Do you think SVT will strike gold with the new supercharged, 390HP 2003 Mustang Cobra
 

The new Supercharged, 390 HP 2003 Cobra Mustang (Formerly know as the Mustang Terminator) will soon be unveiled at the February 2003 Chicago Auto Show. What are everyone's opinions on the new Supercharged DOHC 4.6L Mustang?

Here are some questions to ponder:

Do you think the HP or torque figures are under rated, as are the Lightnings?

Do you think SVT has dropped the base compression of the Cobra engine and is running compareable boost to the Lightning (8-9 psi) or do you think they've left it with higher compression and are running only 5-6 psi?

What do you think this beast will do for performance stats? (0-60, 1/4 miles, etc)?

What do you think the new Mustang will do to the performance gap (in stock trim any ways) between the Mustang Cobra and the Corvette, the Viper, the LS1, and other Muscle cars?

We all know what a DOHC Cobra with a supercharger does. The DOHC responds to boost like crazy. I personally believe Ford probably dropped the CR a little and is running higher boost. 390 is more than likely seriously underrated. Many DOHC Cobra's with boost make 400rwhp.

The Cobra will own the Vette, and close in on the Viper, perhaps hold with it.

I think that as long as the price is right, we'll see a successful car. It may even take Saleen, Roush and Steeda Customers!

I agree, even the SOHC engines with boost can put out 380-390 RWHP.

All I know is that I would rather buy a Cobra instead of a Saleen.:cool:

Think about this... we have yet to see a DOHC Cobra engine with a roots style blower, giving it near full boost almost instantly. I definately think traction is going to be a problem, especially with the IRS. :D

I think it will be sweet as long as they dont charge corvette prices for it (40-45k) Is this going to be the only engine in the cobra or is the NA version going to be an option also?

My guess is that this thing will have a sticker of at least $40K, then the local dealership here will tack on $10K markup to put it out of reach of the average person. They mark up '01 Cobras by $5K here, and the Cobra R was marked up $50K.

I think it is definetly underated. 390hp for a dohc supercharged engine seems a little low. They probably underated it at 390hp so ti is rated under 400 hp for insurance reasons.If only they would put a live axle in it instead of the irs. I hate to say it but I don't think that many people buy Cobras for autocross and that more people use them to go down the strip.
I hope they produce it for under 35K. Even though i can't personally afford to own even a new GT i still would like toi see some of these cars on the road


JAMES

I seriously doubt it will own the vette the vette is a serious contender with the Z06 and the future models of the vette will make 450+ HP N/A....The Z06's and vipers run real close at my local track.

It will be overpriced and HP will be underrated a lil' bit, ...Anyways why would you pay 40+ thousand dollars for a mustang with a blower. Buy a GT and mod the hell out of it with ten grand smoke the cobra's *** and have ten grand left over.

The Vette and viper appeal to me cause they have there own personality and cannot be confused with anything else.

A blown cobra is a glorified mustang for twice the price..


No Flames JMO....

I think is good they coming out with a more power ful cobra but this is just my opinion I think they should look on making the GT and the v6 faster. any ways in a month ill be owning a 96 GT 5speed. I think that because the v6 and z28 camaro are faster than the v6 and gt mustangs. I think ford should once and for all over power chevy:D

is it true that this is the last year for the Camaro and the Firebird?? I read that last year in a magazine, they said they were stoping production cuz they havent been selling for the past 3 or 4 years.

MT claimed the prices to be around $35K for a convertible so I would think a coupe would run you around $32K. Not to bad in my opinion.

If I had to take a wild guess I'd say they used the forged pistons straight out of the Lightning parts bin and some came up with some better rods. I would also guess the CR is dropped to somewheres just north of 9:1. 9.1:1 or somewhere in that neighborhood. High enough but not pushing it to account for crappy gas and the general misuse most cars see.

I also bet it dynos right around what its rated, but is down tuned quite a bit to get there; IE it runs rich and with little timing. IE, some tuning and maybe a bolt on two will knock it up considerably (450+ with out all this burned #7 piston crap, with just easy bolt on stuff).

Its nice in that it will finally end the "but F-bodies are faster" chip on the Mustang's shoulder and will finally have a descent transmission, but $35k I would want better then the FOX chassis. Suposity the DEW98 has been moved back a couple years...

