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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| The exterior and interior of the Cobra receive new treatment including: - New front fascia - Functional dual vent-scoop hood - Reshaped rocker panels - Color-keyed foldaway outside mirrors - Integrated spoiler in the rear deck - Lightweight composite construction of the hood and rear deck - New high-quality sound insulating cloth on the convertible top - New front bucket seats with power adjustable thigh and side bolsters and power lumbar - Titanium-color gauge faces including a boost gauge and electroluminescent lighting - Metal-trimmed pedals - 9" wide wheels wrapped in 275 rubber |
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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.
As the Cobra was leaving the parking lot, with barely a grunt, the Cobra kindly left its autograph on the pavement. With that in mind I look forward to seeing what Ford will bring next… It may not be a Cobra R, but this Cobra out performs the 2000 Cobra R at half the price which is a dream come true for Mustang owners. |
 Thank you StangNet for the pictures |
