Ford Thunderbird (eleventh generation)

Ford Thunderbird
Blue sports car with circular headlights and seven-spoke silver wheels.
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Model codeM205[1]
ProductionJune 2001 – July 2005
Model years2002–2005
AssemblyUnited States: Wixom, Michigan (Wixom Assembly)
DesignerJack Telnack (1997)
Body and chassis
ClassPersonal luxury car
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel drive
PlatformFord DEW98
Powertrain
Engine3.9 L Jaguar AJ35 V8
Transmission5-speed Ford Bordeaux 5R44E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase107.1 in (2,720 mm)[2]
Length186.3 in (4,732 mm)[2]
Width72 in (1,829 mm)[3]
Height52.1 in (1,323 mm)[4]
Curb weight3,775 lb (1,712 kg)[5]
Chronology
PredecessorFord Thunderbird (tenth generation)

The eleventh generation of the Ford Thunderbird—a series of personal luxury cars—was produced between 2001 and 2005 by the American automaker Ford Motor Company. The Thunderbird debuted at the 1999 edition of the North American International Auto Show. Designed by Jack Telnack and manufactured in Wixom, Michigan, the car was available only as a convertible. It is the indirect successor to the tenth generation of the Thunderbird, and 68,098 units were produced before its discontinuation in July 2005.

The official series production of the Thunderbird commenced in June 2001. The Thunderbird, a two-door car, features Jaguar's 3.9 L AJ35 V8 engine. It generates a power output of 188 kilowatts (252 hp) and a torque output of 362 newton-meters (267 lbf⋅ft); an update was implemented in 2003, increasing outputs to 209 kilowatts (280 hp) and 388 newton-meters (286 lbf⋅ft). Based upon Ford's "DEW" platform, the car has a rear-wheel drive layout with a front engine placement. The Thunderbird received the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2002, and has been featured in several films, including Die Another Day, Thunderbirds, and The Sopranos.

  1. ^ Jones, Terill Yue (August 31, 2001). "Ford needs Thunderbird launch to fly". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "T-Bird cruises back into Ford's lineup". Chicago Tribune. May 27, 2001. p. 12.1. ISSN 1085-6706. ProQuest 419282465
  3. ^ "The Bird is the word, again, Ford's styling heritage soars in pleasurable Thunderbird". The Morning Call. June 16, 2002. p. J1. ISSN 0884-5557. ProQuest 393054828
  4. ^ "Nostalgic T-bird is fun, but could get better". USA Today. June 8, 2001. p. D12. ISSN 0734-7456. ProQuest 408902490
  5. ^ Ulrich, Lawerence (May 31, 2001). "Ford's pretty little roadster is back: revived Thunderbird is plush and sporty". Detroit Free Press. p. D.1. ProQuest 1270956813