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2003 Ford SVT Cobra Mustang

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Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) knows what its fans have savored for the past decade. They want automotive action — and more of it. “The No. 1 thing our customers want is enhanced performance,” said SVT Chief Engineer John Coletti as Ford rolled out the newest member of the SVT family at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2002.


The 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra has more power than any of its predecessors — 390 horsepower and 390 pounds-feet of torque, compared to 320 hp and 317 pounds-feet of torque for the 2001 SVT Mustang Cobra (a 2002 model was not produced). The extra horses on the 2003 version are the result of an Eaton Roots-type supercharger, which features a water-to-air intercooler that has been added to the car’s 4.6-liter V-8 engine.

“You open the throttle and get gratification on demand,” Coletti said. “It just goes!” New aluminum-alloy cylinder heads promise increased flow capability, and the forged pistons are similar to those used for the engine in the SVT F-150 Lightning pickup truck. A new 3.55-1 axle ratio also helps acceleration. A six-speed-manual transmission is mounted behind an aluminum engine flywheel, and it sends all the Cobra’s vigor to the back wheels.

Styling alterations are subtle but noticeable and are primarily intended to give the SVT Cobra a unique look from that of an ordinary Mustang GT. The front and rear fascias, hood, rocker moldings and side scoops have been revised. The rocker panels have been reshaped, and the side scoops have new horizontal fins.

Higher-rate springs are installed in the independent rear suspension, which also gets upgraded bushings and an additional tubular cross-brace. Coupe and convertible body styles will be available, but the soft-top Cobra now has its own suspension tuning. Gas-charged Bilstein monotube shock absorbers are used in the front and rear. On sale in the summer of 2002, the SVT Mustang Cobra will be capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

Exterior
The Cobra retains its SVT-signature round fog lamps, but the front fascia exhibits a more aggressive look than before. The hood now has flow-through scoops that help vent hot air from the engine compartment. Both the hood and rear deck are made of lightweight composite material. Unique color-keyed foldaway mirrors are installed. An integrated spoiler is equipped at the rear, and the Cobra name is spelled out on the back fascia. Special touches include wipers that have aero wings to keep them planted at high speeds.

Interior
New multiadjustable front bucket seats are trimmed in Nudo leather and Preferred suede. The six-way power driver’s seat has new power-adjustable thigh and side bolsters, along with power lumbar support.

Electroluminescent, titanium-colored gauge faces have been redesigned to include a boost gauge that keeps the driver informed of supercharger behavior. New metal-trimmed pedals and a dead pedal are installed. Standard equipment includes a tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry, a Mach 460 audio system with an in-dash six-CD player, and power windows, door locks and mirrors.

Under the Hood
Breathing with the assistance of a supercharger, Ford SVT’s 4.6-liter dual-overhead-cam V-8 engine produces 390 hp at 6,000 rpm and 390 pounds-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. A six-speed-manual is the sole transmission available.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard, but side-impact airbags are not available. Ford’s BeltMinder system gives a visual and audible warning when it senses that the driver is not wearing a seat belt.


Reported by Jim Flammang for cars.com
 

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