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2000 FORD SVT MUSTANG COBRA
The 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra continues to break away from
the pack with its muscle-car power, yet it retains a refined feel thanks
to its independent rear suspension (IRS). The Cobra’s IRS gives it a competitive
edge over its rivals in key vehicle dynamic areas. The Cobra is a true
sports car with a firm, yet compliant ride which retains outstanding handling
characteristics thanks to the independent rear suspension. As with any
SVT product, while all vehicle dynamic areas are upgraded, the engine remains
the heart of the vehicle.
POWERTRAIN
The Cobra continues to get its muscle-car power from
the 4.6-liter 4-valve tumble-port V-8. The engine produces 320 horsepower
at 6000 rpm and 317 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4750 rpm. Intake port geometry
and the “tumble-port” combustion chamber design provide engine efficiency
and performance. The “tumble-port” design relates to the way the fuel-air
charge enters the combustion chamber, in a “tumble” fashion instead of
a “swirl”. The “tumbling” charge of fuel-air mix is more volatile as it
enters the chamber, thus creating more power. Its coil-on-plug ignition
system provides a high-energy spark in the combustion chamber for efficient
burn characteristics. Precise control of potential detonation is made possible
by use of a differential linear knock sensor. Engine durability is handled
through the use of aluminum upper main, upper thrust and rod bearings.
A stainless steel dual exhaust system is standard equipment.
Each 4.6L 4-valve Cobra engine is hand-assembled at the
Romeo Engine Plant in Romeo, MI. After the two-person teams assemble the
engine, located on a separate line from all other 4.6L engines, the team
affixes a signature plate with their names on it onto the right cam cover.
Cobra’s transmission is a T45 5-speed manual gearbox.
An 11-inch clutch accommodates the 317 lbs.-ft. of engine torque while
reducing clutch pedal effort. The power is delivered to the independent
rear suspension by a limited slip differential and a 3.27:1 axle ratio.
An all-speed traction control system is standard equipment on all 2000
SVT Mustang Cobra sports cars. The traction control system features a “Power
Start” feature that allows the driver to produce wheelspin under acceleration,
as long as the car tracks straight. If the system senses the vehicle slipping
sideways, the traction control system will engage.
SUSPENSION
The SVT Mustang Cobra still remains in a league of its
own being a “muscle-car” evolved into a true sports car. This is due to
the independent rear suspension. The IRS subframe is a complete bolt-in
design that fits under the chassis without major change to platform. The
whole subframe comes complete from the supplier, and it is directly bolted
in on the same assembly line that produces solid rear axle Mustang V6 and
GT models.
The IRS includes a 26mm tubular stabilizer bar and linear-rate
coil springs. The IRS is beneficial for multiple reasons including a reduction
in unsprung weight by 125 pounds, a widened rear track of 1.2 inches, and
a .25 inch lower ride. This translates into better road feel and handling
because the rear suspension handles road irregularities better, and helps
plant the rear end of the car in turns and reduces lift and dive characteristics
under hard acceleration and braking.
The front suspension of the Cobra is a modified MacPherson-type
design with a 28mm tubular stabilizer bar. A hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion
steering system helps create a precise and communicative steering feel.
EQUIPMENT
The list of standard equipment items is as long as it
is diverse. The seats, shift knob and steering wheel are leather-trimmed,
and the front seats are comfortable and supportive sport buckets. The driver’s
seat offers standard 6-way power adjustment. Tilt steering wheel and power
windows, mirrors, door locks and trunk release are included.
Other important standard equipment items encompass power-assisted
4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, all-speed Traction Control System with on/off
switch, SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system, remote keyless entry, speed
control, and Mach 460 electronic AM/FM/Cassette and Compact Disc Player
system.
New for 2000, the SVT Cobra is now available in Silver
Clearcoat Metallic and Atlantic Blue Clearcoat Metallic. The other available
exterior colors include Laser Red Clearcoat Metallic, Black Clearcoat,
and Crystal White Clearcoat.
2000 SVT Cobra R To Produce 385 Horsepower
LAS VEGAS -- Nov. 2, 1999 - The all-new 2000 Ford SVT
Mustang Cobra R, wearing its production Performance Red paint, was displayed
for the first time here today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association's
(SEMA) annual convention. Built with the race track in mind, the Cobra
R will feature a 5.4L 32-valve V-8 engine, solidifying the modular family
of engines as the high-performance benchmark in Ford's lineup. The Cobra
R V-8 will produce an estimated 385 horsepower and 385 foot pounds of torque.
