2008 Bailey Blade Concept: Heading For Production This Year

The Blade Concept is the work of Nick Bailey who wanted to create an affordable sports car that captures the look and feel of old school automobiles but with today's suspension technology and performance characteristics of a modern sports car. While Bailey checked out several cars when he began designing the Blade Concept, his primary inspiration came from the classic Shelby Cobra.

The Blade was designed using an existing platform from a replica Cobra but with several modifications to accommodate a modern independent front and rear suspension. In the powertrain department Bailey says that the Blade will utilize Roush prepped V8 units delivering 400 to 500 HP. The engine compartment however is designed to accommodate most small block V8s including the newer Ford modular 4.6L unit. According to the 35-year-old designer, the Blade will be available once it has been track tested and performs as expected with all the bugs worked out. His plan is to have it for sale by end of 2008. -Continued

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Who is the Blade's designer?

The Blade idea and design was conceived by Neal Bailey, age 35, in July 2007.

What is the concept behind the Blade?

There were several ideas that went into the Blade Concept. First, I looked at just about every sports car on the road, both old and new to determine a style that would fit in with today's cars. The idea was to incorporate modern and classic styling into a single flowing design. Many days were spent considering cars on the road and sketching ideas that came to me while sitting in traffic. The concept literally started from the ground up. Inspired by the legendary Shelby Cobra, the idea was to have something that had the raw power and look of the classic 60s cars, but with today's suspension technology and performance characteristics of a modern sports car. Once an idea was conceived I designed the concept in CAD.

Many considerations went into the CAD development. The chassis was designed using an existing chassis from a Replica Cobra but with several modifications to accommodate a modern adjustable independent front and rear suspension. After the chassis was designed, work began on the body and the overall look of the car. I wanted to make it sleek, sexy and aggressive. From the very beginning there was one specific goal for this car; that was to make sure that tall people could fit in it comfortably and look good as well. Since I am 6'4" it has always been difficult to fit into small sports cars. And not to mention the ridiculous look of a driver's head peaking over the front windshield. Special precautions were taken to design the car in such a way that anyone who is 6'6", possibly taller can easily fit into the car. I expanded the engine compartment to accommodate most engine and trans combinations, including enough room for big block and modular engines.

What was the inspiration for the Blade?

The primary inspiration for the car has to be attributed to the Classic Shelby Cobra. I have always wanted a Cobra, although it's ironic, that when I finally got a replica of one, I immediately wanted to design and build my own version of a dream car. Although the Cobra was the main inspiration, there were several other car designs that helped me grasp the modern perspective.

Will the Blade be available over seas?

Another key factor for this car beside fitting tall folks... is that we would like to provide the Blade over seas. The car is being developed to accept both left and right hand drive versions. Therefore we are working hard to meet European standards for this type of car.

What's left to do before we see a rolling prototype?

There is still a ways to go. We are in the early stages of constructing the first prototype. Plans are to have it rolling by mid 2008.

When should we see the Blade for sale?

It will be available once the car has been track tested and performs as expected with all the bugs worked out. The plan is to have it for sale by end of 2008.

How much do you expect the car to sell for?

At this time price has not yet been determined... the plan is to make it affordable! We do not plan to sell it for supercar prices, that's for sure. Pricing will be released once it's closer to the molding process, at that point, the cost analysis should be more easily determined.

Link: BaileySpeed

KC-427 Concept To Revive The Legendary Cobra 427

The Maltese designers at “Racer X Design” have presented a series of sketches featuring a modern interpretation of the legendary Cobra 427 that is scheduled to go into production in limited numbers in 2008. According to the Maltese company, the retro-penned KC-427 Concept will be built on a space frame chassis. -Continued after the jump

“We will start collecting information on who might be interested in this car. The first twenty people who show interest will be offered the opportunity to purchase the KC once the cars are ready and be updated regularly with the progress” said Reuben Zammit – Director and Head of design of Racer X.

Citroen C-Crosser Dressed by Cobra

To tune or not to tune….Well, we’re not very fond of the Citroen C-Crosser’s appearance and we’re not sure that Cobra’s accessories do anything to help the situation. In any case, the German tuning firm offers several accessories for the new French SUV like the high-gloss stainless steel front bar, a front guard that allows the fitting of additional high beams which are offered as a ready-to-install kit and a custom-made stainless steel grille molding for the standard front bumper. -Continued after the jump

Additionally, Cobra’s line-up for the Mitsubishi Outlander’s French cousin also includes sill tubes; rub strips to protect all four doors against damage from shopping carts or opening doors and a stainless steel sport exhaust system

Furthermore Cobra fits the new Citroen SUV with light alloy wheels in 16- or 17-inch diameter. The most exclusive version is the two-piece Cobra Grenada II 8Jx17 wheel with tires of the dimension 245/55 R 17.

