1999 Ford Mustang

Ford gently but noticeably updated the styling of the 1999 Mustang with what would become known as Edge Styling, incorporating sharper creased, more aggressive side intakes, a stouter hood scoop, and more aggressive side intakes. Ford had completely restyled the Mustang in 1994, introduced in November of 1993, and was the first major redesign in fifteen years. This generation of styling would continue through 2004 and rested on an updated version of the rear-wheel-drive Fox platform called 'Fox-4.' The 2005 Mustang would wear all-new styling and used the new D2C platform developed under the direction of chief engineer Hau Thai-Tang.

The redesigned 'SN-95' 1999 model year Mustang production began in November of 1998 and was introduced on December 26th of 1998. The aggressive and sporty features of the Mustang were highlighted by the pronounced wheel arches, hood scoops, and side scoops. The very front of the car had a galloping chrome pony centered on the honeycombed grille.

The 1999 Ford Mustang came in several different flavors consisting of a base, GT, and Cobra trim levels in a coupe and convertible body styles. The base 'Essex' V6 overhead valve engine had a displacement size of 232 cubic inches (3.8 liters), and produced 190 horsepower at 5,250 RPM and 220 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 RPM. Engine output had increased by 40 hp over the previous year due to the new split-port induction system (replacing the previous single-port induction), improvements to the cylinder head flow, and a high-tech piston coating. The 90-degree 4.6-liter V8 offered 260 horsepower and was used to power the GT models. This was an increase from 225 bhp from the previous year due to a new head design and other improvements. The Cobra versions had cast aluminum block and heads, sequential fuel injection, 9.0:1 compression, dual overhead camshafts, and produced 320 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 315 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. This 35 horsepower increase over the previous year was due to bigger valves, revised intake manifold runners, and a new, higher-lift and longer duration cam. The 'base' and GT Mustangs came standard with a T50D five-speed manual transmission with overdrive, or an optional 4R70W electronically controlled, wide-ratio four-speed automatic with overdrive. The Cobra used a five-speed manual transmission and was the only gearbox available. The GT and Cobra models had anti-lock discs as standard equipment, and all-speed traction control was standard on Cobra and now optional on base and GT models.

The base model rode on 15-inch wheels; the GT had 16-inch while the Cobra sported 17-inch wheels. The styling was updated, drawing inspiration from classic Mustang styles. It had sharp edges reminiscent of the original mustang and there were even design cues from the GT90 concept car. In the front were slim, wraparound headlights. In the back, the deck was made of sheet molded compound, a first for the Mustang.

Since this was the 35th year of production for the Mustang, Ford celebrated with a 35th edition. The 35th Anniversary version had tri-color bar emblems on the sides of the front fenders. A limited-edition 35th anniversary GT package was offered for both the GT coupe and convertible. This package had 17-inch by 8-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, body-color hood scoop, and rocker panel molding/decklid, black tape hood applique, GT leather/vinyl seats with silver leather inserts and pony logo on the upper seatbacks. There were two-tone carpeted floor mats with the 35th Anniversary logo, an aluminum manual shift knob, and an instrument cluster with a silver mask and the 35th Anniversary logo. The only available exterior color options were black, white, silver metallic, and red. A total of 2,318 GT coupe examples received the '35th Anniversary Limited Edition' appearance option package along with 2,310 GT convertibles.

All 1999 Mustangs, except for the Cobra, wore '35th-Anniversary' badges on the front fenders.

The Convertible bodies were strengthened with under-body rail extenders. Mechanical improvements to the Mustang included a reduction in NVH, enhanced steering center fell, and turning circle reductions. Two new interior color choices were also offered to buyers - Midnight black and Medium Parchment.

The two-door coupe had a base price of $16,470 and the convertible listed at $21,165. The GT Coupe was priced at $20,965 and the GT Convertible at $24,965. The range-topping Mustang Cobra Coupe listed at $27,470 and the Cobra Convertible at $31,470.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012

Beginning with the original in 1993, every generation of the SVT Mustang Cobra has elevated its standard of performance. Now, the 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra raises the bar yet again, this time increasing power output to a level never before achieved in a production Mustang. The addition of a Roots-type supercharger and water-to-air intercooler to the Cobra's 4.6-liter, DOHC 4-valve V-8 engine bumps output to 390 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque.

The new SVT Cobra also joins the 2002 SVT Focus in providing a six-speed gearbox as standard equipment. Additional enhancements for 2003 include exterior design alterations to the front and rear fascia, hood, rocker moldings and side scoops, as well as several changes to the interior appointments, including new multi-adjustable front seats trimmed in Nudo leather and Preferred suede.

'Every once in a while, a car comes along that really shakes up the status quo,' said Tom Scarpello, marketing and sales manager for Ford's Special Vehicle Team. 'Since the '641/2 Mustang was launched, there have been a number of Mustangs that set the standard for performance when they were introduced. The 2003 SVT Cobra is the new benchmark, and proudly carries on the tradition of Mustang performance leadership.'

'We've had some pretty successful Mustangs, and specifically SVT Mustang Cobras,' said John Coletti, chief engineer for Ford SVT, 'but the whole idea is to improve. That's what we're committed to, and the number-one thing our customers want is enhanced performance. The supercharged engine allowed us to go where we needed to go — to give our customers a whole lot more car than ever before.'

The 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra's 4.6-liter, DOHC V-8 is equipped with an Eaton™ supercharger and new aluminum alloy cylinder heads that provide increased flow capabilities. The engine produces 390 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 390 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm, compared with the 2001 model's 320 hp at 6,000 rpm and 317 foot-pounds of torque at 4,750 rpm.