In order to keep this power on the ground, the Cobra R features exterior
enhancements including a front air-splitter and tall rear deck spoiler,
which create downforce for increased stability at track speeds.
Other differences to the Cobra R include the "power dome"
hood, which was required in order to fit over the Cobra R's unique intake
manifold. The Cobra R rides on 18-inch wheels shod with BFGoodrich g-Force
KD tires, and a lowered suspension for enhanced handling.
Cobra R's interior changes include the addition of Recaro
sport seats, and the removal of the radio, air-conditioner and back seat
to save weight. A number of well-respected performance parts suppliers
are working with SVT in the development of the Cobra R, including Brembo
for the front brake rotors and calipers, Tremec for the 6-speed transmission,
Eibach and Bilstein for suspension, and Borla for the exhaust.
There will be a limited production of only 300 Cobra
R models built this spring, on the same line of the Dearborn Assembly Plant
which produces the V6, GT, and Cobra Mustangs. The 2000 model will be the
third generation of the Cobra R, following the successful and still sought-after
1993 and 1995 Cobra R models.
The debut Cobra R, the 1993 model, was introduced as
a competition package, and included unique wheels, suspension and cooling
upgrades, chassis bracing and a higher-output version of the 5.0L HO V-8
engine found in the '93 Cobra. Just 107 '93 Cobra Rs were produced.
The 1995 Cobra R (250 produced) was also a competition
package, and featured a higher-output version of the 5.8 Windsor V-8 engine,
an upgraded cooling system, the Tremec 5-speed transmission, unique suspension
tuning and 17 x 9-inch wheels.
2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R prototype unveiled
CONCORD, N.C., April 17, 1999 -- A prototype version
of the 2000 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R was revealed today at Charlotte Motor
Speedway, during the Mustang Club of America’s 35th Anniversary celebration
for the Ford Mustang. Tom Scarpello, Specialty Vehicle marketing manager,
took the wraps off a "Grabber Orange" Cobra R at the show, which is expected
to draw more than 30,000 Mustang fanatics this weekend.
"I can’t think of a better place to provide a sneak preview
of the new SVT Mustang Cobra R -- at a world class racing facility in front
of thousands of enthusiastic Mustang lovers," said Scarpello. "The 2000
Cobra R will be the fastest production Mustang in its 35-year history."
Built with the race track in mind, the Cobra R will feature
a modular V-8 engine, solidifying this family of engines as the high-performance
benchmark in Ford’s lineup. The new Cobra R features exterior enhancements
that will boost performance on the race track, including a front air-splitter
and tall rear deck spoiler, which will create downforce for increased stability
at track speeds.
Other differences unique to the Cobra R include the "power
dome" hood with a rear air extractor for improved engine cooling, 18-inch
wheels shod with BFGoodrich g-Force KD tires, and a lowered suspension
for enhanced handling. Cobra R’s interior changes include the addition
of Recaro sport seats, and the removal of the radio, air-conditioner and
back seat to save weight. A number of other well-respected performance
parts suppliers are working with SVT in the development of the Cobra R,
including Brembo for brake rotors and calipers, Tremec for the transmission,
Eibach and Bilstein for suspension, and Borla for the exhaust.
There will be a limited production of only 300 Cobra
R models built on the same line of the Dearborn Assembly Plant which produces
the V6, GT, and Cobra Mustangs. The 2000 model will be the third generation
of the Cobra R, following the successful and still sought-after 1993 and
1995 Cobra R models.
The debut Cobra R, the 1993 model, was introduced as
a competition package, and included unique wheels, suspension and cooling
upgrades, chassis bracing and a higher-output version of the 5.0L HO V-8
engine found in the ‘93 Cobra. Just 107 ‘93 Cobra Rs were produced.
The 1995 Cobra R (250 produced) was also a competition
package, and featured a higher-output version of the 5.8 Windsor V-8 engine,
an upgraded cooling system, the Tremec 5-speed transmission, unique suspension
tuning and 17 x 9-inch wheels.
