What was the factory code name for the 2003-2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra?

The factory code name for the 2003–2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra was “Terminator.”

The name came from Ford’s Special Vehicle Team development program, led by John Coletti. It signaled that this Cobra was intended to be a major performance step beyond earlier SVT Mustangs. The production car arrived with a supercharged 4.6-liter, 32-valve DOHC V8 rated at 390 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.

The Terminator’s hardware matched its aggressive nickname. Ford used a cast-iron engine block, forged connecting rods, strengthened pistons, an Eaton M-112 supercharger, a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission, and stronger 31-spline half-shafts. These changes helped the Cobra handle its increased power and torque.

A common mix-up is treating “Terminator” as an official trim level or replacing it with “Cobra R.” Cobra R was a separate, limited-production, race-oriented variant. Terminator was the enthusiast and development nickname for the 2003 and 2004 supercharged SVT Cobra.