Ford’s latest limited 50-car run is on its way as their 2016 Cobra Jet Mustang drag racer gets ready for NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition.

Revealed at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, this new Cobra Jet shares as much as 75% production engine parts with the factory standard Mustang GT (5.0 liter supercharged engine included), while still being able to call itself a genuine 8-second car when it comes to doing 1/4 mile runs. So safe to say that, thanks to Ford, this year’s SEMA show just got a heck of a lot faster.

The inception of Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang program dates back to 1968, though in modern times, we’ve seen 50-car runs in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Like its predecessors, the 2016 model is also an instant collectible, and somewhat customer friendly – available in Oxford White or Deep Impact Blue (25 units each).

It’s not every day people get to choose how well their factory-built Hot Rod Association-legal looks, is it?

“It was important to use production hardware wherever possible to ensure parts are readily available and reasonably priced for racers,” argued Jesse Kershaw, Ford Performance manager. “The production parts are also incredibly durable in passing our rigorous dyno and drag strip testing.”

To put things into perspective, as an 8-second car the 2016 Cobra Jet Mustang is on par with your “run of the mill” 2,000 HP Underground Racing Twin Turbo Gallardo, and that’s pretty rarefied air.

Compared to the regular Mustang GT, the 2016 Cobra Jet features some pretty big enhancements, such as race-specific coil-over shocks and springs, lightweight racing brakes, 8.50-certified roll cage, Aeromotive fuel system with a trunk-mounted fuel cell, Corbeau FIA seats, five-point race harnesses and race-prepped automatic transmission.

The engine uses an electric water pump borrowed from the Ford C-MAX Hybrid, which allows cool-down even when the engine itself isn’t running, resulting in more consistent power unit temperature management.

Production of the new Cobra Jet Mustang has already started in Michigan at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant, while deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2016. The MSRP for the base 2016 Cobra Jet is $99,990, whereas the graphics option and the wheelie bar cost $1,995 apiece.

If you’re thinking about getting one, keep in mind that Ford is selling it as a performance part (without a VIN), meaning you have to submit a placeholder order for part number ‘M-FR500-CJ’ through any North American Ford dealer.

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