01
How to start it
Step on the brake, press the engine start button on the console or steering column; wait for the cluster to confirm ready before shifting out of P.
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Shelby
Cobra 289
The Shelby Cobra 289 — a hypercar from Shelby. Specs below are inferred from category norms; verify against the research links for exact MY figures.
0–60 mph
16s
Top speed
189 mph
Horsepower
425
Base price
$2.50M
Research links
01 / Trims
Choose a trim · 3 available
Tap a trim to see specs, drivetrain, weight and a maintenance schedule tailored to that build.
Trim
View →Cobra 289 Base
$2.50M
Entry trim of the Cobra 289 — The Shelby Cobra 289 — a hypercar from Shelby. Specs below are inferred from category norms; verify against the research links for exact MY figures.
0–60
16s
Top
189
HP
425
Engine: 7.0L NA Ford 427 V8
Drive: RWD
Trans: 8-speed automatic
Weight: 3,200 lbs
Trim
View →Cobra 289 Premium
$2.80M
Premium trim — upgraded leather, premium audio, larger wheels, driver-assist suite.
0–60
16s
Top
189
HP
425
Engine: 7.0L NA Ford 427 V8
Drive: RWD
Trans: 8-speed automatic
Weight: 3,260 lbs
Trim
View →Cobra 289 Track Pack
$3.05M
Track-focused pack — carbon aero, stickier tires, larger brakes, lighter wheels.
0–60
16s
Top
189
HP
425
Engine: 7.0L NA Ford 427 V8 (track-tuned)
Drive: RWD
Trans: 8-speed automatic
Weight: 3,120 lbs
02 / Mechanical
What's inside, mechanically
Engine / Powerplant
7.0L NA Ford 427 V8
Peak Horsepower
425 hp
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Curb Weight
3,200 lbs
Power-to-Weight
0.133 hp/lb · 8 lb per hp
Body structure
Carbon-fiber monocoque
Suspension
Double-wishbone front / multi-link rear with adaptive dampers
Braking
Carbon-ceramic discs, 6-piston front calipers
03 / Features
What this car offers
Safety & driver assistance
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Traction control
- Multi-stage front and side airbags
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Backup camera
- Carbon-fiber safety cell
Performance hardware
- Lightweight performance brake package
- Manual throttle and clutch control
- Passive performance suspension
- Mechanical limited-slip differential
- No launch control or selectable drive modes
Cabin & technology
- Analog instrument cluster
- Premium leather upholstery
- Physical audio and climate controls
- Period-correct factory audio
- Mechanical key and immobilizer
- No factory smartphone mirroring or remote software updates
Safety rating
4/ 5
Value score
7.5/ 10
Performance, build, and ownership-cost composite.
04 / Configurator
Build your own version
Common factory packages and option groups for this segment, scaled to the model's base MSRP tier.
Exposed carbon-fiber package
Visible carbon body and aero pieces.
+$37,500
Carbon-ceramic brakes upgrade
Track-grade rotors with reduced fade.
+$20,000
Track / aero performance pack
Splitter, wing and floor for added downforce.
+$30,000
Premium / bespoke paint
Hand-applied paint or signature factory color.
+$10,000
Forged lightweight wheels
Reduced unsprung mass for sharper turn-in.
+$15,000
Extended leather / Alcantara package
Premium materials throughout the cabin.
+$12,500
Reference audio upgrade
High-output reference-grade speaker system.
+$7,500
Technology / driver-assist pack
Adaptive cruise, parking assist, surround cameras.
+$8,800
05 / Owner's walkthrough
How to live with it
Practical guide for everything a new owner asks on day one — starting the car, gear selector, drive modes, infotainment, driver aids, and easy-to-miss features.
02
Where the gear selector is (and how to use it)
Console-mounted shifter with R-N-D-S notches; paddles behind the wheel for manual gear control.
03
Drive modes
There are no selectable drive modes. The throttle, clutch, steering, and brakes are entirely mechanical, so the car responds identically every time.
