Ford Thunderbird (eleventh generation)
| Ford Thunderbird | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Model code | M205 |
| 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) |
| Length | 186.3 in (4,732 mm) |
| Width | 72 in (1,829 mm) |
| Height | 52.1 in (1,323 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,775 lb (1,712 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Thunderbird (tenth generation) |
The eleventh-generation Ford Thunderbird is a personal luxury car which was manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company for the 2002-through-2005 model years, having entered series production in June 2001. Primarily sold in the North American market, it is a two-door convertible with an optional removable-hardtop and seating for two passengers.
Noted for its styling, the car was conceived under the design direction of Jack Telnack and strongly recalled the original Thunderbird. It was previewed as a concept car at the 1999 North American International Auto Show. The 2002 Thunderbird aimed for "relaxed sportiness," a boulevardier prioritizing touring comfort over sportiness. Manufactured in Wixom, Michigan, production reached just over 68,090 before its discontinuation in July 2005.
The eleventh-generation Thunderbird uses the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration of Ford's DEW platform and a unique variant of Jaguar's 3.9 L AJ35 V8 engine producing 188 kilowatts (252 hp), rated at a torque output of 362 newton-meters (267 lbf⋅ft) — updated for model year 2003 to 209 kilowatts (280 hp) and 388 newton-meters (286 lbf⋅ft). The eleventh generation received the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2002.