You might begin thinking this car is all about power, but it is, after all, an SVT product. As such, all-around performance is the goal, and SVT upgraded the car's other facets in balance with the powertrain. Due to the extra weight of the supercharged, iron-block engine, such changes were critical to creating a complete car. Major upgrades focused on the independent rear suspension, where revised bushings, spring mounts, and 600-lb/in springs (470 lb/in in the convertible) joined the mix to improve handling. The IRS also received a new tubular crossbrace to bolster it when 5.0&SF readers add slicks and drop the hammer at 6,000 rpm. In front, the coupe wears 600-lb/in springs as well, while the convertible sports 500-lb/in springs in deference to its unique chassis dynamics. All '03 Cobras are fitted with Bilstein monotube struts and shocks.
Where the power meets the...
Where the power meets the pavement, the Cobra sports unique Goodyear F1 rubber in 275/40ZR-17. The tires proved grippy on-track and quiet on the street, though Phoenix offered no opportunity to sample wet traction. The wheels are attractive 17x9 five-spokes available in aluminum or chrome finishes. And, the brakes are what we've come to expect on Cobras-13-inch fronts and 11.65-inch rears with PBR calipers.
The stats are impressive, but what do they mean in the real world? Fortunately, SVT was kind enough to let us experience the '03 on the real world of the streets around Phoenix, Arizona, and the supernatural, adrenaline-charged world of the road course at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. Not to jump ahead, but the car was so comfortable in both places it was tough to comprehend both venues were enjoyed in the same vehicle.
Back to the driving, the absolute first thing 5.0&SF readers will notice after jumping behind the wheel and turning the key is the sound, or more appro-priately, the lack thereof. This car is quiet-quieter than the '01, and quieter than any 390hp (read 400hp) car has a right to be. For older, more genteel, magazine-publisher types, this quiet demeanor will be just right, but most others will be making their first stop after the dealer at the X-pipe store, and we know there's a bunch of power locked up inside that stealthy exhaust.
Starting the car in motion, the clutch and shifter immediately connote a more muscular demeanor than the '01, and once you become used to the gear arrangement on the six-speed-Fifth seems a long reach-it's all good. The clutch effort is what you'd expect from a mild aftermarket unit. Pulling out and babying it around town, the Cobra is as docile as a stock GT, with spot-on driveability. However the Roots-blown Four-Valve offers torque on demand, so simple passing maneuvers require nothing more than a nudge of the accelerator.
Though overshadowed by the...
Though overshadowed by the engine, drivetrain, and suspension changes, the interior on the '03 Cobra is improved in its own right. First, the seats feature all leather surfaces, with a suede insert, and the driver seat offers six-way power with power-adjustable thigh and side bolsters. Other tweaks are Bullitt-style pedals, a unique six-speed gear knob, and titanium gauge faces with a boost gauge.
Once on the desert roads outside Phoenix, we were able to open things up a bit. Laying into the throttle, the blower makes a happy but understated whirring sound reminiscent of the later Lightnings, and the power just keeps coming. We matted the throttle and just kept grabbing gears. The power is the first party guest to arrive and the last to leave, making the most of every close-ratio shift. This thing just feels good and offers none of the complaints of some ill-tuned aftermarket gear we've experienced. Once into the triple digits, the car is just as smooth and driveable as it was around town.
Back on the road course, you might have expected the 3,666-pound Cobra to feel a bit heavy navigating the turns, but between the increased power and new suspension tuning, the car exhibited a balance we are unaccustomed to in a Mustang. Though you can definitely steer with the throttle if you want to, the car takes direction well and doesn't understeer like a cruise ship. In fact, that extra weight and the new suspension translate into a car that feels solid and capable in most any situation.