| Specifications:
Transverse
front-engine/front-wheel drive. Transmission:
CD4E automatic, five-speed
manual. Wheelbase 106.4"; weight 2892 lbs.; unit-body construction;
length 185". Built in USA.
|
Engines |
Size liters
/
cu. in |
Horse- power |
Torque |
Transmission:
EPA city/hwy |
|
DOHC I4 |
2.0 / 121 |
125 |
130 |
5-speed
manual: 24/34 |
|
DOHC V6 |
2.5 / 155 |
170 |
165 |
5-speed
manual: 19/28
4-speed automatic: 20/29 |
Facts:
Mercury's compact two-door front-wheel-drive sports
coupe built on the Mondeo/Contour/Mystique CDW27 platform. Special Editions
released in 2001 include the ZN
(zinc yellow paint, 17" aluminum wheels, hood
scoop), and C2 (French blue paint, instrumentation, and spoiler).
3000 limited edition XR models
were built, and a 35th Anniversary Cougar was available also.
Options included front side-impact airbags, antilock braking, and traction
control (with V6 only). A V6 Sport Group included rear disc brakes and
16-inch wheels. A split folding rear seatback was standard. This model was
designed to compete with the Mitsubishi Eclipse import/tuner cars.
Far different
from the Thunderbird-related Cougars of the past, the revived Cougar for 1999
was a compact, front-drive sports hatchback coupe with seating for four. Its
goal: to enliven Mercury's image. Despite its sharp-edged styling, the 1999
Cougar was based on the Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique sedans. Overall, the
Cougar measured just an inch longer. Engines were the same as those used on
Contour/Mystique, but Cougars got a firmer suspension and tighter steering. The
base 4-cylinder teamed only with manual shift, while a 4-speed automatic was
available with the 2.5-liter V6. Options included front side-impact airbags,
antilock braking, and traction control (with V6 only). A V6 Sport Group included
rear disc brakes (rather than drums) and 16-inch wheels instead of the usual
15-inchers. A split folding rear seatback was standard in the sporty
four-passenger interior.
2000:
Little change was evident on the 2000 Cougar. The driver's-door map pocket was
deleted, and an ashtray/lighter now was optional. A new emergency release with a
glow-in-the-dark handle went into the cargo area.
2001:
Cougars earned appearance revisions inside and out for 2001, including a new
front fascia, grille, and headlights. The V6 Sport Group option added aluminum
pedals. Instrument faces were revised, and a new steering wheel was installed. A
six-disc in-dash CD changer joined the options list. Mercury announced a
high-performance Cougar S with a more potent engine, but it failed to
materialize.
2002: Added
midyear was a V6 35th Anniversary Edition package. Building on the XR package,
it came with unique emblems and hood scoop, chromed 17-inch wheels, and an
in-dash CD changer.
Related Cars:
See Also:
60's Cougar
70's Cougar
80's Cougar
90's Cougar
Concepts
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