The 1999 Mustang CobraWhile the 1999 Mustang Cobra, or SVT Cobra was based on the newly face-lifted pony car, the specifications for this limited production marvel were not. Exterior Styling and ChangesThe differences from the base Mustang and the 1999 Mustang Cobra was in the details. The front fascia or bumper cover was different, with a restyled lower chin spoiler and rounded fog lights. The only external option available was the ability to add a rear spoiler.The pony car's non functional hood scoop was replaced with a more aerodynamic smooth unit. And the grill area was de-chromed, removing the traditional corral from the classic pony emblem. 1999 SVT Cobra ColorsA total of only four colors were available with the SVT Cobra; Ultra White, Rio Red, Electric Green and Ebony.SVT Cobra ConvertibleAdding an open air experience (and another $4,000) to the SVT Cobra, enhanced the already powerful sound to the Ford Mustang hot rod.
Peeking through the new Ferrari-like five spoke star shaped wheels, were performance disc brakes and calipers from Brembo, the exotic car brake manufacturer. 1999 SVT Cobra ProductionOut of the total 1999 Mustang Cobra production of 8,095 units, convertibles comprised 4,055 of the total. And if you're lucky enough to own one and wondering how rare you're car's color is, here are the stats:1999 Ford SVT Cobra Production Numbers: Interior Styling
The interior of the Mustang SVT Cobra, led the charge for stylish and upscale sports car. With twin color accents and easy to read gauges, it was both functional and great looking. Engine and DrivetrainThe crowning achievement of the 99 SVT Cobra was it's 32 valve, DOHC (dual overhead cam) V8 engine. Changes to the engine included massaging the intake port real estate for better flow and reshaping the combustion chamber which produced increased power and torque.
A new Coil-on-plug ignition system and modified knock sensor system, similar to the Mercedes AMG supercars was added, allowing for precise tuning of spark and fuel. The end result, was the 4.6 liter V8 churning out a surprising 320 horsepower and 317 pounds of torque. And getting all that power out to the rear wheels, was the Tremec built T-45. Ford Authorized ModificationStrangely, while most Ford Mustangs were notably more powerful than their rating would suggest, the general opinion of testers at the time seemed to indicate that this year's SVT Cobra, was in fact slower than the previous incarnation, perhaps due to the pony car's new rear suspension.Nonetheless, Ford was listening and seemed to agree, because later in the year (August) they not only recalled all unsold cars, but sent notice to owners to bring in their cars for a specially authorized factory modification. With their reputation on the line, Ford replaced the intake plenum, ECU (on-board computer) and added a new better cat back exhaust system. All cars which were refitted, bore a new engine bay sticker with the words "Authorized Modification". 1999 Mustang Cobra SVT Independent Suspension
Yes, I said independent suspension. While some Mustang purists insisted that no pony car should ever have anything at the rear than a solid axle, many others were pointing to the fact that if Ford really wanted to say they had a supercar beater, then they needed to improve handling. And the only way to get much better than what they'd already achieved, was by having an independent rear suspension system. The benefit to having each end of the car able to move independently, is that under cornering and uneven road surfaces, having one corner locked to the other, results in loss of grip at particularly bad times. Having an IRS equipped car also allows you to improve (soften) the ride quality of the car, without affecting handling. Unsprung weight was also reduced, helping increase response and making for quicker direction changes. And with a Price starting at just over $27,000 that's a lot of car for the money.
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