Its definatly going to be interesting to see how it all pans out.

Is the motor going to be the same heads/intake/cams wise as before? Or are they going to modify other things too.

Also I wonder how it will do on the topend with that roots blower.


Im going to bet at 6lbs of boost and aroun 8.8:1 compression.

I wonder though if I wouldnt rather have a 96-02 cobra with a S-Trim?

Skyler

If we are gonna compare an SVT cobra to the F-bodies why dont we throw in the Lingenfelter twin turbo vette as well.

They had a thing on speed vision about this Terminator they ran a similar car down the 1/4 mile and it pulled high 11's with slicks.

Compare apples to apples

cobra to vette/viper
mustang to f-bodies

Um, the current Model Cobra is not to be compared to the Corvette. Dont really see how it can be placed in the same bracket.

4 passenger car compared to a two passenger car?

Pony car Compared to a Sports Car?

The Cobra is in the same Bracket as the F-Body's. Price, market, insurance, and design (2 door 4 passenger sedan).

Well, not after this year though.:(

What I think most people here ment by the Cobra will own the vette is in Perfromance. Not in terms of direct market competition. I dont think Most Vette buyers will turn to the Cobra, just like most Cobra buyers wont turn to the Vette.

The car that will be comparable to the Vette and Viper is the GT40, if they make it. Thats fighting for the same audience and consumers.

Well...I'd NEVER EVER have a car payment (can't drive a car that doesn't belong FULLY to me :D) so I definetely can't afford the car, but I think it will do pretty well as long as the price is not outrageous. Sorry if I missed it, but does it have forged internals?

I dont know about striking gold but they struck My wallet. I would love to have one but to much money.

Brad

If I could get into one of these for $32k I would drive one off the dealer's lot the first day they are available.

A supercharged-DOHC 4.6 should be good for well over 390 hp. With some tuning and minor bolt-ons I would think that 450 hp could be easily reached. Hmmm, add some 4.10 gears and some lowering springs..... Anyone want to buy a 89 coupe? Make me an offer! j/k

Keeping the price in the low-mid 30's is the key. Too expensive and most people will choose the vette (I know they are in different classes).

I think the compression will remain where it is with 5-6 psi of boost.

Horsepower will probably be either right on or put out a little more than advertised. It better not fall short like in 99. I really don't think they would let that happen again though.

It'll be interesting to see what happens.

The topic is about the new cobra coming out not the current one......and I hope your not trying to say a cobra with a blower is a family car.

Trust me it will be 40,000+ and thats just too much for a dressed up mustang..I think alot of people will think like me and get a new GT for half the price and blow the doors off the cobra for about ten grand less than the price off a cobra.

i think ford is on the right track with slapping a blower onto the cobra. i think it should be an option though.
i'm actually surprised that ford decided to up the power on the cobra now that the f bod is history. was expecting ford to just let the cobra go "as is" till the next restyle, since it has no direct competition anymore.
and here is a link to the mt article for those that have not read it yet.
http://www.mustangworld.com/pst/ubb...ic&f=3&t=049121

oh and what i got from the article was the hint at pricing was to start at just under $35k. they did not say the convert pictured was going to be $35k.


hmmmm, that link don't seem to wanna work on this board. it works over at ls1.com. :confused:

i think it will be a hit ......it'll bring alot more respect for the mustang and open the door for a larger market

i alway's liked the mustangs becouse i know what thare potentiall is , but i think alot of sports car enthusiasts compare cars by the way they are out of the box......alot of peaple want a car they don't have to mod to get the performance.........i like to fix things up so i can look at a cars potential and that effects my judgment of what cars i like .........but i think there's a large group that don't want the hassel of modifieing it....., that want a fast car with a warrenty ,.........and want to get the porformance in the same auto loan........ i think it'll open the door to these types of peaple ........

on that note ....you know how many times i've heard peaple on this board say ,i can't wait till the warrinty runs out so i can mod it......with a factory stock car ,you wouldn't have to wait .......you could drive it home and toast a ram air gm on the way.....and take it back if you breake it doing so

another reason i think it will be a hit is instant collectors item........as history tells us any time ford comes out with a faster or special version of the mustang ,it usually becomes a collectors favorite ........and holds it value .......in comparing it to a n/a cobra with aftermarket mods ........you can get the same performance numbers for less money with the n/a cobra but the moded car won't hold it's value near as much.........

