Ford Mustang Sixth Generation History
The sixth generation Mustang was in production from 1979 to 1993. For 1979, the new car was based on the larger Fox platform. The interior was completely restyled and could now more comfortably seat four, even with the smaller back seat. The new sixth generation car also had more trunk space and a bigger engine bay for better serviceability. Body styles in the sixth generation car included a coupe (notchback) and hatchback (fastback). The only trim level available on the sixth generation car over the base model was Ghia. The sixth generation car also offered a Cobra option available through '81. Engine choices in the sixth generation cars included the 88 hp 2.3 L Pinto I4, 109 hp 2.8 LV6, and the 140 hp 302 cu in V8. All were carried over from the Mustang II line. A new 132 hp turbo four -cylinder, debuted in the sixth generation, which offered similar horsepower to the V8. There were high hopes that this engine would usher in a new era in performance. The sixth generation 2.3 and 2.3 Turbo and V8 models could also be optioned with the newly developed TRX handling suspension. The sixth generation car was again chosen as pace car for duties in the Indianapolis 500. Ford commemorated the honor with an "Indy 500" pace car edition. About 11,000 copies of this sixth generation car were produced in two-tone pewter and black with orange graphics. Available were the 2.3 L Turbo with mandatory four-speed manual transmission or the 302 cu in V8 with either the manual or three-speed automatic transmission was a nice addition to the sixth generation.
Following the second oil crisis in 1979, the sixth generation 302 cu in was dropped in favor of a new 4.2 L V8 due to its better fuel economy. It was the only V8 offered in sixth generation 1980 and 1981. Basically a de-bored 302 the 4.2 L V8 had restrictive heads and managed to produce 120 hp , the lowest power ever for a Mustang V8. Compounding the lack of power, the 4.2 L was mated only with the three-speed automatic transmission. This meant the 2.3 L Turbo 4 was the sole "performance" engine for this year of the sixth generation.
The beginning of a performance revival began in 1982 with the return of the 302 cu in last seen in 1979, and the GT trim level. Now producing 157 hp , the re-engineered sixth generation 302 consisted of new valves, a more aggressive cam, a larger 2-barrel carburetor, as well as a better breathing intake and exhaust system. The sixth generation 4.2 L, now in its final year and available only with an automatic, could be substituted in the place of the 302. Sixth generation trim levels were also revised to now included L [base], GL, GLX, and GT. The Cobra option was no longer available in the 1982 sixth generation.
While most of the internals and externals were carried over in the sixth generation 1983, there were some changes and improvements on the now five-year old model. Ford added a convertible to the sixth generation line in 1983. The majority of the sixth generation convertibles were equipped with the new V6 in GLX form, though a limited number of V8 GT models were also produced. For the 1984 sixth generation, the GL and GLX were dropped, leaving L, LX, GT, Turbo GT, and a new addition, the SVO. The sixth generation also recognized the 20th Anniversary of the car with the G.T. 350, options were hatchback and convertible models all trimmed in Oxford White exteriors and Canyon Red interiors. Finally, after 1984, the sixth generation TRX option was retired. The new sixth generation SVO, appeared first in 1984 and was produced through 1986. Four wheel disc brakes, 16-inch specific wheels, and a SVO specific bi-plane rear spoiler, were just a few of the notable differences between the SVO and the rest of the Mustang line. However, the steep price, which was thousands more than a comparably equipped V8 GT, put off most potential buyers.
In 1985, the sixth generation GT got the exclusive 302 cu in (4.9 L) - named 5.0 L High Output - engine. This would be the last carbureted V8. Also, the sixth generation 1985 saw the departure of the L and Turbo GT, leaving the LX, GT, and SVO. In 1986, Ford released the first multi port fuel-injected 302 cu in engine in the sixth generation.
In 1987, the sixth generation car received its first significant redesign since being introduced in 1979; incorporating both interior and exterior changes. The sixth generation exterior design was reminiscent of the earlier SVO and gave the car more of an "Aero" look, in keeping with the companies overall styling direction. With the end of the SVO in 1986, the sixth generation models were now pared down to LX and GT. This particular sixth generation car represents the longest run on any platform and the popularity of the sixth generation car remained high due to its low cost and high performance. The 5.0 Mustangs, became popular with the aftermarket performance industry. The sixth generation V6 option was discontinued while the 2.3 L four-cylinder gained fuel injection, leaving only the 2.3 L four cylinder and the 302 cu in V8. No major changes were seen in 1988, although the T-roof option for hatchbacks was discontinued midyear. A driver's side airbag became standard starting in the sixth generation 1990 car. Ford's only gesture at a 25th Anniversary car was small, a passenger-side dashboard emblem with galloping-horse logo affixed to all models built between March 27, 1989, and the end of model-year 1990.
By 1990, Ford resources began to focus on the next Mustang, due to debut in 1994. There would be few changes in the model line through its retirement in 1993. Most changes in the sixth generation cars would be visual in 1992 and 1993, two special edition 5.0 LX convertible were released in the spring. These models sported with Vibrant Red exteriors with Oxford White leather interiors in 1992, and Canary Yellow exteriors with Black leather interiors for 1993.
Under the newly established Ford SVT division, the sixth generation 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra was offered with the 302 . Featuring more subdued styling than the sixth generation GT, the Cobra used Ford's new GT-40 high performance engine equipment, which could send a Mustang through the 1/4 mile in 14.5 seconds at just under 100 mph. The sixth generation Cobra R model was also produced in 1993 that used the same engine as the regular Cobra. Since the Cobra R was race oriented, options such as air conditioning and a stere
|