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The SVT Cobra is the pinnacle of Mustang performance. Available as a coupe or convertible, it is an amalgam of straight-line acceleration and twisty-road cornering, a car in which all-around performance and balance are more important than one specific trait. Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) is a small and dedicated group of engineers and planners who transform everyday vehicles into high-performance products that appeal to a small and enthusiastic audience. SVT’s lineup also includes the supercharged Lightning F-150 pickup, the Mustang Cobra R racing model and, by next spring, the SVT Focus.

SVT products are available only through certified SVT dealers.

The Cobra is distinguished from the regular Mustang by a couple of key component changes. One is the engine, a cast-aluminum version of the 4.6-liter V-8, but it has aluminum heads, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and 320 horsepower. The second is an independent rear suspension unit that improves traction, ride and handling.

The twin-cam V-8 is hand-assembled at the Romeo, Mich., engine plant by a two-person team identified by a plaque fastened to the right-side cam cover. In 1999, some SVT Cobras did not produce as much horsepower as advertised due to a supplier problem involving a manufacturing flaw in the intake manifold. Customers’ cars were refitted with new manifolds and new exhaust systems. No 2000 Cobras were produced while the problem was being rectified. All 2001 models produce a true 320 horsepower.

This engine packs a fair amount of brawn yet it never feels finicky or hard to drive. Quite the opposite. It is smooth and free of vibration, has decent low- and mid-range power and delivers scintillating acceleration at the drop of a throttle. This engine has two personalities. Below 4,000 rpm it is docile and polite; above 4,000 rpm it gets your attention with a persistent wail and strong acceleration. Maximum power comes at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque at 4,750 rpm.

Because of its performance bias, the Cobra is available only with a five-speed manual transmission. The five-speed is just the ticket for enjoying this car’s capabilities, and the enthusiast drivers who want to buy a Cobra wouldn’t want an automatic anyway. The shift linkage is robust and feels stout.

Aside from the extra power, the biggest difference between the Cobra and a standard Mustang is the independent rear suspension (IRS). The IRS transforms the ride and enhances handling because it weighs 125 pounds less than the standard axle. Because each rear wheel moves separately, bumps don’t upset the vehicle as much as they do with a solid rear axle, plus cornering is improved as a result. Drive a standard Mustang around a corner on less-than-smooth pavement and the rear axle hops and skips over the bumps. The SVT, on the other hand, stays in touch with the road much better. Better front-to-rear weight distribution and enhanced steering response are also benefits of the IRS.

Disc brakes with standard anti-lock are used on all four wheels, but the front has 13-inch Brembo units that do a great job of erasing speed. All-speed traction control keeps wheelspin in check when the road surface is slippery or the driver gets too frisky with the throttle.

Inside, the SVT gets unique front seats, and they are a significant improvement over the standard model. Not only are they upholstered in Alcantara cloth and leather, but their support, both lateral and lumbar, is notably better. The seat back is more upright and the headrests are positioned closer to the occupantsÕ heads, which could be significant in case of a rear-end collision. Air conditioning, premium stereo with six-disc in-dash CD player and tilt steering wheel are standard.

The rest of the interior is pretty much stock Mustang. The instrument panel and radio/heater controls don’t have the level of fit, finish and material quality one would expect in a vehicle of this image and exclusivity. SV buyers, on the other hand, buy their cars for performance more than interior refinement.

The convertible costs $4,000 more than the coupe, but it offers al fresco driving at the touch of a button, and that is particularly alluring. The convertible body is not as tight and solid as the coupe, which is noticed primarily over irregular pavement.

There aren’t many muscle cars left, especially convertibles. Compared to the Mustang GT, the SVT Cobra, produced in limited numbers to ensure exclusivity, is quicker, handles better and has better seats.

Price
The base price of the SVT Cobra convertible is $33,605. The test car was equipped with a rear spoiler, polished wheels and floor mats. That brought the sticker price to $34,825.

Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles.

Point: The Mustang SVT Cobra convertible is fresh-air fun for enthusiast drivers who appreciate 320 horsepower, independent rear suspension, good front seats and four-wheel disc brakes that are upgraded over the Mustang GT’s. The Cobra is limited to roughly 5,000 units per year so you wonÕt see one on every other block.

Counterpoint: The convertible body structure is not as solid as the coupe’s, so there is a bit more wiggle over choppy roads. The interiorÕs fit and finish looks a bit dated and doesn’t match the price and exclusivity of the vehicle.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 4.6-liter, 320-hp V-8
Transmission: Five-speed Rear-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 101.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,354 lbs.
Base price: $33,605
As driven: $34,825
Mpg rating: 17 city, 25 hwy.
> > Engine: 1.6-liter, 4-cyl.
Transmission: manual or automatic Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: N/A
Curb weight: N/A
Base price: $18,000
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