another reason i think it'll be a hit is it'll be one of the few cars available that runs those numbers and has the versitility of the mustang .......most cars with those numbers ,have no trunk space ,no passenger room,no leg or head room,no visability and take a rocket scientist to fix them..........i know that a cars versitility has as much apeal to me as the cars performance......i like a fast car thats usefull as well........i bet i'm not the only one

all in all ,i think the deciding factors will be price ,warrinty ,and dependibility .....they will sell but i think if it's priced reasonable ,has a warrinty, and doesn't have any dependibility issues ,then the'll sell alot of em

I could not get the link above to open, but here are some of what MT had listed.

Compression 8.5:1

Aluminum Heads

Iron Block

Intercooled w/8 lbs of boost

Base Price $34,995

Price as tested $36,500 (and it was a vert, so as I said early a coupe should be around $32K)

Also Ford expected trap speeds in the 1/4 of at least 110 mph.

no offence intended with the ram air comment gonzo 99......you posted when i was writing my post:D

Dark 5.0

It is considered a 2 door sedan, so in essence, yes it is a family car. At least according to insurance, and other such guidelines.

Just because it is expensive doesnt mean its to be compared to the Corvette. Thats to say if it is the price you think it is, which it may not be.

Some one mentioned the Z06 Vette, which is no where near 40,000 dollars.They go for more like 75,000 dollars.

I myself would also prefer to buy a GT and just modify it, or a used Cobra and do the same, but dont forget, we are not the normal consumer. The normal consumer just wants to hop in and go. They dont want to have to worry about all the details and pains that can arrise out of modifying the car. They also want a warranty.They want road side assistance, and all the other perks, right down to the complimentary cup of coffie while you fill out your paperwork.

I do think it will be a success, in many ways.

I think probably half the cobras sold are sold in Texas cause I see them everywhere, So I am sure Ill get to see one at the track sooner or later.

390 hp off the showroom floor from a cobra.......never thought I'd see the day :)

No offense but your like the third person on here that has said that. Dealers around here are selling them at $49,000 brand new, which is far from $75,000, that is $26,000 different. I don't think that it will own the vette at all in performance , the new C6 should easily hold it's ground, even with it in N/A form vs. a S/C'er. I heard that they are only going to make 1,000 "Cobra Special's", so $40,000+, I think even maybe $50,000, I just don't see them running 8-9#'s of boost on it either. It'll be cool but for $40,000+ I mean come on? That is alot of money for 390hp?, and especially it being low productions numbers...Hopefully it'll run some low-mid 12's. For $40,000+ I think you would be expecting that. I'm pretty excited to see what it does, bet you won't see too many at the track though.

Yeah, I don't know where the $75,000 for a ZO6 figure came from, but that is way too high. $50,000 is a lot closer to the Z06's actual price, at least as far as I've seen.

I don't think the new Cobra will cost $40,000 though. Hopefully the Motor Trend article is correct and a vert goes for $36,xxx or so and a coupe would be in the $32-34,xxx range. Don't get me wrong, that is still a lot of money and more than I will be able to afford, but there are a lot of people that can afford that and maybe not the extra $13-18,xxx large that a Z06 commands.

Comparing the Cobra to a Z06 really is like comparing apples to oranges. Sure it will kick *** if the Cobra can post 1/4 mile times close to the Z06 or even better, but they really are different machines. I'm also sure the Cobra can hold its own on a road course, but you have to remember this new Cobra will have more weight in the front due to the iron block. Again a Z06 will beat it, but it better for the extra $green$ it costs.

Time will tell how everything pans out.

One thing is for sure. It makes me happy to see new, more powerful, RWD American Muscle/Sports Cars coming out that will kick the crap out of most imports!!!!

If you can really get your hands on one for around $32K (Coupe), then I think it will definately be a hit - at least with me. Now, if they start labling these cars as "Cobra-Specials" or whatever and tack on another $5-7K for lack of availablity, then it will start to lose appeal.

I really hope that the HP numbers are for real. First we had the "cobra fix" issue, then the Bullit's came in under par - I do not want to see this happen again. If the numbers are solid, it would be easy to gain extra HP with a pulley swap and some tuning - should be well over 400 at the crank.