2008 Ford Falcon GT Cobra & Cobra Ute - 2007 Sydney Show Debut

Ford Australia will resurrect its Cobra name tag at this year’s Sydney International Show (Oct.11) with the presentation of the special edition Falcon GT Cobra and the Falcon Cobra Ute models. Ford says that the limited-edition GT Cobra Sedan and Ute are a celebration of the XC Falcon coupe finishing 1st and 2nd at the 1977 Bathurst 1000 in the hands of Colin Bond and Allan Moffat. -Continued after the jump

Apart from the blue stripes running the length of the cars and the Cobra snake badgetry in and out, the Cobra GT and Ute also feature an updated version of FPV’s (Ford Performance Vehicles) Boss 5.4-litre V8 engine. Output has been enhanced to 302 KW (405Hp) mirroring the capacity of Ford’s small-block V8 engine (302 cubic-inches) and is also exactly double the 151 kW (202Hp) output of the 1978 Cobra’s 4.9-litre V8 engine. Sales are expected to start in the first quarter of 2008 with production being limited to 400 Cobra Sedans and 100 Utes.

Ford Performance Vehicles unveils the Cobra

Sunday, October 7, 2007

The iconic Cobra name has returned to Australian motoring, with Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) today unveiling its new special edition GT Cobra and Cobra Ute.

FPV’s new Cobra range was revealed during a parade lap of Mount Panorama prior to the start of the 2007 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

Thirty years ago the Ford Falcon XC Hardtop staged the now famous 1-2 victory formation at the 1977 Bathurst 1000 race, which led to the release of the limited edition Cobra XC Hardtop the following year.

“The Cobra name invokes passion among motoring enthusiasts, and now 30 years after the famous 1-2 win at Bathurst, the new FPV GT Cobra offers the exclusivity of Cobra ownership to a new generation of car owners,” said FPV General Manager Rod Barrett.

“The new FPV GT Cobra combines the original XC Cobra’s bold styling with the latest in FPV engineering and total performance.”

“While the vehicle’s exterior features the same blue racing stripes and coiled snake emblem that Cobra is famous for, the vehicle will be powered by FPV’s latest high performance Boss 5.4-litre quad-cam 32 valve V8 engine, which now produces 302kW.”

The new Boss 302 engine powering both the sedan and Ute variants produces 302 kW of power and 540 Nm of torque, and is equipped with FPV stainless steel fabricated exhaust manifolds and a high-flow dual exhaust system.

For motoring buffs, 302 was the capacity in cubic inches of Ford’s small-block V8 engine and is also exactly double the 151 kW output of the 1978 Cobra’s 4.9-litre V8 engine.

The GT Cobra has a limited slip differential and is available with either a close ratio six-speed manual transmission with a high torque clutch or the ZF six-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift.

FPV’s innovative R Spec handling package is fitted as standard to the GT Cobra, contributing to the outstanding chassis dynamics of the special edition model.

The white exterior features blue striping across the bonnet, roof and rear deck lid, and is completed by the unique Cobra badge on each front fender and the rear deck lid. The GT Cobra will also include exclusive R Spec badging.

Both variants are fitted with leather seats as standard, with each seat carrying the coiled Cobra snake logo.

The Cobra’s Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 245/35ZR tyres are fitted to special 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with white accents and a machined face finish.

Production will be limited to 400 sedans and 100 Utes, and each vehicle will come with a unique Cobra build badge identity.

The GT Cobra sedan will have a recommended retail price of $65,110*, while the Cobra Ute will be priced at $61,200*.

Boss 302

FPV Programs Manager Paul Cook said the objective of the revised Boss engine specification was to increase the peak power and torque in the mid to upper engine speed range, without affecting vehicle exhaust emissions and urban fuel economy.

“Several changes have resulted in the increased performance, including improvements to the volumetric efficiency of the engine above 3750 rpm,” said Cook.

“This has been achieved by a new inlet and exhaust camshaft profile to increase inlet valve lift and duration, with changes to the valve and valve spring to accommodate the increased valve lift.

The compression ratio has been increased from 10.5:1 to 10.8:1, which has improved combustion efficiency through the scavenging of combustion gas.

The engine calibration has been extensively revised to optimise the engine operating conditions with the new components, while improvements have also been made to improve accelerator response.

The FPV GT Cobra has been optimised to run on 98 RON premium unleaded petrol.

