Ford Thunderbird (eleventh 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 as both a convertible and a hardtop 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 kW and a torque output of 362 Nm; an update was implemented in 2003, increasing outputs to 209 kW and 388 Nm. 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.

Background and development

Design

It is a personal luxury car[26][27] with two doors accommodating two passengers,[28][29] and a convertible top. A removable hardtop was optional. [30] The designers aimed for a simple design, returning to elements like fluted doors, wing-shaped door panels, a two-tone dashboard and metal turquoise accents. Compared to the LS and the S-Type, the Thunderbird features a shorter wheelbase and overall length. The car has seventeen-inch cast aluminum wheels and tires sized P235/50VR-17.[31] It has a rear-wheel drive layout and a front-engine placement,[32][33] and a computer-engineered, fully independent suspension system incorporating lightweight materials to reduce weight and improve response.[34][35]

The Thunderbird features Jaguar's 3.9-liter AJ30 V8 engine,[36] which generates a power output of 252 hp and 267 lbft,[37][38] providing a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 7.25 seconds.[39][40] Power is transmitted through a five-speed automatic transmission.[41][42] In 2003, the Thunderbird received minor updates, including an increase in engine output to 280 hp and 286 lbft. The dashboard was revised, featuring more traditional analog

Trim Levels

Throughout its production, the eleventh-generation Thunderbird was available in two trim levels: Deluxe and Premium. Standard equipment included perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, dual power-adjustable bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control system with air conditioning, keyless entry, security alarm system, 17-inch tires and aluminum-alloy wheels, power-retractable cloth convertible roof (top), an AM/FM stereo radio with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer and a premium Audiophile sound system with dual amplifiers for the rear speakers, a driver message center, the HomeLink garage door opener system, a glass rear window with a defroster, and automatic delay on/off front headlamps. The Premium trim received chrome-clad aluminum-alloy wheels, and dual heated seats (the base Deluxe trim did not offer heated seats). The Premium trim also offered a 90-lb. removable hardtop roof (either to match the exterior paint color or in a contrasting color) with two porthole windows, reminiscent of the windows fitted to 1950s-era Thunderbirds.[43]

The Premium trim level offered several optional appearance package, including a Black Appearance Package which added a high-gloss black accent to the leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic transmission gear selector. Another appearance packages added a Parchment cloth soft top (roof), color-keyed accents on the steering wheel and gear selector lever, and seat centers. These packages depended on the exterior color selected (the Black Appearance Package was available regardless of exterior color). Other options included the color of the removable hardtop roof, as well as a choice of several different 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Special editions

2002 Neiman Marcus Edition: In 2000, Ford introduced the Neiman Marcus edition in the company's Christmas catalog. With a production of 200 and MSRP of US$41,995, the edition featured two-tone black exterior paint color with silver hard top roof; logo etched into the circular hardtop glazing; scooped hood; twenty-one spoke chrome aluminum-alloy wheels; silver-accented steering wheel and transmission gear selector lever; aluminum dash inserts; perforated black leather-trimmed interior with silver wing-embroidered seat inserts; 'Neiman Marcus' embroidered floor mats and an available 1/18-scale die cast model.[44] 2003 James Bond 007 Edition: Ford introduced the James Bond Edition as a co-branding promotion for the James Bond Die Another Day movie. With a production of 700, the edition featured coral paint with a white hardtop; twenty-one spoke chrome aluminum-alloy wheels, white perforated leather-trimmed interior, engine-turned interior trim panels with "007" emblem, engine horsepower increased from 250 to 280, five-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection; MSRP of US$43,995, and an available die cast scale model.[45] Starting with Goldfinger in 1964 through Diamonds Are Forever, Ford had a product placement arrangement with the film's producer to exclusively use Ford products in the movies, a tradition that was restored with this movie.

2004 Pacific Coast Roadster Edition: The Pacific Coast Roadster edition, with 1,000 examples produced, featured monterey mist green paint with an ash metallic hard top roof and light ash soft top roof, paired with light ash and dark ash interior and suede trimmed seating, aluminum-alloy wheels, color-keyed interior accents, patterned dash trim, and a numbered dashboard plaque.[46]

2005 50th Anniversary Cashmere Special Edition: In 2005, Ford celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Ford Thunderbird. All 2005 Thunderbirds received a "50th Anniversary" badge. The Cashmere edition, with a production run of 1,500, featured a commemorative dashboard plaque, cashmere exterior paint and medium gray soft top convertible roof; hard top; 50th Anniversary front fender emblems; teal-accented third rear brake lamp with illuminated "Thunderbird" script; two-tone gray and dark gray interior with Cashmere perforated leather-trimmed seating; color-keyed instrument cluster with turquoise gauge needles and "Ford Thunderbird" door sill plates round.[47]

References

Terill Yue Jones. Ford needs Thunderbird launch to fly Los Angeles Times, August 31, 2001, retrieved 2021-09-06^

Lawerence Ulrich. Ford's pretty little roadster is back: revived Thunderbird is plush and sporty Detroit Free Press, May 31, 2001^

T-Bird cruises back into Ford's lineup Chicago Tribune, May 27, 2001^

The Bird is the word, again, Ford's styling heritage soars in pleasurable Thunderbird The Morning Call, June 16, 2002^