I should say though, that I am somewhat disappointed that Ford had to supercharge the motor in order to get more power. I would have rather seen the 5.4L (331) truck motor tweaked and tuned to run in the Cobra. With the right cams and heads, they could have had a 350 HP motor - with more torque than the 281 to boot!

On the other hand, I will be discussing the issue with my wife tonight. A 2003 Cobra with damn near 400 horses under the hood in my garage would look sweet next to my 91 LX Coupe. Now, I've just got to convince my wife that her 2001 Taurus SEL has got to sit outside of the garage. :D

If they have them in that new "mineral gray metallic" color, then I think I'll be placing my order as soon as I can.

This Cobra has me excited!!!

E

why should the stang have to compete with a sport's car anyway, sports car's remimind me of guy's named biff with their sweater sleeve's tied around their neck ,just not tight enough:o :o , i respect the camaro & t.a. more than the delorean wanna be vette,hey MTU50 how about them wing's , the stanley is our's no doubt whooo:D

Yeah, its looking good, but as we've seen before, the best record in hockey doesn't guarantee anything. I'll be more excited when the playoffs draw near. I do agree though, with all the talent we have a dam* good chance of winning. I think the important thing is that Yzerman stays healthy. He is the leader of the team and they play a lot better with him in the line up. Should make for some exciting hockey.

Go Wings!!!!:D

Yeah right, there is no way that it'll be $32,000, isn't that pretty much the price of a fully loaded cobra now? Now it's all new, has a supercharger, there only making like 1,000 units, and the price is going to be about the same?:rolleyes: I bet at least $35,000-37,000 for the bare bones base model, and then if they really do only make 1,000, I see that price shooting to at least $40,000, and that price everyone is out of alot of people's range. On a 4 year note, $40,000 is an $833 payment and that is without interest. If they would've priced it close to $30,000, the people buying it might actually drive it, and race it, but I know it's going to cost at least $40,000 by the time the dealers get a hold of them.

That's why I said if you can get one for $32K.

The Wings have a good club, but my money is on the Oilers. They have the most heart of any team in the league. All they have to do is get past the Stars ;) and they'll go all the way.

That MT article stated the top speed of the new Cobra to be 155 governored. Without restrictions, they say 175+ would be attainable.

My turn...

I'm the type of person that feels to just "wait and see". I would love to see a Cobra of that sort out on the road, but knowing that it could be bought for less than $35k and perform at least mid 12s with a good driver would be even better. We'll see......

Everyone, we've just posted our 2003 SVT Cobra feature on the site. Be sure to check it out! ;)

If this new Cobra Special will run 35k, that will be great. Unfortunately, in standard Ford stupidity they have sacrificed meeting demand so they can keep resale on the special model high. :rolleyes: Interestingly enough, the SVT site didn't make a distinction between the Cobra and the Cobra special.

A supercharged DOHC Cobra will OWN a Corvette (excluding the special model Z06 including it is like saying a Ford Escort Cosworth was an Escort). In the 0-60, in the 1/4mile, just about everywhere in the performance categories. To say the Corvette will compete is ludicrious. It's easy to see who the GM fans are. The people in the LS1 trance. Perhaps if you pray to the alumium LS1 god, he will send you the additional 50hp+ you will need to compete with the Cobra, if by some miracle Ford is rating it correctly?

The specifications I just got from the SVT site are 390hp, and 390lb/ft. Those are serious numbers, and way more than the current LS1 puts out. Way more. 390hp will be underrated anyway. An intercooled 8psi supercharger on the DOHC engine is going to make for massive power increases. Just like the Cobra R made 385hp ;) ;)

I guess by some people's logic the Cobra competes with the $80k Viper and the $50k Corvette/Z06, LOL. So what did the SS compete with? The Viper and Corvette as well? Perhaps the Neon R/T competes with the Viper and Corvette too because it is the top option in it's model? 2 Seat Roadster vs 2+2 Coupe/Convertable. The Mustang is practical, the Corvette and the Viper are toys. The GT-40, if released, will compete with the Viper and the Corvette.

I haven't been reading this thread, behold my suprise when I start and see so many ridiculous posts.