To provide strength necessary for the substantially increased torque output, the new Cobra engine is built on a cast-iron block. This unit contains the carryover forged-steel crankshaft, which is fitted with new Manley forged 'H-beam' connecting rods, forged pistons similar to those in the SVT F-150 Lightning, and an aluminum flywheel similar to the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R's.

The engine is mated to a TTC T-56 6-speed manual transmission. Behind that, an aluminum drive shaft with upgraded universal joints connects to the rear axle, which now has a 3.55:1 gear ratio.

The SVT Mustang Cobra's independent rear suspension system receives upgraded bushings and an additional tubular cross-brace for 2003, necessary for increased loading due to the higher power output and larger tires. The Cobra coupe's springs have higher rates compared with 2001, increased from 500 lb./in. to 600 lb./in. at the front, and from 470 lb./in. to 600 lb./in. on the rear springs. In a departure from past practice, the Cobra convertible receives its own individual suspension tuning to suit the unique characteristics of its convertible body. The convertible's front spring rates are 500 lb./in., and the rear springs are 470 lb./in.

The 2003 SVT Cobra is equipped with gas-charged monotube Bilstein dampers at all four corners, and the pad material on the rear brakes has been upgraded for enhanced durability and brake performance.

Exterior design changes distinguish the SVT Mustang Cobra from the regular production Mustang GT. While it retains the SVT-signature round fog lamps, the front fascia is more aggressive looking, and also helps to deliver more air to the engine compartment. The hood also has been redesigned, and 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 materials. Showing that SVT appreciates even the smallest details, the windshield wipers feature an aerodynamic 'wing' to help keep the blades planted at speeds up to 130 mph.

At the sides, the rocker panels have been reshaped with simple, clean vertical surfaces. Color-keyed, foldaway outside mirrors are unique to Cobra, and the side scoops have new, horizontal fins to match those in the hood scoops. The rear deck lid features an integrated spoiler with an LED center high-mounted stop lamp.

Source - Ford

The 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra, available as either a coupe or convertible, is the most powerful regular-production Mustang ever made. With a Roots-type Eaton™ supercharger and water-to-air intercooler, the Cobra's 4.6-liter, four-valve V-8 engine produces 390 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque.

For 2004, the SVT Mustang Cobra has two new exterior colors, Competition Orange and Screaming Yellow. New Dark Charcoal Preferred Suede seat inserts are now available in addition to the Medium Graphite inserts. Finally, a limited number of SVT Mustang Cobra coupes and convertibles will be available with the new Mystichrome Appearance Package.

SVT Mustang Cobra is built in Dearborn, Mich.
Design and Equipment

Several exterior design cues distinguish the SVT Mustang Cobra from the regular production Mustang GT. The more aggressive front fascia incorporates signature SVT round fog lights and delivers more air to the engine compartment. In turn, the unique hood features flow-through air extractors that help vent hot air from the engine bay. Both the hood and the rear deck are made of lightweight composite materials.

At the sides, the rocker panels have been shaped with simple, clean vertical surfaces. Color-keyed, foldaway outside mirrors are unique to Cobra, and the side scoops have horizontal fins to match those in the hood scoops. The rear decklid features a unique integrated spoiler with a light-emitting-diode center high-mounted stop lamp.

Inside, the front bucket seats are designed to provide enhanced support for both comfortable cruising and spirited driving. The standard Dark Charcoal Nudo leather trim is accented by Preferred Suede seat inserts available in either Medium Graphite or Dark Charcoal. The titanium-color gauges, including a supercharger boost gauge, feature SVT electroluminescent backlighting.

Powertrain

The 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra's 4.6-liter, DOHC V-8 is equipped with a Roots-type Eaton™ supercharger and aluminum alloy cylinder heads with high-flow capacity. The engine produces 390 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 390 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm.

The Cobra engine is built on a cast-iron block for strength. Other reinforcements include a forged-steel crankshaft, forged 'H-beam' connecting rods and forged pistons.

The engine is mated to a TTC T-56 six-speed manual transmission. Behind that, an aluminum driveshaft with upgraded universal joints connects to the 3.55:1 rear axle.

Suspension and Brakes

The chassis of the 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra is highlighted by its exclusive independent rear suspension with upper and lower control arms, Bilstein monotube dampers, coil springs and a 26 mm tubular stabilizer bar. The front suspension uses a modified MacPherson strut system, also with Bilstein monotube dampers, coil springs and a 29 mm tubular stabilizer bar. The Cobra coupe's springs are 600 pounds per inch front and rear. The SVT Cobra convertible has unique spring rates of 500 pounds per inch in front, and 470 pounds per inch in the rear.

Both coupe and convertible feature 13-inch Brembo™ ventilated front rotors with PBR™ dual-piston calipers. At the rear, the SVT Mustang Cobra features 11.65-inch ventilated rotors with single-piston calipers. Anti-lock brakes are standard.

SVT Mustang Cobra is fitted with 275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, mounted on 17- by 9-inch alloy wheels (with optional chrome finish).

Safety

Mustang's standard safety and security features include next-generation dual front air bags and safety belt pretensioners and load-limiting retractors, anti-lock brakes and SecuriLock.

Major Equipment and Options

The 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra has a 4.6-liter, supercharged DOHC V-8, six-speed manual transmission, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, tilt steering wheel, speed control, six-way power adjustable driver's seat with power-adjustable thigh and side bolsters and lumbar support, Nudo leather seating surfaces with Preferred Suede seat inserts, power mirrors, windows and door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, map lights and cargo-management system.

Options are limited to chrome-finish wheels, no-charge rear spoiler delete and the limited-edition Mystichrome Appearance Package.

Source - Ford