Nostalgic T-bird is fun, but could get better USA Today, June 8, 2001^

Ford will retire T-Bird in July Automotive News, March 14, 2005^

Bill Vance. T-Bird revival was short-lived Waterloo Region Record, September 12, 2008^

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Daniel Strohl. Ford's Forty Nine concept promised a mainstream retro future for the blue oval Hemmings Motor News, December 7, 2018, retrieved July 16, 2024^

Telnack finds it difficult to let go of the car business Automotive News, December 13, 2005, retrieved July 16, 2024^

Dan Lienert. It's fun, fun, fun as Ford brings Thunderbird back The Sydney Morning Herald, January 8, 1999^

Todd Nissen. Thunderbird set to take off New lease of life for American icon Birmingham Post, January 9, 1999^

Total recall The Age, January 21, 1999^

The Thunderbird concept is ready to go at Detroit The Daily Telegraph, January 6, 2001^

Changeovers shift into high gear Automotive News, August 13, 2001^

Mickey Kaus. Ford's humiliation: The T-Bird is dead. Slate, April 23, 2003, retrieved August 11, 2024^

Doug McIntyre. Driving the fun out of driving: Doug McIntyre Los Angeles Daily News, December 17, 2016, retrieved August 11, 2024^

Ford to retire Thunderbird after 2005 model NBC News, Associated Press, March 10, 2005, retrieved August 11, 2024^

2002 Ford Thunderbird Forbes, May 28, 2001, retrieved August 11, 2024^

Mary Connelly. T-bird mixes heritage, high-tech Automotive News, January 11, 1999^

Ford Thunderbird Octane, October 2022^

Sue Zesiger. Separated at birth Fortune, June 7, 1999^

All from one automakers learn to make several distinct models—and more money—from common platforms Chicago Tribune, November 2, 2000^

Gavin Green. Mustang's new Australian mount The Sydney Morning Herald, April 17, 1998^

Four cars to enjoy the sun and the wind: Here are convertibles built for all seasons that won't break bank Toronto Star, April 19, 2014^

Ford Thunderbird priced at $2,944 Automotive News, August 28, 2000^

Bill Vance. Birth of the personal luxury car: The Ford Thunderbird's switch from two seats to four created a brand new automotive segment National Post, April 28, 2000^

David Booth. Ford Thunderbird marks an impressive return The Gazette, June 19, 2001^

Jack Keebler, David Freers. 2000 Ford Thunderbird Motor Trend, March 1999^

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Tony Swan. Tested: 2004 Ford Thunderbird Car and Driver, May 19, 2021, retrieved August 12, 2024^

Dave Boe. Thunderbird returns to Ford lineup Daily Herald, November 26, 2001^

Birder's delight: Like the original, reborn 2002 Thunderbird is a classic cruiser The Ottawa Citizen, August 9, 2002^

New Thunderbird a mix of old attitude and modern technology Hanover Post, February 13, 2001^

Matthew Hayward. Ford Thunderbird (2002-2005) buying guide, history and review Octane, March 21, 2024, retrieved August 12, 2024^

David Chao. 2002 Ford Thunderbird breaks new ground Richmond News, July 21, 2002^

Nuts & bolts; 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe convertible The Washington Post, June 24, 2001^

2002 Ford Thunderbird: More than gorgeous: At work or rest, Ford's Thunderbird surprises Autoweek, February 18, 2002, retrieved August 12, 2024^

Ford Thunderbird, Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG, Honda Pilot: Speed: When there's not enough, you want for more. And when there's plenty, there's still not enough. Autoweek, May 13, 2002, retrieved August 12, 2024^

Jeremy Cato. Ford Thunderbird set to fly again in 2002 The Gazette, November 7, 2000^

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Porthole Authority - the new Thunderbird FAQS^

2002 Ford Thunderbird 'Neiman-Marcus' Special Edition - Powersport California Custom, July 6, 2015^

2003 Thunderbird 'James Bond 007' Special Edition - Powersport California Custom, July 6, 2015^

2004 Thunderbird 'Pacific Coast Roadster' - Powersport California Custom, July 7, 2015^

2005 Thunderbird 50th Anniversary 'Cashmere' Special Edition Powersport California Custom, July 4, 2015^

2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD C www.nhtsa.gov, retrieved 2024-05-23^

Doug DeMuro. Here's Why the 2002 Ford Thunderbird Was a Retro Failure YouTube, September 5, 2019, retrieved 10 May 2021^

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The Sopranos: 10 Best Cars on the Show, Ranked by How Much They Cost Screen Rant, May 21, 2021^

manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
alt	Blue sports car with circular headlights and seven-spoke silver wheels.
production	June 2001 – July 2005
model years	2002–2005
assembly	United States: Wixom, Michigan (Wixom Assembly)
predecessor	Ford Thunderbird (tenth generation)
class	Personal luxury car
platform	Ford DEW98
body style	2-door convertible
model code	M205‡R1R‡
weight	3775 lb‡R2R‡
engine	3.9 L Jaguar AJ35 V8
wheelbase	107.1 in‡R3R‡
length	186.3 in‡R3R‡
width	72 in‡R4R‡
height	52.1 in‡R5R‡
transmission	5-speed Ford Bordeaux 5R44E automatic
designer	Jack Telnack (1997)

Ford Thunderbird (eleventh generation)

Background and development

Design

Trim Levels

Special editions

Safety

Reception and legacy

Film, television, and media

References