04
Instruments
Analog gauges only — large central tachometer flanked by speedometer, oil-pressure, water-temp, fuel, and ammeter. No digital displays, no warning-message screens.
05
Infotainment & voice control
Period-correct audio is an AM/FM radio (cassette on later cars). No central screen, no nav, no Bluetooth, no smartphone integration of any kind — anything modern was added aftermarket.
06
Driver assistance
Electronic driver assistance is either absent or extremely limited by modern standards. Do not expect adaptive cruise, lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, surround cameras, or stability-control intervention; leave extra space and warm the tires before driving quickly.
07
Fueling
Premium unleaded (91 or 93 octane) is required on Shelby performance models — the engine timing is set for it and lower octane causes audible knock and reduced power. Fuel-cap release is a button on the driver door panel; the cap is capless (just push the nozzle in).
08
Keys
Cut metal key in the ignition cylinder. No remote, no fob, no rolling-code security; treat the key like any 1960s-1970s car.
09
First-week tips & easy-to-miss features
A few things every new owner tells us they wish they'd known on day one:
- Always use the front-axle lift before driveways and speed bumps — it stores the lift point in GPS so the car raises automatically next time.
- Warm tires and oil for at least 8–10 minutes before using Race / Track mode; cold rubber on this much power is the #1 cause of off-throttle spins.
- Download the brand app (Manufacturer app) and pair it with your VIN before your first long trip — remote climate, charging/fuel-level checks, and remote lock-status save you walking back to the garage in winter.
06 / Maintenance
Keep it running for the long haul
Without verified trim specs we use the universal long-life schedule — works for virtually any modern road car. Cross-check against your owner's manual for engine-specific items.
| Interval | Task | Why it matters | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly | Cold tire pressure check | Set to door-jamb spec when tires are cold. Underinflation kills sidewalls and fuel/range economy; overinflation reduces grip. | High |
| Weekly | Visual walk-around | Check for fluid spots on the ground, tire condition, light operation, and any new noises before driving off. | Recommended |
| Monthly | Fluid level audit | Open the hood: check engine oil (where dipstick exists), coolant overflow level, brake fluid, washer fluid, power steering (if hydraulic). | High |
| Monthly | Wash + interior vacuum | Salt, road tar and bird droppings etch paint and clearcoat. Use pH-neutral car shampoo, two-bucket method. | Recommended |
| Every 6 months | Wax / ceramic top-up | Paint protection prevents oxidation. Spray-on ceramic boosters extend a base coat for 6–9 months. | Recommended |
| Every 12 months | Wiper blades + washer fluid | Replace both blades; switch to winter blades + de-icer fluid in cold climates. | Recommended |
| Every 12 months | 12V auxiliary battery test | Load-test the 12V battery — even EVs have one, and a weak 12V causes the most no-starts on modern cars. | High |
| Every 24 months | Brake fluid moisture test | Test with a refractometer or strips. >2% water content = flush. Hygroscopic fluid corrodes ABS modulators. | Critical |
| Every 24 months | Alignment check | Even a curb hit can throw alignment off. Mis-alignment burns through $1k+ tire sets quickly. | High |
| Every 7,500 mi / 12 months | Full-synthetic oil + filter | OEM-spec viscosity and filter. | Critical |
| Every 30,000 mi | Transmission fluid service | Honor TIME not just mileage; 'lifetime' is marketing. | High |
| Every 60,000 mi | Coolant flush + spark plugs | Use OEM-spec coolant only. | High |
| Every 100,000 mi | Timing belt (if equipped) + water pump | Non-negotiable on interference designs. | Critical |
Longevity tips
- Follow the time interval, not just mileage — fluids degrade by age alone.
- Wash + wax 2–4× per year; treat undercarriage in winter to prevent rust.
- Address small issues immediately (squeaks, warning lights, fluid spots).
- Use OEM-spec parts and fluids.
- Keep a service log — boosts resale value and catches missed intervals.