Fourth-generation Ford Mustang

Infobox Automobile generation
name=Fourth-generation Mustang


production=1994–2004
assembly=Dearborn, Michigan
body_style=2-door convertible
2-door coupe
platform=SN-95(1)1994-1998, SN-95(2)1999-2004
engine=3.8 L (232 CID) OHV
94-04 Essex V6
4.9 L (302 CID) OHV
94-95 GT Windsor V8
5.8 L (351 CID) OHV
95 Cobra R Windsor V8
4.6 L (281 CID) 2v SOHC
96-04 GT Modular V8
4.6 L (281 CID) 4v DOHC
96-01 Cobra Modular V8
4.6 L (281 CID) 4v DOHC SC
03-04 Cobra Modular V8
5.4 L (330 CID) 4v DOHC
2000 Cobra R Modular V8

transmission=T-5 (5-Speed Manual)
94-Present V6World Class T-5 (5-Speed Manual)
94-95 GT/Cobra
T-45 (5-Speed Manual)
96-99 Cobra, 96-01 GT
TR-3550 (5-speed Manual)
95 Cobra R
TR-3650 (5-Speed Manual)
01 Cobra, 01-Present GT
T-56 (6-Speed Manual)
2000 Cobra R, 03-04 Cobra4R70W (4-Speed Automatic)
94-04 V6/GT
wheelbase=Auto in|101.3|0
length=Auto in|181.5|0
Cobra: Auto in|182.5|0
1999-2004: Auto in|183.2|0
1999-2004 Cobra: Auto in|183.5|0
width=1994-98: Auto in|71.8|0
1999-2004: Auto in|73.1|0
height=1994-96 Coupe: Auto in|52.9|0 in
1997-98 Coupe & Cobra Convertible: Auto in|53.2|0
GT Coupe, 1997-98 Convertible & GT Convertible: Auto in|53.4|0 in
1994-96 GT Convertible & Cobra: Auto in|53.3|0
1994-96 Convertible: Auto in|53|0
1999-2004 Coupe: Auto in|53.1|0
1999-2004 Convertible & Cobra: Auto in|53.2|0
1999-2001 Cobra Convertible: Auto in|53.3|0
Mach 1: Auto in|52.4|0
2002-04 SVT Cobra Coupe: Auto in|52.5|0
2002-04 SVT Cobra Convertible: Auto in|52.9|0
fuel_capacity=Convert|15.4|usgal|L impgal|1|abbr=on
layout=FR layout For 1994, the Mustang underwent its first major redesign in fifteen years. The design, code named "SN-95" by Ford, was based on an updated version of the Fox platform. It featured dramatic new styling by Patrick Schiavone which incorporated some stylistic elements similar to those of earlier Mustangs. [http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1994-1995-1996-1997-1998-ford-mustang.htm by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide] In particular, the style of the new Mustang's body resembled that of the original Mustang fastback, which appeared in the late 1960s. A convertible model would also return, but the notchback and hatchback body styles used in earlier Mustangs were no more. Prior to the redesigned Mustang's launch, a concept called the Mustang Mach III was unveiled at the 1993 Detroit International Auto Show and hinted at what the new Mustang might look like and feature. The production Mustang resembled the Mach III concept with its sweeping curves, though the production car's styling wasn't as radical. The Mach III concept also featured a supercharged 4.6L DOHC V8 with 450hp (336kW). While this specific engine didn't carry over into the production Mustang, it did hint to the future use of Ford's Modular V8 in the Mustang, including the eventual use of a supercharged 4.6L V8 similar to that of the Mach III concept. [http://www.muscularmustangs.com/database2/mach3.php]

Mustang

The base Mustang featured a 3.8L OHV V6 mated to a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional AODE 4-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 145hp (108kW) @ 4000RPM and 215lb-ft (291Nm) of torque @ 2500RPM. For 1996, thanks to a new powertrain control module (PCM), the EEC-V, the base V6 gained five horsepower. The AODE was replaced with the 4R70W for 1996.

Ford allocated $700 million to improve the Fox platform for the 1994 Mustang. Efforts were made to improve the car's handling as well as noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) conditions over the previous generation Mustang. The Mustang's front suspension makes use of MacPherson struts with longer lower control arms, new spindles, anti-roll bars, and other enhancements over 1993 and older Mustangs. In the rear, a four-bar link solid axle is used. [Bartlett, Jeff. "1994 Ford Mustang GT - Long-Term Wrapup." "Motor Trend". 1994.] The 1994 Mustang's standard final drive ratio was 2.73:1, though this was later changed to 3.27:1. All Mustangs received standard four-wheel disc brakes, though anti-lock brakes (ABS) were optional.

