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Mystery Ford Debut Planned For 2018 Woodward Dream Cruise

Even though the Shelby GT500 is the hottest Ford on the horizon, the Blue Oval won’t reveal it at the 2018 Woodward Dream Cruise. The 2020 Ford Explorer isn’t likely to make an appearance either, so what’s up with the “production vehicle announcement” confirmed for August 16th at 10:00 in the morning?
Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 13 photos
Photo: Ford
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Based on the timing and previous reports on future Ford products, the mystery debut might be the Cobra Jet teased back in April 2018. If not, then chances are the Boss 302 will come back with track-focused performance and Shelby GT350-inspired technology.

The Cobra Jet celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018, leading us to believe that Ford won’t miss the opportunity to present the newcomer in front of a Mustang-centric crowd. Expected to run the quarter-mile in just around 8.5 seconds, the Cobra Jet takes its mojo from a supercharged V8 displacing 5.2 liters.

When it was teased, Ford confirmed that the Cobra Jet would be produced in a limited run. 68 examples of the breed will ever be made, equipped with an NHRA-spec roll cage, coil-over suspension tuned for drag racing, and a 9-inch solid rear axle to keep things under control.

“From the very first Mustang Cobra Jets dominating the 1968 NHRA Winternationals to our modern-day Cobra Jet racers, the Ford Performance Parts team continues to build the Cobra Jet brand based on its success at the track over five decades,” declared Eric Cin, director of Ford Performance Parts.

Last, but certainly not least, Ford confirmed that it would present the Cobra Jet “this summer.” The middle of August certainly fits the bill, and for this reason as well, we’re keeping our fingers crossed our guesstimate will turn out to be true.

Also at the 2018 Woodward Dream Cruise, the Ford Motor Company will bring the 10,000,000th Mustang ever made, Bullitt special edition, and Eagle Squadron Mustang GT. On Saturday, Ford “expects as many as 1,000 Mustangs lined up for nearly a mile” as part of the 20th anniversary of Mustang Alley.
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Editor's note: NASCAR Mustang pictured in the gallery.

About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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