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Ford Shelby Cobra Concept
The Ford
Shelby Cobra concept car has
signaled in grand style the return of the partnership between Ford
Motor Company and Carroll Shelby. With a lightweight minimalist
body (3,200 lbs.) and interior and a large 6.4 liter all-aluminum
V-10 engine, the Ford Shelby Cobra 2-seater concept provides excellent
power-to-weight ratio.
The design
and emotional intent of the Ford Shelby Cobra concept was to both
modernize it while likening it to the Cobras of the 1960's. Unlike
the current round of supercars with mid-engine oomph, the Ford Shelby
Cobra concept vehicle places its 605 hp DOHC engine underneath the
front hood. The massive engine also cranks out 501 ft. lbs. of torque
without turbocharging or supercharging and has the expected 0 -
60 mph acceleration of under 4.0 seconds.
In designing
the Ford Shelby Cobra concept, the engineering team referred heavily
to the Ford GT production car, including advanced aluminum chassis,
suspension and frame. The Ford Shelby Cobra concept differs significantly
from the GT, though in that it is 2-feet shorter and has no roof,
side windows or even a radio.
Designed as
a minimalist roadster with a huge engine and grand styling, the
Ford Shelby Cobra concept was built in just 5 months by a highly-focused
team of engineers. Though this vehicle was built for speed, passenger
comfort was also taken into account. The Ford Shelby Cobra concept
can seat two-full size adults comfortably with more legroom than
a Ford Crown Victoria sedan.
The public
outcry for a production version of the Ford Shelby Cobra concept
vehicle has been fantastic. When pressed for an answer of whether
or not the Shelby Cobra will ever see the light at the end of the
showroom, Ford gives the definitive answer of "maybe".
Even so, if the public is vocal enough about this car, Ford would
be hard pressed to keep it out of eager consumer hands. Stay tuned
to see how this one unfolds.
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