Ford re-introduced the Cobra in mid-1994 in a stylishly new form with larger brakes, a revised suspension setup and wheels that were wider than the outgoing version, a “GT-40″ lower intake and Cobra specific upper intake as well as GT-40 cast iron heads. Unique for the 1995 Cobra was the detachable hard top option.
These models were essentially the same as the convertible Cobra but had several small provisions to make room for the retaining mechanisms of the fiberglass top and dome/map light wiring. Unfortunately, enough weight savings were targeted, as a result of which there was no back seat, radio, power windows/seats or air-conditioning. Even fog lights were omitted in order to provide ducts for letting cool air to seep and surge onto the front disk brakes. Heavy-duty progressive rate springs, thicker stabilizer bars and a front strut tower brace helped improve handling on the racetrack. Only a scarce amount of 250 vehicles were built, which were available in white with saddle cloth interior, each with a unique center tiered fiberglass hood, tall enough to clear the engine and induction system. New colors like Rio Red, Crystal White, and Black were introduced, keeping the total palette at three. Differences between GT and Cobra included the front bumper (Cobras feature round fog lights), and Cobra-specific wheels. In 1994 and 1995 the, Cobra utilized the LX (V-6 3.8L)’MUSTANG’ rear bumper, while the ‘COBRA’ rear bumper didn’t appear until 1996.
In the wake of the ’93 R’s unexpected success, SVT engineers developed a more powerful R-model based on the 1995 Cobra muscle car. Top priority became addressing customer requests for a larger, more powerful engine and more fuel capacity. In response to those requests, SVT replaced the Cobra’s 5.0 L V8 with an SVT Power was boosted to 240 hp (180 kW), modified version of Ford’s 5.8 liter Windsor V8, re-engineered to produce 300 horsepower (220 kW) and installed a Kevlar 20 U.S. gallons (76 L) fuel tank. To handle the torque of 3550, a 5 speed manual transmission was installed. The stock GT comes with 2.73:1 gears for optimum fuel economy.
The Cobra SVT uses a more performance-themed 3.08:1 set. Special Vehicle Organisation also offered this in “GT40″ engine kit that upped horsepower to 290, that is 50 more than a stock Cobra, 75 more than a stock GT. Featured were big-valve “GT40″ aluminum heads (vs. smaller-valve cast-iron units), a new intake manifold with tubular runners, a larger throttle body, tubular exhaust headers, and low-drag accessory drive. So equipped, Car and Driver’s GT coupe ran 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and the quarter-mile in 14.2 at 100 mph. SVT whipped up a new Cobra R, this time with a 351 V-8 based on its hot-rod F-150 Lightning pickup engine making it completely street-legal.
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