* Pricing excludes dealer delivery and statutory charges

What A Bully: Smart Fortwo by Cobra

We have to admit that if we ever happened to own a Smart Fortwo, equipping it with a bullbar wouldn’t be among our first priorities. Getting rid of that retched semi-automatic gearbox that makes you look like you acquired your driving license a couple of hours ago, maybe, but bullbars, no way. And if a bullbar wasn’t enough already, Cobra also offers a set of rocker panel guards with a tube diameter of 48 mm (0.2-inches) and a rear bumper guard. According to the Cobra, all accessories EU guidelines for pedestrian protection thus meaning that buyers wont have to take their vehicle in for a technical inspection with subsequent amendment of their vehicle registration papers. -Continued after the jump

Peugeot 4007 Customized by Cobra

Cobra didn’t waste any time with Peugeot’s first ever SUV, the 4007, introducing a wide range of accessories. These include a stainless steel front bar with 60mm in tube diameter or alternatively, a high-gloss stainless steel that’s fixed on the lower side of the standard bumper, sill tubes, rub strips on the doors and a roof carrier system with lockable Cobra Technology & Lifestyle cross rails. Furthermore, Cobra offers various light alloy rims in 16- or 17-inch diameter and a stainless steel sport exhaust system. -Press release after the jump

Maximum individuality down to the detail: Cobra Technology & Lifestyle customizes the Peugeot 4007

The new Peugeot 4007 has arrived in the dealers’ showrooms! Cobra Technology & Lifestyle now offers an extensive exclusive program for the first SUV from the French car manufacturer.

To make the front of the newcomer look even more prominently, the renowned off road specialists from Cobra Technology & Lifestyle offer a high-gloss stainless steel front bar with 60 millimeters in tube diameter. Of course this accessory part meets all current EG guidelines for pedestrian protection. The part comes complete with an EG operation certificate, eliminating the need for a technical inspection and for amending the vehicle papers. In addition the front guard allows the fitting of additional high beams which are offered as a ready-to-install kit.

Alternatively the front section can be upgraded visually and functionally with the Cobra Technology & Lifestyle Cityguard^® element made from high-gloss stainless steel which is fixed on the lower side of the standard bumper.

Equally practical and attractive are the Cobra Technology & Lifestyle sill tubes which make entering and exiting the car easier.

Self-adhesive Cobra Technology & Lifestyle rub strips protect all four doors against damage from shopping carts or opening doors.

The standard roof rails of the 4007 can be upgraded to a full-fledged roof carrier system with lockable Cobra Technology & Lifestyle cross rails.

Furthermore Cobra Technology & Lifestyle updates the new Peugeot with attractive light alloy wheels in 16- or 17-inch diameter. The most exclusive version is the two-piece Cobra Grenada II 8Jx17 wheel with tires of the dimension 245/55 R 17.

Sporty engine sound and striking looks with one large oval chrome tailpipe are the main features of the Cobra Technology & Lifestyle stainless steel sport exhaust system which is offered in custom-made versions for the alternatively available gasoline and Diesel engines of the Peugeot 4007.

The high quality of all Cobra Technology & Lifestyle components is documented with a 2 years warranty without mileage limit.

2008 Nissan X-Trail by Cobra N+

German tuner Cobra N+ has launched a new accessories program for Nissan’s second generation X-Trail SUV which was introduced at this year’s Geneva Show in March. Briefly, Cobra N+ accessories for the X-Trail include a stainless-steel front protection guard which meets EU requirements for pedestrian protection, a stainless-steel bumper grille, auxiliary headlights, an aluminum protection plate for the engine, stepboards and a wide variety of custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations with 16-, 17-, 18-, 19- and 20-inch diameters. -Press release and image gallery after the jump

Press Release - COBRA N+ by Cobra Technology & Lifestyle

Attractive Accessories for the new Nissan X-Trail

Attractive customizing for the new Nissan X-Trail: The new accessories concept COBRA N+ from Cobra Technology & Lifestyle makes the updated version of the Japanese SUV even more exclusive and individualized.

The renowned off-road specialist offers stainless-steel front protection elements with EU operating certificate. The engineers and technicians also designed a special version for the new X-Trail. During the required crash test the COBRA N+ front guard mounted on the all-wheel drive car met the strict EU requirements for pedestrian protection. The accessory part was issued an EU general certificate eliminating the need for individual technical inspections and for amending the vehicle documents. Active safety can be further improved with COBRA N+ auxiliary headlights.

