SVTOA Presents -
2003 Mustang Cobra Reveal
It's Tuesday, February 5th 7:02pm at the Arlington Heights Ford Dealership
in Arlington Heights, Illinois. A group of 75-80 people are huddled around a
mass of iron and aluminum covered in a blue tarp. Beneath the tarp lies
a snake whose poisonous venom can sedate even the powerful shriek of a
firebird. As the tarp is removed the 2003 Cobra's definitive muscular
stance is revealed.
The 2003 Cobra is powerful...70 more pounding horsepower than the
previous Cobra to be exact. A more powerful Mustang at an affordable price answers the call from Mustang, SVT, and car enthusiasts worldwide. SVT improved the Cobra with 390hp and 390 ft/lb of torque on
a lightweight price tag of ~$35,000. No other production model Mustang
has been driven off the lot with this much power.
Tom Scarpello, SVT Marketing Director, along with other members of the
Ford SVT gave us the lowdown.
Starting with the engine, the 4.6L DOHC engine has been redesigned with
the only carry-over from the previous Cobra power plant being the
crankshaft itself. The block is cast-iron with new Manley forged H-beam
connecting rods and forged pistons, similar to those found in the SVT
Lightning. The flywheel is a lightweight aluminum unit that is similar
to the 2000 SVT Cobra R. On top of the engine lays newly designed
aluminum heads specifically made to compliment the boost and higher
flow. The intake has an integrated water-to-air intercooler to increase
the effectiveness of the Eaton Roots-type supercharger's 8psi of boost.
The engine is rated to produce 390hp at 6,000rpm and 390 ft/lbs of
torque at 3,500rpm in comparison with the 2001 Cobra's 320hp at 6,000rpm
and 317 ft/lbs of torque at 4,750rpm.
The engine is married to a TTC T-56 6-Speed manual transmission with an
aluminum driveshaft fitted with upgraded universal joints behind it. The
rear end now contains a much-desired 3.55:1 gear ratio.
The independent rear suspension received upgraded bushings and an
additional tubular cross-brace to maximize stability under heavy
loading. The coupe gets higher rated springs of 600 lb/in in front and
600 lb/in in the rear. Ford also has designed the convertible with its
own suspension tuning of 500 lb/in front springs and 470 lb/in rear
springs. All four corners receive Bilstein dampers and the rear brake
pads have been upgraded with new material.
The exterior and interior of the Cobra receive new treatment including:
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New front fascia
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Functional dual vent-scoop hood
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Reshaped rocker panels
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Color-keyed foldaway outside mirrors
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Integrated spoiler in the rear deck
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Lightweight composite construction of the hood and rear deck
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New high-quality sound insulating cloth on the convertible top
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New front bucket seats with power adjustable thigh and side bolsters and
power lumbar
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Titanium-color gauge faces including a boost gauge and
electroluminescent lighting
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Metal-trimmed pedals
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9" wide wheels wrapped in 275 rubber
As someone said at the presentation, "I pity the SS driver who mistakes
this snake for an older model". Ford has really made an effort to give
the buyers something they want. You spoke, they listened, and now we
have the ability to drive a 390hp Mustang off the lot and all for approximately
$35,000.
After I was thoroughly impressed
with the reveal and presentation by the SVTOA I was getting ready to
leave and I happened to see them drive the Cobra out of the building. As
they turned onto the street, with barely a grunt, the Cobra kindly left
me its autograph on the pavement. With that in mind I look forward to
seeing what Ford will bring next…
-AdamJ |
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