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2001 Detroit Show: Trucks and Stuff
The North American Truck of the Year is typical of today's truck - better at handling than hauling... Read More
2001 Detroit Show: Trucks and Stuff
The North American Truck of the Year is typical of today's truck - better at handling than hauling... Read More
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2002 Ford SVT
Focus by Marty Padgett (2/27/2002)
Will 2003 be the year of the horse or the year of the
snake? If Ford has its way, it could be both.
Jaguar logoBorn in 1993, the Ford SVT Mustang Cobra celebrates its 10th
birthday with more power, a better suspension and an updated exterior. As usual,
the focal point is the engine, a 4.6-liter DOHC four-valve V-8 that pushes out
390 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, the highest power output ever in a production
Mustang. Again for ’03, the Cobra will be available in both coupe and
convertible versions.
Virginia trotter
Ford brought its newest edition to the Virginia International Raceway, to show the Cobra’s newfound muscle.
The new Cobra engine is a cast-iron version of the 2001 model, delivering 390 horses at 6000 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque at just 3500 rpm. Taking cues from enthusiasts who have been tweaking their 'Stangs for decades, engineers tacked on a supercharger, an Eaton Roots-type shared with the SVT F-150 Lightning, which uses an intercooler for a powerful charge. In addition, aluminum components like the four-valve heads and an aluminum flywheel, similar to the one in the 2000 Cobra R, reduce weight throughout the engine. The supercharged engine is strong off the line and accelerates smoothly thanks to a low, long torque curve that produces 90 percent of peak torque between 1900 and 5800 rpm.Mated to this engine is a six-speed manual transmission, the TTC T-56, which is the second-ever factory-installed six-speed on a Mustang (the first was the 2000 Cobra R). Behind the tranny, a new aluminum driveshaft with upgraded universal joints connects to the rear axle. Keeping its power safe and steady are an upgraded suspension system and improved power-assist, rack-and-pinion steering, along with bigger, stronger brakes.
