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Quad-Cam V8 Delivers Traditional Pony Car Feel

Staff, Wednesday February 7, 2001.

Page 1 of 1

Initial reaction to the new Mustang Cobra, since its first unveiling at last year’s Melbourne Motor Show, has centred on the car’s sheer good looks. However, much of its street appeal lies in the unmistakeable burble of the car’s free-revving V8 quad cam and it’s a burble that turns heads on street corners.

Under the bonnet lies a potent all-alloy quad-cam 4.6 litre V8 that produces 240kW of power at 6000rpm and 430Nm of torque at 4750rpm.

According to Ford SVO Business Development Manager Rick Nayler, the engine combines traditional American muscle with modern engineering.

“This is a sophisticated V8 that revs a lot more freely than traditional American V8s, with a redline approaching 7000rpm.

“The lightweight aluminium alloy components also help the balance of the car, as the weight is more evenly distributed from front to rear,” he says.

The Australian Cobra’s lightweight aluminium-alloy block features a number of modifications designed to improve breathing, performance and noise suppression.

The engine’s counterweighted steel crankshaft is secured to the block by six main bearing bolts rather than the standard two, improving rigidity and reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

The cylinder heads are also aluminium alloy, with a classic double overhead cam design incorporating chain-driven cams with hydraulic valve-lash adjusters and a compression ratio of 9.85:1.

The cylinder ports inside the heads are designed to cause the fuel/air mixture to tumble as it enters the combustion chamber, improving combustion and thus generating more power.

Power is further enhanced by a number of modifications that improve airflow through the engine. A specially-designed conical, low resistance air filter improves intake airflow rates, while butterfly valves in the throttle body open simultaneously, giving an improved throttle response.

The modified Ford EEC-V control module adjusts airflow, rpm, crankshaft position and cam position to ensure that the fuel mix and spark are delivered at the optimum moment for maximum power.

Each cylinder is fired by a distributorless coil-on-plug ignition system, making for more precise firing.

The split dual exhaust system features Tickford-developed manifolds, low restriction mufflers and 2.25-inch exhaust pipes. Apart from the improvement in airflow, the system creates a classic V8 burble.

“The engine has all the attributes that appeal to the V8 enthusiast. It is free revving, with a responsive throttle and a sensational sound,” says Nayler.

The V8 delivers power through an 11-inch clutch plate and a five-speed Tremec T45 transmission. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential with a 3.27 axle ratio.

Independent Rear Suspension

The Mustang Cobra features a sophisticated multi-link independent rear suspension system featuring steel upper control arms and aluminium lower control arms, with aluminium spindles.

Fixed tie rods are placed behind the centre of each wheel to control toe characteristics during cornering, acceleration and braking.

The suspension also features a 26mm tubular stabiliser bar, linear-rate coil springs and a robust limited slip differential.

“The IRS provides a great balance between performance and comfort, soaking up road imperfections while remaining composed under high-speed cornering. It also reduces NVH and provides better stability under braking,” Rick Nayler says.

Traction Control

A sophisticated all-speed traction control system developed specifically for Mustang works in concert with the IRS.

When either of the rear pair of shared ABS/traction control sensors detects rear wheel spin, the system will select one or all of three possible electronic strategies in conjunction with brake applications.

The engine control can limit torque by retarding the ignition timing, modulating the air/fuel ratio and cutting off cylinders.

The engine controls work at all speeds, while brake application will occur at speeds of up to 100kph.

The traction control can be switched off at the driver’s discretion.

Front Suspension

The Cobra front suspension is a modified Macpherson Strut-type design, with linear-rate coil springs on the lower control arms, Macpherson struts and a 28mm tubular stabiliser bar.

The hydraulically assisted rack and pinion steering is communicative and precise.

Brakes

At the front of the Mustang, PBR twin-piston calipers clamp down on 330mm Brembo rotors, while at the rear, 296mm rotors and single piston calipers provide great response, durability and resistance to fade.

The four-wheel vented discs are controlled by a four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock system.

Forged alloy 17×8 inch Cobra wheels with BF Goodrich Comp T/A 245/45 ZR-17 tyres complete the ride and handling package.

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