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Maybe this is the reason some of us love the four seasons of Kansas City. The cold short days of January and February make us long for the rebirth of spring. Even if we are not battling the legendary Midwest ice storms or the occasional snow, it's still a season that makes us long for t-shirts and shorts. We want to pull the bikes out, put the top down on the convertible or even take the boat to the lake. Yet all we can do is dream. This is the month to dream. It's a time when boat shows, outdoor shows, RV shows and yes car shows stimulate the imagination. Kansas City's Auto show is not until the first week in March but in the large markets, the glitz and glamour of the auto shows are fueling the dreams of young and old alike. Traditionally these winter events showcase not only the new models but stretch the imagination with "concepts" of what might be. While working drivable vehicles, concept cars are exactly that, they are concepts that cannot be purchased or licensed. Yet the ideas represented stretch performance and design standards. They will not be built in their current form but some concepts undergo relatively few changes before taking on a production life. Automakers keenly watch the public's reaction to these concepts for they often incorporate parts into new or existing models. Chrysler stunned last years Auto Show circuit with the Tomahawk, a 500 horsepower, V-10 motorcycle. While certainly pushing the envelope, and gaining invaluable attention, no one expects Chrysler to get into the motorcycle business. This year Chrysler showed a more realistic but no less outrageous Chrysler ME Four-Twelve Super car. Powered by an 850 horsepower V12, it has the capability of a sub 3 second 0-60 time. While Daimler Chrysler certainly has the ability to bring such a car to the market, unfortunately the project may remain only a dream. Ford however, introduced a Shelby Cobra concept this year designed by the "skunk works" Ford Advanced Product Creation Team and overseen by Carroll Shelby, which is already fully engineered for high speed testing. Unlike most concept cars limited to 15 mph but promising more, this working Cobra can already go from 0-60 in less than four seconds. It just might see production if they can reconcile competing with the exclusive "halo car" position occupied by the Ford GT currently in production. Many enthusiasts consider the 1965 427 Cobra the ultimate street-legal racer. The new Ford Shelby Cobra is a modern day interpretation of that original concept. Powered by an aluminum block V-10, this 6.4 Liter engine pushes out 605 horsepower and 501 ft lbs of torque without the aid of supercharging. Most concepts stretch the imagination into the future, the new concept Ford Shelby Cobra reaches deep into the heritage of Ford performance cars to evoke the future. The Carnivorous grill opening, hood scoop, even the vertical bumper guards recall a raw aggressive attitude distinctively Cobra. Ford calls 2005 the year of the car with a redesigned Mustang and Five Hundred sedan. And while we all can't own a radical new roadster like the Ford Shelby Cobra, it's nice to dream. For unless you first dream, how can you set goals to later accomplish? Ford is on the right track with this dream car.
Ford Shelby Cobra Concept Specifications Vehicle Type
Powertrain and Chassis
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Tires and Wheels
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©2003 - Stan Risener