The 1996 Cobras featured a 4.6L Modular V-8, but with significant differences from the GT’s version. Built by hand, the Cobra’s 4.6L engine was all aluminum, equipped with DOHC heads and 32 valves. This engine produced 305 hp @ 5,800 rpm and 300 lb/ft of torque @4,800 rpm, making it capable of 0-60 in 5.50 and a 14.0 second quarter miles.
Ford claimed this power was sufficient to accelerate the Cobra from 0 to 60 MPH in under 5 seconds and complete the quarter mile in less than 14 seconds at speeds exceeding 100 MPH. Additionally, the chassis was enhanced with new anti-roll bars, upper and lower trailing arms, two hydraulic links, MacPherson struts, and high-performance BF Goodrich tires. Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) thus created one of the most well-balanced and enjoyable Mustangs ever produced.
In 1996, Ford also introduced the Mystic Cobra which featured color shifting paint manufactured by BASF. The paint was green based and depending on the angle it was viewed, 7 different colors were viewable with emerald green, purple and amber/gold being the most prominent. Two thousand 1996 Cobras were produced with the Mystic paint option (LF), each accompanied by a distinguishing certificate along with the SVT certificate.
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