In the process of developing its fuel-saving EcoBoost technology, Ford has learned a thing or two about optimizing a twin-turbo setup for maximum performance, too. It makes sense, then, that Ford would find a way to add a biturbo setup to its factory-built, turn-key drag racer, the limited-production Mustang Cobra Jet.
Relaunched in 2008, the modern Cobra Jets originally got a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8, but this was swapped for the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 in 2011. Customers can now buy Cobra Jets with or without a supercharger, and it’s likely that the twin-turbo Cobra Jet will join the lineup in the not-too-distant future.
Why turbocharging over supercharging? As Ford explains it, the 2.9-liter supercharger used on the Cobra Jet can rob as much as 100 horsepower from the engine at high boost. Turbos, on the other hand, produce nearly “free” horsepower, but need to be tuned to overcome turbo lag. For the Cobra Jet, Ford is using ball-bearing turbos with low-inertia titanium aluminide turbine wheels for the quickest spool-up.
Ford isn’t releasing performance numbers on the concept Mustang just yet, as it’s still in the developmental stage. Once the setup is optimized for both performance and durability, we’re sure it will be terrorizing dragstrips from coast to coast.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
