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The Ford Mustang Cobra Jet was produced in 2008 and again in 2010, and due to its popular demand, the turn-key drag car will apparently return for the 2012 model year. Ford has yet to officially divulge details for the hopped-up Mustang, but a Puerto Rican dealer has published what appear to be legitimate specifications for the new model. 

Like previous iterations of the purpose-built drag racer, Ford starts with a base Mustang V-6 coupe, before stripping it of the six-cylinder engine, and virtually any part or subsystem that isn't mandated by the NHRA. After that, the company raids its production and racing parts bins, bolting on a number of go-fast goodies designed to help the Mustang gallop down the quarter mile.

For 2012, the Cobra Jet appears to retain a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 underhood, although the leaked information alleges the engine -- now blessed with an aluminum block, Manley H-beam rods, and a double-keyed crankshaft snout -- puts down roughly 430 horsepower. Not enough to suit your need for speed? The Super Cobra Jet package -- which may command a $9995 premium -- will also return, mating a larger supercharger to the 5.4-liter. If these documents are to be believed, the extra boost allows the engine to crank out over 500 horsepower.

Regardless of the engine package selected, all Cobra Jets will channel power through a three-speed automatic transmission and a 4.29:1 ratio rear axle from Strange Engineering. New features for 2012 include Weld Racing wheels, Cobra Jet-branded drag radial tires from Goodyear, low-drag brakes, and a fully adjustable suspension (much like that found on the Boss 302). An NHRA-certified roll cage is also fitted, and the gutted interior is said to meet NHRA Stock Eliminator class guidelines from the get go.

Buyers will be able to select one of three colors (red, white, or blue, appropriately enough), but can also spring for a $1995 graphics kit that adds snake side graphics, 5.4 Cobra Jet lettering on the hood dome, a Ford Racing windshield header decal, and other custom touches.

Ford hasn't commented on production or pricing, other than noting on its official Ford Racing Parts webpage that dealers are currently taking reservations for the 2012 Cobra Jet, which is officially referred to as the M-FR500-CJ. We wouldn't be surprised if Ford limits production to 50 cars -- as has previously been the case in both 2008 and 2010 -- and prices the complete package in the neighborhood of $80,000.

2010 model shown

Source: Micasaford.com, Mustangs Daily

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