2004 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra

Without a good connection to the road, the Cobra wouldn't stay stuck to it. For this all-important duty, SVT engineers chose 275/40ZR-17 Goodyear F1 tires mounted on 17x9-inch five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels. Driving the Cobra through a series of tight, medium speed corners is where these tires and accompanying suspension package really shine. Finding the proper, neutral balance is easy, especially with the throttle-induced oversteer that's only a slight push of the right pedal away. Getting stopped is also a treat with the huge 13-inch Brembo front disc brakes and 11.65-rear discs.

The beefy supercharged 4.6-liter DOHC V-8.

Available as either a convertible or coupe, there are several exterior design cues that distinguish the SVT Cobra from a regular Mustang. The front fascia, side skirts and decklid all have a more aggressive appearance than regular production pieces. The hood has been redesigned and now has flow-through scoops to vent engine heat. 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. Not that you'd go 130 in the rain, but it's nice to know that you could if you wanted to.


On the inside, driver and passenger are secured in snug-fitting leather-trimmed seats. Racecar-like metal pedal covers help the driver keep his feet on the pedals while a boost gauge has been added alongside the other titanium-faced gauges to monitor the supercharger's output. Besides the excellent handling and acceleration, the SVT engineers have also done a terrific job at tuning the exhaust sound so that it provides the requisite deep, throaty note, something the previous SVT Cobra was missing.


In the end, there are few flaws with the SVT Mustang Cobra. It may not have the refinement of a Porsche 911 or a BMW 540i, but it also doesn't carry the sticker price of these two. At $34,200 for the coupe and $38,575 for the convertible, the SVT Cobra is a relative bargain. There are only three options. Chrome wheels, a no-charge rear spoiler delete, and a limited-edition Mystichrome Appearance Package. Despite being built on a platform that was introduced in 1994, the Cobra is still wildly popular. Bill Lane, SVT powertrain engineer and aficionado of late '60s big-block Detroit iron puts the supercharged 4.6-liter engine in the Cobra into the perfect perspective by noting that it produces the same horsepower as a 1960s vintage 7.0-liter (427 cu. in.) naturally aspirated big-block engine. Who said the golden age of musclecars is long gone? (www.svt.ford.com)