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, Mich. 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^TM 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.