Ford Thunderbird | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
Model code | M205[1] |
Production | June 2001 – July 2005 |
Model years | 2002–2005 |
Assembly | United States: Wixom, Michigan (Wixom Assembly) |
Designer | Jack Telnack (1997) |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Personal luxury car |
Body style |
|
Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
Platform | Ford DEW98 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 3.9 L Jaguar AJ35 V8 |
Transmission | 5-speed Ford Bordeaux 5R44E automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 107.1 in (2,720 mm)[2] |
Length | 186.3 in (4,732 mm)[2] |
Width | 72 in (1,829 mm)[3] |
Height | 52.1 in (1,323 mm)[4] |
Curb weight | 3,775 lb (1,712 kg)[5] |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Ford 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.