New Ford/Shelby Cobra design

Buzz · #1 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 12:04 AM

I posted on another thread that I can't wait to see the new Cobra concept sketches so that we can see what direction Ford wants to take. Then I did some thinking. What group has the greatest collective interest, enthusiasm, knowledge and stake in Cobras? We do. Who is better qualified than the largest group of Cobra and Cobra replica enthusiasts to decide what a modern interpretation of that car should be?
Here is my initial sketch based on my own thoughts along with a list of "musts" to ensure that the new car is a fitting and worthy successor to the original legacy. Please add yours. Lets see if we can reach a consensus on what a new Cobra should be.

MUSTS:
Wheelbase +/- 100"
Minimalist approach to creature comforts.
High power to weight ratio (must be better than Z06 & Viper)
Irs
Alloy coachwork
Analog gauges.
Manual trans
427 cu. in. V8
2 seats.
Side exhausts ( heavily shielded)
Retractable roll bars.
Large oval front cooling intake.
Open roadster - no targa bar.
Chrome windshield frame and light surrounds.
Huge brakes.
Please add or delete as you choose.
Where are we going with this? I dunno but if I was Ford, I would take notice. No one knows or cares more about Cobras than us.
Here's my sketch. Please criticize. Be ruthless.

decooney · #2 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 12:12 AM

All I know is the tires better be wider than the new Viper, even if it's just by one milimeter. It better have a least one V8 horsepower more than the Viper V10. It better sit lower than a Viper. It sure as hell cannot sound anything like a Viper! It better exude the total and complete MuscleCar image in every way. And best yet, it must be at least 2mph faster than a Viper in every way!

When you first see it, it must project an image and feeling that makes you say "Wow, now that is one bad A$$ Cobra".

To Ford - if you are listening to us:
Do your homework on this one for sure. This is not a T-Bird type project. For starters...Go drive a BMW Z8, then make it better, faster, cost less, and meaner. Get your best of the best on this project. If you don't have the best, hire them and put them on this project. No cuttin' corners on this one. Here is your chance, and we are really watching this time.

Buzz · #3 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 12:28 AM

Absolutely affirmative on all points, Duane. A watered down ripoff on the Cobra name will not cut it. It needs to be an a$$ kicking bully that is loud, proud to be called Cobra and takes no prisoners. This has got to be done right if it's gonna be done at all.

GeorgiaSnake · #4 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 07:02 AM

Hey Buzz not bad I kinda like it

Randy

OZCOBRA · #5 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 07:23 AM

BUZZ. SWEEEEEET I want it!!!!!!! I'm in, but a single seater so there's no *****'in bout the steering wheel being on the wrong side of the car!!

Then it would be classed as a real super car!!....OZ

Buzz · #6 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 07:29 AM

Revised list of musts:
MUSTS:
Wheelbase +/- 100"
Minimalist approach to creature comforts.
High power to weight ratio (must be better than Z06 & Viper)
Irs
Alloy coachwork
Analog gauges.
Manual trans
427 cu. in. V8
2 seats.
Side exhausts ( heavily shielded)
Retractable roll bars.
Large oval front cooling intake.
Open roadster - no targa bar.
Chrome windshield frame and light surrounds.
Huge brakes.
LeMans style fuel cap
Optional hardtop
Retractable rear spoiler (??)
Droopy butt

Buzz · #7 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 07:32 AM

Hey OZ, we could make it a 3 seater and put the wheel in the middle like the McLaren F1.

Buzz · #8 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 07:34 AM

Oops! hardtop pic didn't load. Here goes..

Mark IV · #9 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 09:19 AM

I vote for a "perky butt"!!!!

I would bet that the direct Shelby input to the car will be limited his signing the endorsment check.....

I also question if this will really go anywhere. I would think Ford has spent the "promotional" budget on the Ford GT. I would not expect the "Cobra" to go anywhere until the GT production is done. And given Ford's current stock price I think they will have a hard time getting the board to approve anything like this, that is a product that does not have a quick economic return. I don't think the board will be able to justify it to the shareholders when the company is bleeding red ink.

JMHO but I am always right! Just ask my wife!

Rick

BT SNAKE · #10 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 09:28 AM

Those are pretty neat Buzz, what program are you using to create those images?

Hersh

Jahred · #11 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 09:42 AM

Buzz........fabulous artwork. I agree.....it needs a buttlift though......the rear end on the 427 has awfully nice shape as is.....rounder and a bit higher. Looks like you've given front end aerodynamics some attention..........

