Mercury Cougar (1999)

First shown as the MC2 concept at the 1997 Detroit Motor Show, the Mercury Cougar got a very positive public reaction so was put into production immediately. It used the Contour sedan platform but with significantly altered springs, bushing and shocks rates to make the Cougar more sporting. The car was also lowered by 1.5 inches (38mm) to get the center of gravity down and hence improve handling. Power came from the Ford Duratec V6, with a 60-degree V and short stroke. The block and heads are alloy and four overhead camshaft hollow to help make the powerplant very lightweight. What brought buyers back to the car was its radical styling, or, as Ford called it: 'New Edge'. Unusually, the car was known under the same name in Europe where it successfully took over from the ageing Probe and had not just a V6 but a Zetec 16v 130bhp (97kW) engine.

Mercury Cougar (1999) Specifications