The new Ford Shelby Cobra Concept represents the next step in the evolution of Ford’s concept vehicles, boasting an eye-catching design and impressive performance statistics. Thanks to its high-quality engineering features, which allow the Cobra Concept to be as efficient and agile as a sports car, the model is already close to production standard.
In designing the Cobra Concept, the Ford-Shelby team drew inspiration from the Ford GT production model, maximising efficiency through the borrowed suspension and space frame. Despite the differing dimensions and characters of the two cars, the engineers were able to adapt the rear-mid engine setup from the Ford GT to the Cobra Concept’s front-mid engine platform.
The major inspiration behind the Cobra Concept is the famous Cobra 427, and Ford engineers manufactured a new aluminium-block V10 engine for the latest Cobra incarnation. With a displacement of 6.4 litres, the Ford MOD family engine delivers the raw power associated with the 1960s classic. The Cobra Concept achieves figures of 605 bhp and 501 lb/ft of torque without supercharging or turbocharging.
The juxtaposition of sheer brute force and precise engineering has resulted in an auto show rarity – a concept vehicle which is easily capable of achieving its promise of 0-60 mph in less than four seconds, and a top speed which would easily exceed the 100 mph to which the Cobra Concept is electronically limited.
When asked whether a full production version could be expected in the near future, J Mays, group vice president, Design, had this to say: “We'll see. If we get the same overwhelming reaction to the Cobra concept as we did to the GT concept, anything is possible."
Modern design
The Ford Shelby Cobra Concept is primarily a high-performance car, and this raison d’être is reflected in every line and surface.
Richard Hutting, chief designer, explains: "The powertrain, the space frame and the suspension were all key elements in the design, although for the most part, you don’t see them. These established our proportions and naturally led to a race-bred shape that evokes the original Shelby Cobra, without sharing a single dimension or proportion. Just like its underpinnings, this car is thoroughly modern in every way."
Although the design is unmistakeably modern, there remains a certain familiarity about this roadster. Key features, such as the grille opening, vertical bumper bars, the front and rear lamps and the hood scoop, all evoke the connection between the Cobra Concept and Shelby’s original model.
Ford’s involvement in the Cobra Concept program completes their hat trick of high-performance vehicles: the Mustang, the GT40, and now the Shelby Cobra. The Cobra Concept heralds a new age of speed for the world-famous brand.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Sandino for www.sport-cars.org
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