With the brand-new seventh-generation Mustang having just debuted at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show, we take a look at the Mustang's high points throughout the years.
We're graciously skipping over the remainder of the 1970s, not entirely because there weren't any cool Mustangs sold — we'd go so far as to say even the late-1970s had a few interesting models that were very popular and proper cars for the era — but because nothing really stands out as better than its predecessor in any meaningful way. On to the 1980s, then, and specifically to the Ford Mustang SVO. We're not keen to overlook the seminal Ford Mustang GT or its 5.
Halfway through the 1985 model year, Ford increased the performance of the SVO's 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, landing at a high point of 205 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. That was enough to make the SVO a worthy competitor to its V8-powered GT sibling. But more important than sheer thrust were the major suspension and chassis improvements that made the SVO handle better than any Mustang that had come before.
For race duty, a higher-spec Cobra R was developed with upgraded suspension and driveline components. Everything that wasn't necessary for speed was stripped out, including the rear seat and the air conditioning, dropping 450 pounds of weight from the regular Cobra . Not many were made, and it's a serious collectible today.Look at that bright red Mustang up above. Looks like a race car, doesn't it? There's good reason for that.
Ford put a 5.4-liter V8 engine in the 2000 Mustang SVT Cobra R that featured dual-overhead-cam heads and a redline of 6,500 rpm. It produced 385 hp and 385 lb-ft, sent to the rear wheels through a short-ratio Tremec T-56 six-speed transmission. The Borla-branded exhaust included an X-pipe and exited in front of the rear wheels, necessitating a V6-style rear bumper that lacked exhaust cutouts.