Ford Mustang Cobra Indy Pace Car
For 1994, the Ford Mustang underwent its first major redesign in 15 years. The revamp, which was known as "SN-95" by Ford, maintained the "Fox" platform but included fresh styling from Patrick Schiavone that incorporated some stylistic hints from the Mustangs of the past. The car was still rear-wheel drive, and its rejuvenation allowed it to become extremely popular. The base Mustang was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with 145 horsepower (108 kW) while the GT model featured the 5.0-liter V8 with an intake manifold from the 5.0L Thunderbird and a larger 60mm throttle body, raising the power output to 215 horsepower. The Cobra model also returned with its GT-40 5.0-liter engine and was now rated at 240 hp (179 kW), the extra 5 horsepower originating from a 70mm throttle body. In recognition of its newfound popularity, the Mustang Cobra convertible was chosen as the Pace Car for the Indy 500, making this the third time the Mustang had received the honor. To commemorate the event, a thousand replicas were made and sold via select dealers. Brakes, transmission and suspension upgrades were also added. For its achievements, Motor Trend magazine named the Mustang the Car of the Year for 1994.
In 1996, Mustang enthusiasts anticipated the 5.8-liter (351 in³) V8 would be added to the standard model. Instead, the 5.0-liter GT engine was replaced with a 4.6-liter SOHC V8 engine with a power output of 215 hp (160 kW). This engine had already been available in Lincoln models, undeniably part of Ford's agenda to modernize its engine lineup – it had two valves per cylinder, one for intake and one for exhaust. Although SOHC, the engine was not meant for high-revving applications; while providing ample torque, it did not perform well past 5,000 rpm. The Cobra version was enhanced with a high-revving dual overhead cam-configured 4.6-liter V8, with an output of 305 hp (227 kW), and a Teksid-cast aluminum, cross-bolted block. The heads were supplemented with massive valves through a split port, and brought the Cobra forth as a beloved choice among modular racing teams. To counterbalance the minimal low-end response created by the cylinder heads, the Cobra was supplemented with an intake manifold with dual runners, not activating the secondaries until past 3,000 rpm, making it very agile at low speeds. In 1996, the 3.8-liter V6 Mustang was increased to 150 hp (112 kW). When the hood was open, these models were seemingly aesthetically pleasing, resembling the looks and grandiosity of the 5.0 engine bays. In 1998, the SOHC 4.6-liter V8 was boosted to an output of 225 hp (168 kW) via an improved computer and bigger exhaust tailpipes. This year marked the end of the "Round Body Mustangs", and was the only year they offered the "Sports" packages, which provided exclusive black stripes on the hood, extending to the wheel wells, regardless of color.
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