Along with its new exterior, the 1994 Mustang received equally-new interior styling. The Mustang's cabin featured a "dual-cockpit" layout that was adorned with smooth contours and sweeping curves, similarly to other Fords of the time such as the Thunderbird. The 1994 Mustang offered a wide array of amenities and conveniences, a number of which later became standard equipment. The preferred equipment package came with power windows, mirrors, and door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, and a trunk cargo net among other features. Also available was Ford's Mach 460, 230-watt multi-speaker sound system with CD player. As far as safety was concerned, all 1994 Mustangs received standard three-point seat belts and dual front-side airbags. [http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/wk9413.html] As would be expected, additions and modifications to the Mustang's features and options were made over the years.

Mustang GT

Building on the base Mustang, the Mustang GT was reintroduced for 1994, featuring higher performance and better handling than the base Mustang or its 1993 predecessor. Ford carried over their popular 5.0L OHV V8, also known as the 302 Windsor, from the 1993 Mustang GT. Total output from the engine was 215hp (160kW) @ 4200RPM and 285lb-ft (386Nm) of torque @ 3500RPM. Though more refined, the 5.0L V8 actually saw a drop in output for 1994 from the 1993 model year due to stricter emissions control. Mustang GTs equipped with the 5.0 could deliver zero to 60 MPH acceleration times in the mid-six second range and complete a quarter mile in about 15 seconds flat. [Bartlett, Jeff. "1994 Ford Mustang GT - Long-Term Wrapup." "Motor Trend". 1994.] Along with its more potent powertrain, the Mustang GT featured a stiffer, better handling suspension, a more aggressive 3.08:1 final drive ratio (later changed to 3.27:1 or 3.55:1 depending on the transmission and model year), dual exhausts, and larger 16-inch wheels (compared to the base Mustang's 15-inchers) among others. For all of its improvements the 1994 Mustang GT was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year. For 1995, a one-year model referred to as the Mustang GTS was introduced. This was considered to be a "stripped down" version of the Mustang GT, which still featured the performance parts of the GT model but with a minimum of non-performance parts.

In 1996, Ford dropped the 5.0L V8 from the Mustang's lineup in favor of their newer Modular 4.6L SOHC V8. Smoother and more sophisticated than the 5.0, the new V8 produced 215hp (160kW) @ 4400RPM and 285lb-ft (386Nm) of torque @ 3500RPM, matching the output of its predecessor. For 1998, the 4.6L V8 received a small increase an output resulting in 225hp (168kW) @ 4750RPM and 290lb-ft (393Nm) of torque @ 3500RPM. This was achieved through a more aggressive PCM calibration, a slightly modified fuel system, and larger volume exhaust system through increased exhaust pipe diameter. Though capable of matching or exceeding the older 5.0L V8's output, the 4.6L V8 was criticized for delivering inadequate performance, particularly against the larger displacement V8 used in the Mustang's chief rival, the Chevrolet Camaro.

Mustang Cobra (1994-1998)

Building on the performance of the Mustang GT, Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) developed an even higher performance car: the Mustang Cobra. Compared to the Mustang GT, the Cobra featured a revised suspension, wider tires, and larger brakes in addition to unique styling elements. For 1994 and 1995, the Cobra made use of the same 5.0L V8 as the Mustang GT of the same model years. However, though total torque output was the same, the Cobra's 5.0 produced 25 more horsepower for a total of 240hp (179kW). For 1996, accompanying the Mustang GT's new V8, the Cobra received a new, all-aluminum 4.6L DOHC V8 producing 305hp (227kW) @ 5800RPM and 300lb-ft (406Nm) of torque @ 4800RPM.

The "New Edge"

A redesigned SN-95 Mustang came in 1999. Characterizing the redesign was Ford's New Edge design language, which featured sharper contours, larger wheel arches, and creases in the bodywork, replacing many of the soft lines of the previous model. However, the car carried over the same roof line and interior, in addition to the same basic platform. All 1999 Mustangs (except the Cobra) received "35th-Anniversary" badges on the front fenders. [ [http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=44116 Wardlaw, Christian. "Ford is Doing its Part to Save the Camaro and Firebird", Edmunds Inside Line. January 1, 1999] , retrieved on 2008-06-08.]

A "35th Anniversary Limited Edition" appearance option package came on 2,318 GT coupes and 2,310 GT convertibles. [ [http://bradbarnett.net/mustangs/timeline/99-04/99/index.htm Timeline: 1999 Mustang, undated] , retrieved on 2008-06-08.] Available only in black, silver metallic, white, and red, they featured a body-colored hood scoop, rear spoiler, side scoops and rocker panels, a blacked-out panel between the taillamps, and 17 by 8 inch five-spoke aluminum wheels; while the Interiors included black leather and vinyl seats with silver inserts and pony logo, aluminum shift knob, a unique instrument cluster with 35th anniversary script, silver and black floor mats with 35th anniversary logo, and silver door trim inserts. [ [http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/99mustang.htm Wilson, Greg. "Test Drive: 1999 Ford Mustang Convertible" Canadian Driver, undated] , retrieved on 2008-06-08.]

