2000 SVT Cobra R Born for the Race Track

Introduction

The 2000 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R, wearing its production Performance Red paint, was displayed for the first time at the Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) annual convention. Built with the race track in mind, the Cobra R features a 5.4L 32-valve V8 engine, solidifying the modular family of engines as the high-performance benchmark in Ford's lineup. The Cobra R V8 produces an estimated 385 horsepower and 385 foot pounds of torque. In order to keep this power on the ground, the Cobra R features exterior enhancements including a front air-splitter and tall rear deck spoiler, which create downforce for increased stability at track speeds.

There were a limited production of only 300 Cobra R models built in spring 2000, on the same line of the Dearborn Assembly Plant which produces the V6, GT, and Cobra Mustangs. The 2000 model is the third generation of the Cobra R, following the successful and still sought-after 1993 and 1995 Cobra R models.

Ford never followed through on it. On the V6 models, split-port induction replaced single-port induction, which increased the base model's power to 190 hp (142 kW). While the Cobra claimed 320 hp (239 kW), some magazines and owners contradicted it. 5.0 Mustangs and Super Fords claimed that it actually exceeded the torque rating, but didn't quite match the power rating.

There were recalls for the 1999 model year Cobras, which were given intake and exhaust improvements, putting power at 320 hp to match the original claim. As a result, the Cobra was not produced in 2000 (except the limited Cobra R) and the company developed new parts to replace the missing power. These changes were incorporated into the 2001 model year Cobra, and when fixed, these quad-cammed mustangs hurry through the 1/4 mile in the lower to mid-13 second range.


Style & Design

Special Cobra R versions were available in limited editions in 1993, 1995, and 2000. Made as race cars, they were stripped of air conditioning, radios, and back seats. Unlike the early R’s, one did not need a racing license to buy one of these race Cobras. The suspensions were finely tuned, and in 1995 and 2000 the Cobra R’s had increased displacement engines (5.8 L and 5.4 L, respectively) that made these cars extremely potent track machines. The 1995 Cobra R used a 5.8L V-8 with GT-40 induction and a flat tappet camshaft, and was conservatively rated at 300 hp. The 2000 Cobra R utilized a modular iron block and the best cylinder head/intake system yet for the modular motors, flowing staggering numbers even in stock form. Ford tagged the motor with ratings of 385 hp (287 kW) and 385 ft·lbf (522 N•m) torque. Actual power was well over 400 hp. It received a Tremec T-56, 6-speed transmission, the same transmission used in the Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camaro, and the Dodge Viper. Minor exterior enhancements such as the addition of a front splitter and rear wing added down force and stability at speed.