Did Ford actually announce they were considering an update of a real (non-stang) Cobra????? Any links?

REAL 1 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 10:49 AM

I agree. Butt lift. Then it should be awesome. Mail it to Ford and Shelby.

What about a updated version of the Daytona Coupe? That may be something to think about.

rdorman · #13 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 11:07 AM

Good stuff!!

It is going to need a butt lift to help with aerodynamics but it definiatly needs to stay away from the squared off look. The rear spoiler could retract? For you 911 purist, this is not one!

How about the hard or soft top retracts into the truck and the body work covers it?

Make the snout small enough, and the side extractors large enough. Route all air from the radiator (or two) out the sides.

Make sure that hood scoop is functional!

Got to rake the windshield back, twin hoops and designed to cut down buffeting.

How about ABS and active suspension with a couple of switches to turn them off any time you want?

Wider track with less difference than in track from front to rear.

Good seats. Adjustable peddles. NO BUMPERS, hide them beind the front and rear facia.

DON'T make it another Series 1!

MAKE IT MEAN........ but drivable

Just some thoughts

Rick

KobraKarl · #14 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 11:07 AM

Hey, Buzz

I like it "as is" , Howbout an elevated optional rear spoiler?

Sizzler · #15 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 11:18 AM

Looks like an old Jag 120 or 150 to me.
Speaking of which, isn't the new XKR, all alloy body, what you're hankering for? Maybe not the 427, but the same HP as the original 427 sideoiler. The rear seat's a joke so you could disregard it. Slap a cobra emblem on it and there you go, the new "Ford" cobra. No need for Shelby, and British car-based to boot.

Personally, I don't like your design, if you're truly looking for opinions here. Just weird. Just me I guess judging by the other responses.

I like what Ford's designers did with the new Mustang, I hope the same one's are let loose on the Cobra design, if indeed, it's coming.

As for parameters? I think it needs to compete with the 'vette to get the "us vs them" rivalry back. The Viper is at too high a price-point. The T-Bird, if you look at it sideways with your eyes sort of scrunched, looks like a Cobra...punch it up engine-wise and get the Mustang's designers to rework it and it would fit the bill pretty closely.

jamesson · #16 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 11:51 AM

I agree with Evan,

I foresee a Daytona coupe in the makings.

Cheers
Jim

B. SMITH · #17 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 03:01 PM

WOW,,,,, A GREAT LOOK.......

HOW ABOUT A RETRACTABLE HARDTOP, AC AND UP-DOWN DOOR WINDOWS? EXTRA WEIGHT IS OK WITH VIPER-LIKE 500 HP....

B. SMITH

Edley Rondinone · #18 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 03:15 PM

JMHO: Perk up the butt. Make top of doors level, not sloping to the rear. Maybe round, sealed-beam type headlights. Xenon is OK. Rectangle taillights. Priced competitive with Corvette, maybe split difference between Corvette/Viper.

BANDIT 1 · #19 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 04:43 PM

Let's call it a 2005 514 S/C Cobra.

Engine: 514 c.i supercharged Big Block (remember, the Viper is already 505 c.i.).
Transmission: 6-speed

Buzz · #20 (**permalink**) 05-29-2003, 06:44 PM

Great input, guys! It seems that there is a majority opinion that the butt needs to be perked up a bit. Will do. the sketches are created in Adobe Illustrator and converted to Photoshop for touching up and saving as a JPG file for posting.
Revised list of musts:
MUSTS:
Wheelbase +/- 100"
Minimalist approach to creature comforts.
High power to weight ratio (must be better than Z06 & Viper)
Irs
Alloy coachwork
Analog gauges.
Manual trans
427 cu. in. V8
2 seats.
Side exhausts ( heavily shielded)
Retractable roll bars.
Large oval front cooling intake.
Open roadster - no targa bar.
Chrome windshield frame and light surrounds.
Huge brakes.
LeMans style fuel cap
Optional hardtop
Retractable rear spoiler (??)
Not so droopy butt
Roll-up windows
Retactable soft top hidden under bodywork. (Manual or power?)
Selective ABS
Selective traction control
Price point below Viper (may be a tall order)

Remember, the Cobra should be a relatively small, light car with an awesome power to weight ratio. It must be a contender for the 0-100-0 dash right out of the box as opposed to an overweight luxo-cruiser.

I will incorporate the physical changes into the design tomorrow and post for feedback. I will also begin work on the Daytona Coupe version.
What about a "small block roadster" model with underbody exhausts and a supercharged V6?