New Ford Cobra...whatta ya think?

[Jamo]

You've seen the pics. Someone suggested a poll. Maybe Ford's watching.

[Chaplin]

Has potential, but needs some retuning. Right now it looks a rebodied Mustang (from the side and rear) with one of those Miata cobra body kits (from the front). Cobras should be curvy and sexy from any angle- this thing looks like a shoebox with the top cut off. I applaud the effort though and hope they don't give up on it.

[maxrpm]

I already passed jugement in shoptalk and don't want to ramble on a second time, someone might jiggle the handle.
(this may actually be classified as a rambling..)

[Brent Mills]

[Jamo]

Thanks for the BIG picture, Brent.

Just noticed those little quickjack/bumperettes notions...

[SPEEDEAMON]

It sure looks better than the Shelby Series 1, but it also needs fine tuning to make it look a little more retro. Right now it looks like its based on the new Mustang.

[Cobra4Me]

well, that's why they are calling them "The Power Trilogy"
The New Mustang, The GT and The New Cobra.
so, expect this one to be built !

here's the unveiling VIDEO:
http://autoshow.msn.com/XML/as/autos...dCobra_300.asx

[Thomas Gayer]

Brent,
is it for real?
absolutely awesome
I want one
Tom

[Doug Axelrod]

First impressions:
Pretty unattractive- none of the voluptuousness of the AC body, a jumbled combination of curve and straightedge.
Interesting that they're applying GT tech to the cobra, historically inverted.
So CS says the key idea is massive motor in a light body. Amazing how much mileage he's gotten from that. He should design bikes.
Pass.

[computerworks]

...spent a lot of time looking at this, and I think I have found out what is visually unappealing about the car ( at least IMHO).

They have lost the "shoulder/hip" classic theme of the original Cobra by flattening the front fender-tops across the hood...and rendering what looks like square doors.

I think the whole look would go a level up if the doors had a slight dip to the rear. (..anyone with Photoshop and some time want to make a 'tweak'?... Buzz?).. and the front fender-tops had some roll to them.

The new mechanics and the rear transmission is appropriate.
The looks are mediocre... too many stylists in Detroit apparently went to the same design school as the Import stylists.

[Lowell W]

This car would be SO cool...if it hadn't already been done better 40 years ago. Talk about a "...something else with a Cobra-shaped body on it". Actually, I like the car, but I think I'd like it a lot better if the designers made it look less like a Cobra and demonstrated a little originality. Not to mention that the Cobra name has been beaten half to death on all sorts of Mustangs already. Do the Ford designers really have so little imagination? Chrysler had the right idea with the Viper: pick a name that's evocative of another hyper-performance automobile and build something modern. Also, I think Ford execs would have to be nuts to sell a (rumored) 600HP little two-seater. I forsee a repeat of the 1960's, where everyone will want to take it for a ride to "see shat she'll do" and car salesmen and potential customers end up wrapped around trees and utility poles.

[computerworks]

Originally posted by Lowell W


Also, I think Ford execs would have to be nuts to sell a (rumored) 600HP little two-seater. I forsee a repeat of the 1960's, where everyone will want to take it for a ride to "see shat she'll do" and car salesmen and potential customers end up wrapped around trees and utility poles.

From the press kit...
Graham Hoare, Director for Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. "... If you can't get in trouble with this kind of power, you're not trying hard enough."

..think the Safety boys at Ford will dress him down on Monday?

[klayfish]

I agree with some of the other comments on the forum that the car looks "disjointed". Seems it can't decide if it wants to be retro or modern. Trying to do both at the same time doesn't seem to work on this car. The curves of the body look very nice, but then the angles of the headlights and other body lines look out of place. It'd have to be a better looker and performer than the Series 1. Not to mention be produced on time, reliable....

Steve

[mj_duell]

Instead of the subtle curves and grace of a woman like the original, it is muscular and geometric. It's mssing a certain rawness. Under a different name I would say I like it. Under the Cobra name, I must say, "Try again". Ford and Shelby seem to be playing dress up and not grasping the true nature of a Cobra. It looks a little like it was built by Nissan maybe. I think more time and design is needed, such as was done with the GT project. Personally, for the money they will want for a completed model, I would buy a Kirkham instead.


--Mike

[Double Venom]

Simple.
Just like our trademark, "Yesterday's Classics- Today's Technology", I like it.

Of course I would like to see a little tweaking on the front corners from the outside of the headlight buckets mating with the fenders.
Maybe eliminate the lower section and just continue the fender so it's a one piece design. But, that may but be possible and still meet "crash test" specifics.

DV...Wouldn't it be nice if Ford would allow us to show off the proto type at the Fling IV?

[computerworks]

Originally posted by Double Venom


Wouldn't it be nice if Ford would allow us to show off the proto type at the Fling IV?

..get your "dibs" in quickly.. I would bet that the car is at the SAAC Nationals in Michigan (July 4th weekend)

[Ron61]

I like most of what I see in Brent's picture but there will always be a few things that some of us won't like, just like on our regualr cars. Has anyone even heard of a suggested price on these if they do build them?

Ron

[casaleenie]

A pretty car, very nice in it's own right... but not as the new Cobra.
But I'm sure it would become a classic....

[Dior55]

Fugly!!!!

Looks like the offspring of a Cobra and a Ricer!!!

[GOCATS]

Has anyone read what type of suspension setup and rear drive setup to handle the 600hp? Details!Details!