Fourth-generation Ford Mustang

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Fourth-generation Mustang
1998 Ford Mustang
Production 1994–2004
Assembly Dearborn, Michigan
Body style(s) 2-door convertible
2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Platform SN-95(1)1994-1998, SN-95(2)1999-2004
Engine(s) 3.8L (232 CID) OHV
94-04 Essex V6

4.9L (302 CID) OHV
94-95 GT Windsor V8
5.8L (351 CID) OHV
95 Cobra R Windsor V8
4.6L (281 CID) 2v SOHC
96-04 GT Modular V8
4.6L (281 CID) 4v DOHC
96-01 Cobra Modular V8
4.6L (281 CID) 4v DOHC SC
03-04 Cobra Modular V8

5.4L (330 CID) 4v DOHC
2000 Cobra R Modular V8]
Transmission(s) T-5 (5-Speed Manual)
94-Present V6

World Class T-5 (5-Speed Manual)
94-95 GT/Cobra
T-45 (5-Speed Manual)
96-99 Cobra, 96-01 GT
TR-3550 (5-speed Manual)
95 Cobra R
TR-3650 (5-Speed Manual)
01 Cobra, 01-Present GT
T-56 (6-Speed Manual)
2000 Cobra R, 03-04 Cobra

4R70W (4-Speed Automatic)
94-04 V6/GT
Wheelbase 101.3 in (2573 mm)
Length 181.5 in (4610 mm)
Cobra: 182.5 in (4636 mm)
1999-2004: 183.2 in (4653 mm)
1999-2004 Cobra: 183.5 in (4661 mm)
Width 1994-98: 71.8 in (1824 mm)
1999-2004: 73.1 in (1857 mm)
Height 1994-96 Coupe: 52.9 in (1344 mm) in
1997-98 Coupe & Cobra Convertible: 53.2 in (1351 mm)
GT Coupe, 1997-98 Convertible & GT Convertible: 53.4 in (1356 mm) in
1994-96 GT Convertible & Cobra: 53.3 in (1354 mm)
1994-96 Convertible: 53 in (1346 mm)
1999-2004 Coupe: 53.1 in (1349 mm)
1999-2004 Convertible & Cobra: 53.2 in (1351 mm)
1999-2001 Cobra Convertible: 53.3 in (1354 mm)
Mach 1: 52.4 in (1331 mm)
2002-04 SVT Cobra Coupe: 52.5 in (1334 mm)
2002-04 SVT Cobra Convertible: 52.9 in (1344 mm)
Fuel capacity 15.4 US gal (58.3 L/12.8 imp gal)
Main article: Ford Mustang

[edit] 1994-1998

The full redesign of the 1994 Mustang occurred way back in 1992, and featured in the Automobile magazine (November 1992) In 1994, the Mustang underwent its first major redesign in 15 years. The design, code named "SN-95" by Ford, was based on an updated version of the Fox platform. It featured dramatic new styling by Patrick Schiavone that incorporated some stylistic elements similar to those on earlier Mustangs.[1] However, unlike all earlier Mustangs, a fastback model was unavailable.

The base model came with a 3.8 L V6 engine rated at (1994-1995) 145 hp (108 kW) or (1996-1998) 150 hp (112 kW), while the GT featured the 302 cu in V8, now using the intake manifold from the Thunderbird, a 60 mm throttle body, and a 215 hp (160 kW) rating. The Cobra model was equipped 302 cu in engine, now rated at 260 hp (194 kW). The Mustang was named Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for the third time in 1994. The Mustang Cobra convertible was selected as the pace car in the Indianapolis 500, making it the third time that the Mustang had enjoyed the honor.[citation needed]

For 1995, a one-year model referred to as the Mustang GTS was introduced. This was considered a "stripped down" version of the Mustang GT, which still featured the performance parts of the GT model but with a minimum of non-performance parts.[citation needed]

In 1996, the 302 CID (4.9 L) Windsor engine was replaced by a 16-valve, 215 hp (160 kW), 4.6 L SOHC "Modular" V8 engine. The Cobra version came with a high-revving 305 hp (227 kW), 32 valve DOHC 4.6 L V8.[citation needed]

For 1998, the SOHC 4.6 L V8 power was increased to 225 hp (168 kW) via a more aggressive PCM calibration, a slightly modified fuel system, and larger volume exhaust system through increased exhaust pipe diameter. This was the last year of the "Round Body Mustang" and the only year that the "Sports" packaged was offered. The latter featured unique black stripes (regardless of car color) on the hood, which extended over to the wheel wells, and famous styling cue of the modular SN-95: three vertical strip taillights.[citation needed]

Though the 1996-1998 Mustang GT maintained a similar horsepower output of the earlier cars, the smaller displacement engine 4.6 L engine produced less torque over a smaller range than the older Windsor engine resulting in a slightly slower vehicle.[citation needed]

