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:
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.

Story by Ford