I'm pretty excited to see what it is going to be able to do. You think some 11's? That would be pretty crazy.:)

I don't think it's fair to say it will own a new vette, the C6 is supposed to be coming out 2003 and if I had to bet money on it, I would bet that it would be a step above the new "Cobra" in performance.

Well, in the past GM has waited for Ford to release some specs and then released something a little better. We'll have to see if they follow suit with the Corvette, but with not much else using the LS1, it will be pretty hard to justify R&D expenses for JUST the Corvette.

Thanks for adding yours.:cool:

Why is it anything other than your opinion is ridiculous:rolleyes:

Your envy of the LS1 is apparent in every post that mentions GM.

[

its nice to see ford finally decide to make a high powered car. its too bad they have to use a super charger to do that but you cant have everything. anther good thing is that they are finally going to a 6 speed transmission instead of the outdated 5 speed. as far as owning a vette?? nope. the new vettes will still beat a cobra, especially a z06. and think about what would happen if you threw a super charger on a vette. but im still looking forward to the new cobras, and i think they will be a huge success if the price is right especially since the f-bodies are going into hibernation.

Check this out. http://forums.stangnet.com/showthrea...hreadid=118343

In order to meet emissions standards now a days it seems that you almost have to add a blower to make power. Plus alot of states and counties now adays are having Emmision testing as part of the inspection proccess. And not to many people have friends that can help out with passing a vehicle that cant pass the sniffer test.

You can build some good power out of the 4.6 with the aftermarket thats available with out the aid of Turbo's or SuperChargers. With the few Cams, intakes, and worked over PI heads (And now aftermarket Cobra heads) selection there is, you can have yourself a powerfull 4.6. While its not exactly cheap, give it time.

I know I'm going to burn for this, but I'm looking for a set of cams for my 4.6, and I dont give much of a damn about emissions. On a side note, I've had people yell and scream at me while riding in my old stang, calling me Tree Killer, Destroyer of Mother Nature, Earth Killer, all kinds of nice things. I just give them the bird and go on my marrie Tree killing, mothernature slaying, Global warming, self.

As for "Having to use a superCharger", its the easiest, sure fire way to build power and still maintain realiablitly, driveability, and consistancy. And with the way the general public is now..Even so much as a Hic-up from a car will have them screaming all kinds of Warranty fixes, Lemon law quotes, and Lawsuits.

Although I personnaly would like to see the 5.4 offered on a regular bassis, or the 4 cam 4.6. But I'm happy with my 2 Valve 4.6.

I'm with unit on this one, I think the Cobra Special will own the standard vette in performance.

And yes, the Z06's do go for an ungodly price around here.

"Thats right boys and girls, those dudes at GM are bringing back the 427!!!
A factory installed, Lingenfelter built 427 pushing out an ungodly 520 hp / 520 lb torque! Its all NA too. "

All I can say is wow. I am glad to see that the cobra is finally getting some real power (even if it is from a supercharger) but 520 HP NA is just outrageous for an American production car. I dont think cobras will be able to compete with vettes in performance. Like the wise man said there is no replacement for displacement. 4.6 vs. 7.0. I'll take the 7.0. Of course I know all of you will be screaming about the big price difference which is a valid point. But heres what it comes down to. If youve got the money go with the vette. Otherwise the cobra makes a great substitute but can never be as good as the vette when you compare apples to apples. But look out Viper. The vette is gonna give the Viper a serious run for its money. Overall Im not trying to bash any cars. I love American made muscle cars and I am glad that they are really beginning to have some serious muscle in them.

I've seen 1 mention of the 520hp L88 special edition Corvette. I spent a good hour searching the web for ANY information. The Z06 will make between 405-425, and the standard Corvette will make 360-370hp. That's for the 2003 model year anyway. From everything I've seen the C6 will be a 2004 model, and the ONLY site that listed the L88 option also said the C6 would be delayed until the 2005 model year.

Dark 5.0, it's people like you that make me glad I'm smart.

89 Cobra LX, I apologize greatly for interjecting any logical thoughts, arguments, or ideas. I will let you get back to your world of blissful ignorance.

You have to ask yourself how much truth is in that information? No-one knows for a fact, but you would think for the 50th anniver. they should have something "special". And if Lingenfelter is going to make the 427's, you know there is going to be a very limited edition available at a higher than normal cost. His engines go for like $15,000+.