The Seventh Generation Ford Mustang
The seventh generation Mustang debuted in 1994 and ran through 1998. This was the first major redesign in fifteen years. The design, code named "SN-95" by Ford, was based on an updated version of the Fox platform. The seventh generation incorporated some stylistic elements similar to those of earlier Mustangs. The seventh generation found the return of the convertible model but the notchback and hatchback body styles were no more. The base car featured a 3.8 L V6 mated to a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 145 hp. Ford allocated $700 million to improve the Fox platform for the 1994 seventh generation car. Efforts were made to improve the car's handling as well as noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) conditions over the previous generation Mustang. All seventh generation cars received standard four-wheel disc brakes, though anti-lock brakes (ABS) were optional. Along with its new exterior, the 1994 seventh generation car received equally-new interior styling.
The 1994 seventh generation car offered a wide array of amenities and conveniences, a number of which later became standard equipment. The preferred seventh generation equipment package came with power windows, mirrors, and door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, and a trunk cargo net among other features. Also available was Ford's Mach 460, 230-watt multi-speaker sound system with CD player. As far as safety was concerned, all seventh generation 1994 cars received standard three-point seat belts and dual front airbags.
Building on the base car, the seventh generation GT was reintroduced for 1994, featuring higher performance and better handling than the base car or its 1993 predecessor. Ford carried over their popular 5.0 L V8 from the 1993 GT. Though more refined, the seventh generation 5.0 L V8 actually saw a drop in output for 1994 from the 1993 model year due to stricter emissions control. Seventh generation GT's equipped with the 5.0 could deliver zero to 60 mph acceleration times in the mid-six second range and complete a quarter mile in about 15 seconds flat. For all of its improvements the 1994 seventh generation GT was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year. For 1995, a one-year model referred to as the GTS was introduced to the seventh generation line up. This was considered to be a "stripped down" version of the GT, which still featured the performance parts of the GT model but with a minimum of non-performance parts. In 1996, Ford dropped the 5.0 L V8 from the seventh generation lineup in favor of their newer 4.6 L V8. For 1998, the 4.6 L V8 received a small increase an output resulting in 225 hp. This was achieved through a more aggressive PCM calibration and slightly modified fuel system. Though capable of matching or exceeding the older 5.0 L V8's output, the 4.6 L V8 was criticized for delivering inadequate performance.
As there are with all generations, the seventh generation had many special additions which as discussed in other articles.
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