The 3.8L OHV V6 returned as the base engine for 1999. A new split-port induction system replaced single-port induction, which increased the base model's output to 190hp (142kW) @ 5250RPM and 220lb-ft (298Nm) of torque @ 2750RPM, [Ford Motor Company. Ford Media. "2000 Mustang". 2000. http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=7&press_section_id=398&make_id=92] Beginning in 2001, Ford added IMRC which increased the engine's output to be 193hp (144kW) @ 5500RPM and 225lb-ft (305Nm) of torque @ 2800RPM. [Ford Motor Company. Ford Media. "2001 Mustang". 2001. http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=298&press_section_id=398&make_id=92] The GT model continued to use the 4.6L V8 as before, but now with 260hp (194kW) @ 5250RPM and 302lb-ft (409Nm) of torque @ 4000RPM. [ [http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_9912_1999_ford_mustang_gt/index.html Walton, Chris. "Road Test: 1999 Ford Mustang GT" Motor Trend, undated] , retrieved on 2008-06-25.] They featured new "Power Improved" (PI) heads, cams, and intake manifold; thus becoming a modification for previous NPI "Non Power Improved" 4.6L cars. Mustangs now featured a returnless type fuel system utilizing a PCM-guided fuel rail pressure sensor to regulate pressure. Fact|date=April 2008 The Mustang GT was now capable of low 14 second 1/4 mile ETs with 96+ mph trap speeds compared to the 1998 GT's upper-14 second ETs and 91-93 mph trap speeds. [http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_9912_1999_ford_mustang_gt Road Test: 1999 Ford Mustang GT] article from "Motor Trend"]

Mustang Cobra (1999-2001, 2003-2004)

The Cobra model also returned with its 32-valve 4.6L engine (displacing 281 CID, 4601 cc), now rated at Convert|320|hp|kW|0|abbr=on after Ford recalled all 1999 SVT Cobras. [ [http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1999-2000-2001-2002-2003-2004-ford-mustang4.htm "1999 Mustang Cobra Horsepower Snafu", by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, undated] , retrieved on 2008-06-26.]

Ford produced a New Edge SVT Cobra in 1999-2001 and in 2003-2004.

In 2003, Ford updated the SN-95 Cobra for the last time. Internally known during its development as the "Terminator," this Cobra, under the direction of Special Vehicle Program Director, O. John Coletti, featured a cast iron supercharged DOHC 4.6 L V8. The Eaton supercharger and an air to water intercooler resulted in 390 horsepower (291 kW) and 390 ft·lbf (529 Nm) of torque, which is often argued to be an underrated figure. Ford replaced the 5-speed Tremec T-45 transmission with the heavier-duty 6-speed manual Tremec T-56, which was also found in the Dodge Viper, the Chevrolet Corvette, and the (then out-of-production) Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and SS. From the factory, the 2003 to 2004 Cobras ran 1/4 miles in the high 12s to low 13s with trap speeds around convert|110|mph|km/h|-1|abbr=on. [http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/sports_car_central/2003_ford_svt_mustang_cobra_road_test+t-counterpoint+page-2.html Car and Driver] [http://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/roadtests/pdf/2002_08_cobra_data.pdf Road and Track]

Special Editions

In 2001, the Special Edition Bullitt was released to the public. Available only as coupe, the Bullitt was a mildly upgraded version of the standard GT. Factory upgrades included with a lowered suspension (3/4 inch), subframe connectors (used on the convertible models), Tokico shocks, and brakes from the Cobra (13 in front, 11.7 in rear). The car also received an upgraded exhaust and a re-designed intake. These power upgrades led to a factory rating of Convert|265|hp|kW|0|abbr=on, a gain of five horsepower over the standard GT. On the exterior, the car received unique Torq-Thrust style wheels, removal of the fog lights and rear deck spoiler, as well as new trim accents. It was available in three colors: Dark Highland Green, True Blue, and Black.Fact|date=April 2008

The success of the 2001 Bullitt led to the production of a second special edition, the 2003 to 2004 Mach 1. The Mach 1 was equipped with a 4.6L DOHC Convert|305|hp|kW|0|abbr=on engine based on the engine available in the 1999 and 2001 Mustang Cobras, with new cylinder heads from the 2003 to 2004 Cobra (see below). The interior of the car was given a retro theme with seats made to look like the "comfort-weave" seats available in the 1960s-era Mach 1s. It also featured retro themed gauges and a unique aluminum shifter ball. On the vehicle's exterior, a Mach 1 package was applied, as well as a functional Shaker scoop, a unique 3-tier hood, decals set on the hood, rocker/door panels, a special chin spoiler, a flat black-rear-spoiler, Magnum-500 style wheels, and a redesigned C-pillar. The car also received similar suspension upgrades as the Bullitt.Fact|date=April 2008

References