Ford Mustang GT Convertible
For 1994, Ford unveiled the Mustang's first major redesign in 15 years. This entirely new styling by Patrick Schiavone, coined "SN-95" by Ford, was based on the "Fox" platform and featured slight touches of earlier Mustangs. It still included the traditional rear-wheel drive design and instantly revived the Mustang's popularity. The base model was outfitted with a 3.8 L V6 engine that was rated at 145 hp (108 kW), while the GT was provided with the upgraded "5.0" 4.9 L V8 that came complete with a 5.0L Thunderbird intake manifold, a larger 60mm throttle body, and 215 horsepower. The Cobra GT-40 was also available, featuring the same 5.0 L engine but now packed a punch with 240 hp (179 kW). It was chosen as the Pace Car for the 1994 Indianapolis 500, with a total of 1,000 replicas released through select dealers. Additional features included stronger brakes, a different transmission, and modified suspension pieces. This revamping earned the 1994 Mustang Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year award - the third for the car.
In 1996, Mustang enthusiasts had expected the return of a 5.8 L (351 in³) V8 engine, but that wasn't what they received. Instead, the 5.0 GT was replaced with a 4.6 L SOHC "Modular" V8 that had two valves per cylinder and was rated at 215 hp (160 kW). This engine had been used in Lincoln models as a part of Ford's goal for engine modernization. As the engine was SOHC, it was not a very responsive model and its power decreased quickly past 5000 rpm. The Cobra version was modified with a high-revving 305 hp (227 kW) dual over head cam version of the 4.6L V8, using an aluminum Teksid block from Italy and split port heads with larger valves. An intake manifold with dual runners was also added to the Cobra to offer extra low end response. The V6 engine was raised to a 150 hp (112 kW) rating in 1996.
The following year, power to the SOHC 4.6 L V8 was increased to 225 hp (168 kW) with a more aggressive computer and larger exhaust tail pipes. 1998 marked the last year for the "Round Body Mustang," and the only year the "Sports" package was available. This included a black stripe on the hood that was the same color (regardless of the car's exterior color) and extended over to the wheel wells.
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