The Nissan can be further upgraded with a bumper grille also made from high-gloss stainless steel. The engine protection plate made from aluminium is designed for heavy-duty off-road driving.

The attractive COBRA N+ all-around protection for the X-Trail also includes stainless steel made stepboards for easier entering and exiting of the vehicle. Self-adhesive rub strips protect the four doors against damage from other vehicles or shopping carts.

The COBRA N+ program also offers a large selection of custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations for the 4x4 with 16-, 17-, 18-, 19- and 20-inch diameters. The largest possible version is the Cobra Technology & Lifestyle Sahara multi-spoke wheel in size 8.5Jx20 with tires in size 245/35 R 18.

The COBRA N+ sport rear muffler is available for all gasoline and Diesel versions of the Nissan X-Trail. The performance-optimizing accessory offers a more powerful engine sound plus refined looks with its two chrome tailpipes. Best of all, the muffler offers exceptional quality thanks to it being manufactured from stainless steel.

To separate the trunk from the passenger compartment there is available a solid COBRA N+ partition grille.

A two-year warranty with unlimited kilometers bears witness to the exceptional quality of all COBRA N+ accessories.

Cobra Suzuki SX4

Cobra came out with a couple of “off-road looking” accessories for Suzuki’s compact crossover that include a stainless-steel front guard and sill guards. The German based tuner also offers three different set of alloys for the SX4. Sorry to say this but even with these accessories the SX4 still looks utterly dull. Pity, cause design and limited boot-space apart, it’s a real honest and enjoyable proposition in the compact car segment. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see Cobra's press-release

Press Release: To make the front of the Japanese Cross-Over from compact car and SUV even more striking Cobra Technology & Lifestyle offers a high-gloss stainless-steel front guard with a tube diameter of 60 millimeters. This accessory part successfully passed the crash test which is necessary to meet all current EG guidelines for pedestrian protection. The part, which has flexible mounts and is designed to absorb energy, comes with an EG operation certificate, eliminating the need for a technical inspection and for amending the vehicle papers.

Additionally the Suzuki can be refined with a bumper grate made from high-gloss stainless steel. The exactly fitting and easy-to-mount accessory can be alternatively mounted with or without the Cobra Technology & Lifestyle front guard. The Cobra Technology & Lifestyle 60 millimeter stainless-steel tubular sill guards with integrated step are attractive and practical since they also facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle. They also round out the Off Road look.

The tire/wheel combinations from Cobra Technology & Lifestyle are custom-tailored for all versions of the Suzuki SX4: Altogether there are three different wheel designs in sizes ranging from 7.5Jx16 to 8Jx17. The most exclusive wheel is the multi-piece Cobra Grenada five-spoke wheel in size 8Jx17 with 225/45 R 17 tires.

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COBRA N+ Nissan Note body kit

European tuner Cobra N+ got its hands on all new Nissan Note mini MPV model which gets a dynamic bodykit that includes side skirts, front and rear spoiler, 17’’ alloys etc. Although there is a sporty kit for the suspension and the exhaust pipe, the engine bay remains as is, but I guess that won’t concern the people who will buy this kit.

Press Release

Exterior: A strikingly shaped front spoiler is part of the appearance package as is the front bumper grille made from high-gloss stainless steel. The rear can be refined with a roof spoiler, a rear valance and a chrome trim for the tailgate. Precise-fit side skirts together with chromed mirror covers and chromed moldings for the side direction indicators round out the exterior conversion. The COBRA N+ components don’t just look great; their exceptional quality and precise fit guarantee many years of enjoyment.

Interior: To separate the luggage compartment from the passenger compartment, COBRA N+ provides a custom-made luggage-compartment grille. A multi-piece sun shade for the rear windows is part of the program such as exclusive accessories for the cockpit. The COBRA N+ product lineup ranges from sill plates with illuminated COBRA N+ logo to foot pedals and a shifting knob made from aluminium.

Exhaust: The COBRA N+ sport exhaust with two chrome tailpipes is made from stainless steel and gives the rear a more exciting appearance. But that’s not all: The rear muffler also lends all engine versions a sportier engine sound.

Wheels: The COBRA N+ tire/wheel combinations are custom-tailored for all versions of the Nissan Note: Altogether there are seven different wheel designs in sizes ranging from 7Jx15 to 8Jx17. The most exclusive wheel is the multi-piece Cobra Grenada five-spoke wheel in size 8Jx17 with 205/45 R 17 tires.

Suspension: Specifically calibrated to these tires are the COBRA N+ sport springs, which lower the ride height of the small Japanese by some 30 millimeters. Read more at: www.cobra-sor.com

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