Nevertheless, these dimensions share little in common with either the GT or the original Cobra. Power to weight ratio is what the Cobra was all about. With that in mind Ford capped the weight of the project at just below 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs), not as light as the old '60s car but remember there's that other side of the equation to factor in.
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| Unlike the classic V8 Cobra, the concept sports a 605-hp 6.4 liter V10 between the front fenders. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
The balancing factor would be power! Under the bulged and ventilated hood lies the second most powerful engine to be displayed at the Detroit show. Hard-core Shelby fans are likely to wail and complain about the engine configuration though, as it's neither 427 cubic inches nor a V8. Ford has stepped up to the plate going further than they have possibly ever imagined by cramming a 6.4 liter V10 between the front fenders. The dual overhead camshaft forty valve engine puts out a whopping 605 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque. What's more astonishing is that Ford managed to do this without artificial aspiration, so there's no supercharger or turbo forcing air in or sucking waste out. Maximum torque, which alone ought to be enough to seriously show up highly modified tractors at pulling competitions, is developed at 5,500 rpm. That's quite a bit more power and torque than the original, making up for the new cars weight gain substantially. The clean engine bay has been finished in aluminum, matching the block and cylinder heads. It's also decorated with a sliding plate throttle.
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| Keeping with the basics, the Cobra concept is equipped with a Ricardo 6-speed manual gearbox; no fancy paddles or hydraulic assistances here. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Although the Shelby Cobra Concept has the power and the torque to move mountains, it wouldn't matter if it couldn't be put to the ground. Ford has ensured that via a tough and capable Ricardo 6-speed manual gearbox. It's a traditional manual too, with a clutch pedal and no paddles or hydraulic assistances.