New V-6 Mercury Cougars
29 April 1998
Mercury Cougar Roars With New V-6 Models
Strong dealer and customer demand leads to powertrain realignment
DETROIT, April 29 -- When customers speak, Lincoln Mercury
listens. As a result of strong initial demand for V-6 engines, Mercury is
realigning powertrains on its sporty 1999 Cougar to make V-6 performance
available to more buyers.
"The votes are in -- and it's the V-6 by a landslide," said Jim O'Connor,
Ford Motor Company vice president and general manager of Lincoln
Mercury. "Continuing customer research and higher-than-anticipated dealer
orders tell us the V-6 offers the kind of performance buyers want in this
sporty car. So we've realigned our equipment and price points to make the V-6
accessible to a wider spectrum of customers."
The V-6 engine with a five-speed manual overdrive transmission now will be
available at a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of
$17,095, and the V-6 with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission starts
at $17,910. This reduces by $1,400 the entry point for purchasing Cougar's
performance-oriented V-6 power.
Both V-6 models now will include the same standard equipment as the I-4
manual model, which retains the previously announced starting MSRP of $16,595.
With the new, lower entry price for the V-6, the I-4 automatic has been
eliminated from the powertrain lineup.
Both V-6 models will be available with a "Sport" option package, which
includes a rear spoiler; 16-inch aluminum wheels; four-wheel disc brakes; a
light group, including an auxiliary warning system; fog lamps; a leather-
wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; and upgraded sport seats, console and
door trim.
The V-6 manual with the "Sport" option retails for $17,870, and the V-6
automatic "Sport" for $18,685 -- a savings on each model of $625, compared
with previously announced prices for similarly equipped models. The customer
savings are the result of the simplified lineup.
Cougar's standard features include air conditioning, SecuriLock(TM) anti-
theft system, heated power mirrors, electronic trip computer, 15-inch aluminum
wheels, power windows, power door locks, power height-adjustable driver's
seat, 50/50 split-fold rear seats, front floor mats, rear defroster,
electronic AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player, tilt steering column and a
particulate air filtration system. Many of these features are available only
as options on competitive two-door coupes and some are not available at all in
this class.
Cougar's options include front-seat-mounted side air bags -- a first in
the segment and a first for Ford Motor Company in North America, a compact
disc player, anti-lock braking system, traction control, sunroof, leather
interior trim and other items.
Cougar, which officially goes on sale May 7, is produced at the
AutoAlliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. AAI
is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation.
SOURCE Lincoln Mercury
