The electric Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is more powerful and lighter than ever, as the US car-maker attempts to beat its own drag racing records.
Ford Performance has unveiled the Mustang ‘Cobra Jet 1800’, an updated version of its record-setting electric drag car which the US car giant claims will be even faster than its predecessor.
The first electric Mustang drag car – named the Cobra Jet 1400 – was revealed by Ford Performance in September 2020, with its four 350kW electric motors delivering more than 1100kW to its rear wheels.
In 2021, the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 set an official National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) record for electric vehicles by completing a 400-metre run down the drag strip in 8.128 seconds – about 1.6 seconds faster than a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport W16, one of the world’s fastest road cars.
However, Ford has now upped the ante with a power boost and weight reduction for the electric dragster.
According to a media statement from Ford, the Mustang Cobra Jet 1800 uses the same inverters and electric motors as before, though it now produces more than 1340kW – an increase of almost 250kW.
A lighter battery system and a new transmission are two of the factors behind the power increase, while a revised rear suspension setup and wider tyres will help the electric Mustang to put its power down on the road.
Ford Performance global director, Mark Rushbrook, claims “hundreds of pounds in weight” have been removed from the updated Cobra Jet 1800, which, combined with the power boost, points towards a faster time down the drag strip.
“Drag racing remains a key proving ground for our products and technology, and we’re excited to not only try to best our own record in the quarter-mile, but to further showcase ongoing development we continue to make across the entire electric vehicle landscape,” Mr Rushbrook said in a media statement.
On top of its ambition to beat the Cobra Jet 1400’s 400-metre drag time, Ford is also targeting the NHRA’s electric-car records for 0 to 60mph (98km/h) acceleration times with the new 1800.
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