Here's the story:
First the facts:
My '03 triple black Cobra 'vert was ordered on 2/13, built on 5/21, shipped to convoy on 6/04, and arrived at dealership today, on 6/11. However, the supercharger quit making boost during the PDI shakedown run. Tech said he was doing about 70 mph, heard a sudden "whoosh" then no boost whatsoever. Boost guage went to zero. Needs a replacement part (couldn't find out what part), which only location is in New York parts depot. Part to be ordered on 6/12, with eta 6/14. Repair to ensue when part arrives, then shakedown run to be repeated. New estimated retail delivery to me is 6/20. That's assuming the window sticker (Monroney sticker) arrives from Ford. Dealer is supposedly barred by law from selling vehicle until sticker comes from manufacturer. Some FTC regulation, or another, I am told.
Now my opinion:
Overall: I sat in the car. I cranked the car and heard it idle. I checked the seats, the engine compartment, the trunk. Overall impression is that it's not as esthetically appealing to the eye as my '97 Cobra 'vert. Lines are OK, wheels are OK...everything is just OK. But when you get to the engine...OMG! What a brute! Makes my '97 engine look small. It REALLY fills up the compartment! Body lines generally are same as all 'Stangs since '99, except for hood, and rear fin.
Interior:
Interior is indeed "charcoal gray" as advertised. My '97's black interior looks much better, IMHO. Nothing wrong with gray. I just happen to like the black better. Seats have 4 different types of upholstery on them: leather trim seating surfaces, suede seat inserts, vinyl non-seating surfaces, and, believe it or not, velour facing on the seat sides adjacent to console. Looks a bit "patchwork" if you ask me. Again, the nod goes to '97 seats for appearance. As far as adjustability and comfort, the '03 seat wins hands down. But to the eye, it still looks like patchwork.
Wheels and tires:
The 275 series tires look really "fat" from the rear. But it still has that 4x4 look from the side. Maybe I'm just accustomed to the lowered look of my '97. The wheels look good. At this point, I don't see any attraction to the Fall upgrade to chrome wheels. But we'll have to see when Fall comes.
Engine idle and exhaust sound:
Granted, I did not drive it, and only revved it to about 3,000 rpms, but the sound was unbelieveably quiet! My wife's Continental makes more noise. I honestly could not hear it idle from inside the car! And zero supercharger whine...'course the 'charger wasn't working!
Summary:
I sure hope this thing performs! I DID NOT, repeat, DID NOT fall in love with it at first sight. My honest opinion: if I had not already ordered this car, and just happened to come upon it in a showroom somewhere, I would say thanks but no thanks, I think I'll keep my '97 and save the $25,000 price difference. But that's just my opinion. Others need to find out for themselves what's right for them. If dealer wanted to sell out from under me, I probably would not object.
But that's just my opinion,
CW
First the facts:
My '03 triple black Cobra 'vert was ordered on 2/13, built on 5/21, shipped to convoy on 6/04, and arrived at dealership today, on 6/11. However, the supercharger quit making boost during the PDI shakedown run. Tech said he was doing about 70 mph, heard a sudden "whoosh" then no boost whatsoever. Boost guage went to zero. Needs a replacement part (couldn't find out what part), which only location is in New York parts depot. Part to be ordered on 6/12, with eta 6/14. Repair to ensue when part arrives, then shakedown run to be repeated. New estimated retail delivery to me is 6/20. That's assuming the window sticker (Monroney sticker) arrives from Ford. Dealer is supposedly barred by law from selling vehicle until sticker comes from manufacturer. Some FTC regulation, or another, I am told.
Now my opinion:
Overall: I sat in the car. I cranked the car and heard it idle. I checked the seats, the engine compartment, the trunk. Overall impression is that it's not as esthetically appealing to the eye as my '97 Cobra 'vert. Lines are OK, wheels are OK...everything is just OK. But when you get to the engine...OMG! What a brute! Makes my '97 engine look small. It REALLY fills up the compartment! Body lines generally are same as all 'Stangs since '99, except for hood, and rear fin.
Interior:
Interior is indeed "charcoal gray" as advertised. My '97's black interior looks much better, IMHO. Nothing wrong with gray. I just happen to like the black better. Seats have 4 different types of upholstery on them: leather trim seating surfaces, suede seat inserts, vinyl non-seating surfaces, and, believe it or not, velour facing on the seat sides adjacent to console. Looks a bit "patchwork" if you ask me. Again, the nod goes to '97 seats for appearance. As far as adjustability and comfort, the '03 seat wins hands down. But to the eye, it still looks like patchwork.
Wheels and tires:
The 275 series tires look really "fat" from the rear. But it still has that 4x4 look from the side. Maybe I'm just accustomed to the lowered look of my '97. The wheels look good. At this point, I don't see any attraction to the Fall upgrade to chrome wheels. But we'll have to see when Fall comes.
Engine idle and exhaust sound:
Granted, I did not drive it, and only revved it to about 3,000 rpms, but the sound was unbelieveably quiet! My wife's Continental makes more noise. I honestly could not hear it idle from inside the car! And zero supercharger whine...'course the 'charger wasn't working!
Summary:
I sure hope this thing performs! I DID NOT, repeat, DID NOT fall in love with it at first sight. My honest opinion: if I had not already ordered this car, and just happened to come upon it in a showroom somewhere, I would say thanks but no thanks, I think I'll keep my '97 and save the $25,000 price difference. But that's just my opinion. Others need to find out for themselves what's right for them. If dealer wanted to sell out from under me, I probably would not object.
But that's just my opinion,
CW