The 2001 SVT Mustang Cobra continues to break away from the pack with musclecar power and refined driving dynamics, thanks to its DOHC V8 engine and independent rear suspension system. The IRS provides a competitive edge by giving the car a firm yet compliant ride and outstanding handling characteristics.
POWERTRAIN
The SVT Mustang Cobra’s potent 4.6-liter, DOHC tumble-port V8 engine produces 320 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 317 lbs/ft. of torque at 4,750 rpm. The block is cast aluminum alloy, carrying a fully counterweighted, forged-steel crankshaft. Aluminum upper main, upper thrust and rod bearings add to the engine’s durability. Six high-tensile steel bolts secure each main bearing cap, in an arrangement that spreads loads over a large area of the block.
The aluminum alloy pistons have shallow skirts and a special friction-reducing coating on their sliding surfaces, which improves both durability and the engine’s free-revving characteristics. The pistons are designed to give the engine a compression ratio of 9.85:1.
The engine’s intake system consists of a specially designed conical air filter, an 80mm mass-air flow sensor, and twin 57mm throttle body bores with butterfly valves that open simultaneously, providing exceptional throttle response by quickly yet progressively moving air into the cast-aluminum m anifold.
In the upper manifold, eight tuned runners feed down to the intake ports and eight pairs of 37mm intake valves. The design of the runners and intake ports imparts a tumbling motion to the fuel-air charge as it enters the combustion chamber, which increases the mixture’s volatility and makes it more powerful.
A distributorless, coil-on-plug ignition system fires each cylinder. The system is precise, uncomplicated, and gives a high-energy spark for efficient burn characteristics.
The exhaust manifolds are made of high-silicon, molybdenum iron, feeding into a stainless steel exhaust system with 2.25-inch pipes and low-restriction mufflers.
Each SVT Cobra engine is hand-assembled at the Romeo (Mich.) Engine Plant. Two-person teams assemble the engines on a separate, dedicated line, and their final task is fastening a signature plate, inscribed with their names, onto the right cam cover.
Behind the engine, a rugged 11-inch, single-plate clutch and Tremec™ 5-speed manual transmission deliver power to the SVT Cobra’s 3.27:1 crown-and-pinion gears and limited slip differential. The differential assembly is housed in an aluminum case.
TRACTION CONTROL
An all-speed traction control system (TCS) is standard equipment on all the 2001 Ford SVT Mustang Cobras--a hybrid system that is designed to meet the performance needs of SVT Cobra drivers.
The system’s "Power Start" feature allows the driver to spin the drive wheels under acceleration, as long as the car tracks straight. If the system senses the vehicle slipping sideways, the traction control system will engage. The system also has a driver-selectable on/off switch.
With the TCS activated, when either of the two rear ABS/traction control sensors detects a wheel spinning at a rate higher than its counterpart, the engine management system retards ignition timing and modulates the fuel-air ratio to reduce power to that wheel. If the spinning continues, engine management cuts off one or more cylinders, and the ABS applies braking to the spinning wheel, transferring power to the other drive wheel.
The sophisticated system can detect the difference between wheelspin due to acceleration from cornering slippage, based on differences in slip rates at the wheels. The TCS engine management strategies work at all speeds, and the system can apply braking to either rear wheel at speeds up to 62 mph.
SUSPENSION
The SVT Mustang Cobra’s unique independent rear suspension system is carried on a tubular steel subframe. This subframe and suspension is bolted to the platform as a single unit, on the same assembly line that produces the solid-rear-axle Mustang V6 and GT models. The only modification to the chassis is the addition of two bolt holes and weld nuts near the former Quadra Shock mounting holes.
The IRS system includes steel upper control arms, aluminum alloy lower control arms, 470 lb./in. coil springs, aluminum spindles, a 26mm tubular stabilizer bar, and fixed tie-rods behind the center of each wheel to control toe alignment during cornering.
The aluminum lower control arms are manufactured with a "permanent mold" casting process, which produces remarkably precise parts and allows a lighter component, because they can be designed for minimal production variances. The IRS system results in a reduction of 125 pounds in unsprung weight, a 1.2-inch wider rear track, and a quarter-inch lower rear ride height.
Compared with a solid axle, benefits of the IRS include better steering response and on-center feel, reduced lift and dive characteristics under hard acceleration and braking, and drive wheels that stay more firmly planted during cornering. Because suspension travel is greater, the IRS reduces the potential for rear suspension bottoming. It also decreases sensitivity to road surface bumps and irregularities, and gives the car better front-to-rear weight distribution.
The front suspension of the SVT Cobra is a modified MacPherson strut design with 500 lb./in. coil springs on the lower control arms, and a 28mm tubular stabilizer bar. The front ride height also is a quarter-inch lower than the Mustang GT.
The rack-and-pinion steering system is hydraulically assisted, and special tuning for the boost curve and T-bar mechanism give the SVT Cobra precise, communicative steering feel.
DESIGN AND EQUIPMENT
Several visual cues distinguish the Ford SVT Mustang Cobra from other Mustang models. The front of the SVT Cobra has a unique hood design, a front fascia with round driving lights and a deep intake that helps force air through the engine cooling system, and Cobra badges on the fenders.
At the rear, the SVT Cobra is distinguished by tri-color taillamps, polished three-inch exhaust tips, an SVT badge, the word COBRA across the rear fascia, and an optional rear spoiler. Both the hood and rear deck are constructed of lightweight composite materials.
Inside, design of the seats is new for 2001 and unique to the SVT Cobra: leather surfaces with Alcantara insert material, the Cobra emblem embroidered on the seatback, and firm bolster padding for exceptional lateral support. The six-way-power driver’s seat has a rearward travel range that will accommodate more long-legged drivers.
Additional SVT Cobra standard features include leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; leather boots for the shift and parking brake levers; tilt steering wheel; power windows, mirrors, door locks and trunk release; the Ford SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system; remote keyless entry; speed control; and a Mach 460 audio system with AM/FM stereo, and a new in-dash, six-disc CD player.
Exterior color choices for 2001 are Oxford White Clearcoat, Black Clearcoat, Laser Red Tinted Clearcoat, Performance Red Clearcoat, True Blue Clearcoat, Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Mineral Grey Clearcoat and Zinc Yellow Clearcoat. The interior is available in Dark Charcoal or Medium Parchment.
SAFETY
The 2001 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra has several new standard safety features. An emergency release for the rear decklid is located inside the trunk. It has a phosphorescent handle that’s easy to find in the dark, and allows anyone locked in the trunk to open it from the inside.
Ford’s BeltMinder™ safety belt use reminder system senses whether or not the driver is wearing the safety belt. If the driver is not bucked up when the vehicle is in motion, a warning chime sounds intermittently, and a red light illuminates on the instrument panel.
Also new on the 2001 SVT Cobra is a "check fuel cap" light to warn of a loose gas cap, and two child safety seat top-tether anchors, which meet new Federal requirements, integrated into the rear seat.
PRICING
Manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing for the 2001 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra is $29,235 for the coupe and $33,235 for the convertible model. Both prices include destination and delivery charges. Optional equipment prices are $195 for the rear spoiler, $395 for the polished wheels, and $25 for the floor mats.