FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1996 FORD MUSTANG
Major engine and transmission changes, improved ride and handling quality, and four new exterior paint colors add further zest to the sporty Ford Mustang for 1996.
The high-performance Mustang GT is powered by Ford’s 4.6-liter single-overhead-cam modular V-8 engine and carries a “GT 4.6L” fender badge. This technologically advanced engine, rated at 215 horsepower, replaces the 5.0-liter V-8 used in previous Mustang GTs. A new-design five-speed transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission is optional.
The V-6 Mustang has a stronger, quieter, better-performing version of the 3.8-liter engine used in previous models. The new version produces 150 h.p. and is based on many components used in the supercharged Thunderbird Super Coupe V-6 engine.
The third Mustang model, the limited-production Mustang Cobra, is powered by a double-overhead-cam modular 4.6-liter V-8 that delivers 305 h.p., a major boost over the previous V-8 Cobra engine’s 240 h.p. output.
Mustang Cobra, which carries a Special Vehicle Team (SVT) badge on the decklid, is offered only with a five-speed manual transmission.
For the new model year, Ford expects to double Mustang Cobra’s 1995 model-year production to 10,000. These ultra-performance cars are sold exclusively by approximately 700 Ford dealers across North America who are certified to handle SVT vehicles.
All Mustang models for 1996 benefit from chassis and suspension changes that provide better handling and a smoother ride. In addition, all V-8s will have as standard equipment the Passive Anti-Theft System, an engine immobilizer security system.
There are major exterior color changes for 1996, with the introduction of four new clearcoat paints: Moonlight Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Deep Violet Clearcoat Metallic, Pacific Green Clearcoat Metallic and Bright Tangerine Clearcoat. Mustang Cobra will feature an exclusive multi-hue color, called Mystic, that changes colors in different lights and is state-of-the-art paint technology.
Mustang V-6, GT and Cobra are available as both coupes and convertibles. All Mustang models are equipped with dual air bag supplemental restraint systems.