Wanna Bet: Ford Rumored To Debut New Cobra or Boss Mustang Next Week
Key Points
- Ford is expected to reveal two new Ford Racing models at the Detroit Auto Show, with strong rumors pointing to a high-performance Mustang variant.
- The Mustang Cobra name appears well positioned for a comeback as a successor to the outgoing GT500, especially following Ford’s recent performance-brand restructuring.
- While the Boss name has also been mentioned, its naturally aspirated, track-focused role may overlap with the existing Dark Horse, making a Cobra-style model the more likely addition.
According to an unconfirmed report from The Supercar Blog, Ford plans to unveil two new Ford Racing models at the Detroit Auto Show next week, with at least one of them rumored to be a Mustang wearing either the Cobra or Boss name.
The timing is at least accurate, as Ford has already confirmed its annual Ford Racing Season Launch will take place during the show, alongside the reveal of Red Bull’s new 2026 Formula 1 liveries.
Parsing fact from fiction is complicated by the Blue Oval's recent rebrand, which rolled Ford Performance into the broader Ford Racing banner. That banner now covers everything from factory-backed motorsports programs to roadgoing performance cars, making it harder to tell whether talk of a “Cobra” points to a production Mustang or a new drag racing Cobra Jet variant.
There hasn't been a new combustion-powered Cobra Jet for almost a decade now.
The Cobra name sat at the top of the Mustang hierarchy through the 1990s and early 2000s, with the Mustang Cobra R appearing in 1993, 1995, and 2000.
Before the Shelby name officially returned for the S197 GT500, both the Boss and Mach 1 names had taken turns at the top of the Mustang food chain at various points. The Boss 302 and Boss 429 were offered in the late '60s and early '70s as homologation specials for Trans-Am and NASCAR racing. The Boss 302 name was later resurrected in 2012-2013 for the road-going car, and again in 2013-2014 for the Boss 302S/R race cars.
Ford sold Mach 1 Mustangs from 1969 through 1978, along with a brief comeback in 2003-2004, and most recently from 2021 through 2023. The Mach 1 name isn't expected to return anytime soon. Currently—not counting the GTD—the Dark Horse is king of the Mustang performance castle.
For now, Ford has only confirmed that at least one new road-going performance vehicle will be revealed under the Ford Racing banner. Whether that turns out to be a Cobra, a Boss, or something else entirely will become clear in about a week's time. Stay tuned to AutoGuide for all the sights and sounds from the 2026 Detroit Auto Show, where we'll have boots on the ground bringing you the latest and greatest live from the show.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
More by Michael Accardi
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