[edit] 1999–2004

New Edge bodystyle Ford Mustang coupe
New Edge bodystyle Ford Mustang coupe

A redesigned model came in 1999, the new Edge SN-95. Sharper contours, larger wheel arches, and creases in the bodywork, replaced many of the soft lines of the previous model, but the car still rode on the same platform. All 1999 Mustangs (except the Cobra) received "35th-Anniversary" badges on the front fenders.[2]

A "35th Anniversary Limited Edition" appearance option package came on 2,318 GT coupes and 2,310 GT convertibles.[3] Available only in available only in black, silver metallic, white, and red, they featured a body-colored hood scoop, rear spoiler, side scoops and rocker panels, a blacked-out panel between the taillamps, and 17 by 8 inch five-spoke aluminum wheels; while the Interiors included black leather and vinyl seats with silver inserts and pony logo, aluminum shift knob, a unique instrument cluster with 35th anniversary script, silver and black floor mats with 35th anniversary logo, and silver door trim inserts.[4]

The Mustang GT's power increased to 260 hp (194 kW) at 5250 rpm and 302 ft·lbf (409 N•m) of torque at 4000 rpm via the new "Power Improved" (PI) heads, cams, and intake manifold. The new 16-valve SOHC 4.6 L engine exhibited characteristics associated with a performance engine when compared to the performance behavior of earlier 4.6 L engines. Mustangs now featured a returnless type fuel system utilizing a PCM-guided fuel rail pressure sensor to regulate pressure.[citation needed]

The Mustang GT was now capable of low 14 second 1/4 mile ETs with 96+ mph trap speeds compared to the 1998 GT's mid-14 second ETs and 93-95 mph trap speeds.[5] On the V6 models, split-port induction replaced single-port induction, which increased the base model's power to 190 hp (142 kW). Ford produced a New Edge SVT Cobra in 1999-2001 and in 2003-2004.

In 2001, the Special Edition Bullitt was released to the public. Available as a hardtop only, the Bullitt was a mildly upgraded version of the standard GT. Designed to be a handling-based vehicle as opposed to an all-out bruiser, the car was factory upgraded with a lowered suspension (3/4 inch), subframe connectors from the convertible models, new Tokico shocks, and brakes from the Cobra (13 in front, 11.7 in rear). The car also received an upgraded exhaust, a re-designed intake, and underdrive pullies. These power upgrades led to a factory rating of 265 hp (198 kW), a gain of five horsepower over the standard GT. On the exterior, the car received unique Torq-Thrust style wheels, removal of the fog lights and rear deck spoiler, as well as new trim accents. It was available in three colors: Dark Highland Green, True Blue, and Black.[citation needed]

The success of the 2001 Bullitt led to the production of a second special edition, the 2003 to 2004 Mach 1. The Mach 1 was equipped with a 4.6 L DOHC 305 hp (227 kW) engine based on the engine available in the 1999 and 2001 Mustang Cobras, with new cylinder heads from the 2003 to 2004 Cobra (see below). The interior of the car was given a retro theme with seats made to look like the "comfort-weave" seats available in the 1960s-era Mach 1s. It also featured retro themed gauges and a unique aluminum shifter ball. On the vehicle's exterior, a Mach 1 package was applied, as well as a functional Shaker scoop, a unique 3-tier hood, decals set on the hood, rocker/door panels, a special chin spoiler, a flat black-rear-spoiler, Magnum-500 style wheels, and a redesigned C-pillar. The car also received similar suspension upgrades as the Bullitt.[citation needed]

In 2003, Ford updated the SN-95 Cobra for the last time. Internally known during its development as the "Terminator," this Cobra, under the direction of Special Vehicle Program Director, O. John Coletti, featured a cast iron supercharged DOHC 4.6 L V8. The Eaton supercharger and an air to water intercooler resulted in a claimed 390 horsepower (291 kW) and 390 ft·lbf (529 Nm) of torque. Ford replaced the 5-speed Tremec T-45 transmission with the heavier-duty 6-speed manual Tremec T-56, which was also found in the Dodge Viper, Chevrolet Corvette. From the factory, the 2003 to 2004 Cobras ran 1/4 miles in the high 12s to low 13s with trap speeds around 110 mph (180 km/h).[6][7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1994-1995-1996-1997-1998-ford-mustang.htm by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
  2. ^ Wardlaw, Christian. "Ford is Doing its Part to Save the Camaro and Firebird", Edmunds Inside Line. January 1, 1999, retrieved on 2008-06-08.
  3. ^ Timeline: 1999 Mustang, undated, retrieved on 2008-06-08.
  4. ^ Wilson, Greg. "Test Drive: 1999 Ford Mustang Convertible" Canadian Driver, undated, retrieved on 2008-06-08.
  5. ^ Road Test: 1999 Ford Mustang GT article from Motor Trend
  6. ^ http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/sports_car_central/2003_ford_svt_mustang_cobra_road_test+t-counterpoint+page-2.html Car and Driver
  7. ^ http://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/roadtests/pdf/2002_08_cobra_data.pdf Road and Track
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