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2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R Prototype Unveiled

19 April 1999

2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R Prototype Unveiled

    CONCORD, N.C., April 17 -- A Prototype version of the 2000
Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R was revealed today at Charlotte Motor Speedway,
during the Mustang Club of America's 35th Anniversary celebration for the Ford
Mustang.  Tom Scarpello, Specialty Vehicle marketing manager, took the wraps
off a "Grabber Orange" Cobra R at the show, which is expected to draw more
than 30,000 Mustang fanatics this weekend.
    "I can't think of a better place to provide a sneak preview of the new SVT
Mustang Cobra R -- at a world class racing facility in front of thousands of
enthusiastic Mustang lovers," said Scarpello.  "The 2000 Cobra R will be the
fastest production Mustang in its 35-year history."
    Built with the race track in mind, the Cobra R will feature a modular V-8
engine, solidifying this family of engines as the high-performance benchmark
in Ford's lineup.  The new Cobra R features exterior enhancements that will
boost performance on the race track, including a front air-splitter and tall
rear deck spoiler, which will create downforce for increased stability at
track speeds.
    Other differences unique to the Cobra R include the "power dome" hood with
a rear air extractor for improved engine cooling, 18-inch wheels shod with
BFGoodrich g-Force KD tires, and a lowered suspension for enhanced handling.
Cobra R's interior changes include the addition of Recaro sport seats, and the
removal of the radio, air-conditioner and back seat to save weight.  A number
of other well-respected performance parts suppliers are working with SVT in
the development of the Cobra R, including Brembo for brake rotors and
calipers, Tremec for the transmission, Eibach and Bilstein for suspension, and
Borla for the exhaust.
    There will be a limited production of only 300 Cobra R models built on the
same line of the Dearborn Assembly Plant which produces the V6, GT, and Cobra
Mustangs.  The 2000 model will be the third generation of the Cobra R,
following the successful and still sought-after 1993 and 1995 Cobra R models.
    The debut Cobra R, the 1993 model, was introduced as a competition
package, and included unique wheels, suspension and cooling upgrades, chassis
bracing and a higher-output version of the 5.OL HO V-8 engine found in the '93
Cobra.  Just 107 '93 Cobra Rs were produced.
    The 1995 Cobra R (250 produced) was also a competition package, and
featured a higher-output version of the 5.8 Windsor V-8 engine, an upgraded
cooling system, the Tremec 5-speed transmission, unique suspension tuning and
17 x 9-inch wheels.