it, instead - in keeping with the new Stang's retro theme - it will be called the Shelby Cobra. But SVT will most definitely build it, because who else within Ford could possibly handle putting that supercharged 5.4 liter engine (that SVT designed and used in the GT) into a Cobra, but SVT? Carol Shelby will doubtless work with SVT in a limited aesthetic and technical capacity, but his biggest contribution will be his name.

Today's marketplace - and Ford's fiscal situation - can't tolerate more than one "Cobra" in the Mustang lineup. There's just no business case for it.

I also think that this new Cobra will move up-market a little from the past models - not to the reported $100K (that's too much for ANY Mustang; it becomes a low selling niche car at that point), but probably up to somewhere between $60-70K.

Now, for those of you saying: "Yeah, but what about those of us who want a high performance Stang like the old 390 hp Fox Cobra's?! What are WE supposed to do?"

Well, I bet I can tell you!

The SE models will step in to fill that void. For about the same price - or a little less - than the outgoing Cobra, the new Mach 1 or Boss (or equivalents) will probably offer in the neighborhood of 370 - 400 hp for those who want significantly more power than the GT...but who can't afford $60-70K or don't need 550 hp. These new models won't be QUITE as powerful as the outgoing Cobra, but the new chassis will provide handling and design dynamics that should offset any power reductions. These new high performance SE models will sell in the $35-45K range, effectively replacing the outgoing Cobra in this performance segment. This also enables Ford to do something they couldn't do with the previous Cobra: Change the name every few years and introduce new models in that SAME price/performance range. In other words, every couple of years, you make some cosmetic and minor performance modifications (Mach 1 to Boss, for example) and then you have a new refreshed "collectible" model - which also excites the public and keeps them wanting more.

And as the years go by, you keep refining and slightly increasing the power of the GT, too.

But the Shelby remains the pinnacle car for the most "elite" Mustang buyers who can afford M3s and M5s.

So the breakdown will be something like this:

V6: 210 hp
GT: 300 hp
Mach 1 / Boss / Other SEs: 370-400 hp
Shelby Cobra (built by SVT): 550 hp

The above makes the most sense based upon all the information I've seen up to this point, and from a business case standpoint given today's global automobile marketplace.

I'll bet I'm darn close to the target here...

 

WHOEVER ATTENDS.... Please bring a good camera. Some of us are too far away to see this show, but very, very interested.

Thanks in advance...

 

Robert,

I think your analysis makes sense and could be very close to the mark. The pricing is probably what's most up for grabs, depending on projected volumes, AAI's production capabilites, and the engine they settle on for the SVT model ($39,000 for a supercharged 5.4L DOHC V8 from the Ford GT is a LARGE sum).

When I toured Shelby's facility last November in Las Vegas, it did not seem like they would be able to take Mustangs from Ford, modify them, and then send them on to dealers. They were mainly making the fiberglass body styles of the continuation Cobra roadsters. With the limited production staff they had, I could easily see Ford be the primary engineering and manufacturing company, partnering with Shelby for input on the car's specs and legitimizing the branding. The '05 Mustang they had there was in a disassembled state, but there did not appear to be lot of active work on it back then. The tour guide said they were going to submit a proposal to Ford for consideration, based on a list of what they would like to see in a Shelby Mustang. I took from that conversation that Ford would engineer and manufacture a Shelby-named car.

If you look at the approach to create the 2004 Shelby Roadster Concept (documented in a Discovery Channel special), this kind of arrangment was in play. Shelby consulted and gave feedback, Ford did the engineering and construction.

This would be a win-win for both Ford and Shelby's collaboration - SVT remains the purveyor of the highest performing Mustang, Shelby lends the marketing advantage to increase the car's perceived exclusivity as top-of-the-line Mustang. For the rest of us, a special edition Mustang using other heritage nameplates would be the next best thing while being a step up from the GT in performance.

I only hope that the special edition Mustang has a naturally aspirated 5.4L 3-valve V8 with sufficient power and low-end torque, priced in the low 30s (the lower, the better).

 

How wrong you all are. Wish as you may, SVT is not giving up the Cobra nameplate, nor are they going to have Shelby attach his name to the next SVT Mustang Cobra. This I,ve been told in a conversation I had with the folks within SVT. It was very strongly stated with my conversation that SVT has to much invested in the Cobra name and while Shelby is going to have his own Mustang, much like a Saleen or Roush most of the work will be done by Ford with minimal involvement from SVT. Also while not getting them to fully confirm the form of motovation in the next SVT Cobra. They did strongly say that it would be a waste of time, money and development not to seriously consider the power plant that was developed for the now on hold next SVT Lightning.

 

I hope you are right. This coincides with what SVT says when you call them. The guy I talked to said "As of Right now, we are still working on the Cobra." I didn't like the "as of right now", but, it sounded like the Cobra was still in the works. he also said "we will be making an announcement at NYIAS, but, not sure we are going to have something to show" I am concerned about the "announcement" It could be hints at the next Cobra, announcing a deal with Shelby, the death of the Cobra or who knows what.

All I know is it is stressing me out. I passed on the Terminator Cobras because I thought this next one was going to be special. I sure hope there is one to buy.

 

[
I hope you are right. This coincides with what SVT says when you call them. The guy I talked to said "As of Right now, we are still working on the Cobra." I didn't like the "as of right now", but, it sounded like the Cobra was still in the works. he also said "we will be making an announcement at NYIAS, but, not sure we are going to have something to show" I am concerned about the "announcement" It could be hints at the next Cobra, announcing a deal with Shelby, the death of the Cobra or who knows what.

All I know is it is stressing me out. I passed on the Terminator Cobras because I thought this next one was going to be special. I sure hope there is one to buy.
[/quote]

No need to be stressed. There will be a SVT Cobra Mustang and it will be out late spring of 2006 as a 2007, just like the 2003s came out in 2002. Just hang in there good things are on the horizon.

 

No need to be stressed. There will be a SVT Cobra Mustang and it will be out late spring of 2006 as a 2007, just like the 2003s came out in 2002. Just hang in there good things are on the horizon.
[/quote]
That is what I am counting on. I have been a Mustang man since the late '70s when my brother had a '70 Mach 1. I can't see me driving any other muscle car. I like the Vette, M3 or even a used Viper or 911 Turbo, but, My heart has always been in Mustangs. This will be my 3rd and I plan to keep it until I am old.