LAS VEGAS, Nov. 2, 1999 – Powered by auto show visitors’ excitement over the Mercury Cougar Eliminator and the Cougar S concept cars, which debuted at the 1998 SEMA and Los Angeles Auto Shows, the California-based automaker today announced it will build a limited-production, high-performance 200-horsepower street-legal Cougar S for the 2000 model year.

The Mercury Cougar S combines a sporty, performance-enhanced free-revving, 2.5-liter V6 engine with a unique suspension optimized for agile handling. The result is a car that is exceptionally responsive and rewarding to drive.

"The inherent capabilities in the chassis and New Edge looks of the Mercury Cougar make it a natural choice for a performance derivative to attract serious driving enthusiasts," says Bob Rewey, Group Vice President for Ford Motor Company Marketing and Sales.

Increased power and upgraded suspension

For the Cougar S, the power output of the 24-valve V6 Duratec engine is increased from 170 to 200 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm. The Duratec V6 provides 170 ft.-lbs. of torque @ 5,500 rpm. To add to Cougar’s performance, cylinder heads, camshafts, intake manifolds and the exhaust system have all been tuned to develop extra power and torque.

To handle the extra power, the car’s suspension has undergone a comprehensive retuning, to deliver outstanding levels of handling. Overall stiffness has been substantially increased, with measures including the adoption of a larger rear stabilizer bar, while re-balancing of all the suspension elements ensures ride comfort is not adversely affected. To suit the character of the Mercury Cougar S, steering response also has been sharpened, with the emphasis on providing greater on-center feel. As a result, the steering responds more directly to driver inputs, contributing further to the car’s performance appeal.

Exciting Styling

Sports styling details complete the high-specification package, including a blue background to the instruments. More supportive leather-covered seats are standard with an embroidered "Cougar S" logo. The driver's seat has six-way power adjustment. Cougar S is available in black, red and silver exterior.

The limited-production 2000 Mercury Cougar S will go on sale in the spring of 2000.

source: Ford Motor Company

Ford Cougar S concept pounces at Geneva show

It is known as the "attack cat" for good reason. The Ford Cougar S Concept makes its European debut at the 1999 Geneva International Motor Show with an impressive performance edge to Ford Cougar's established fun-to-drive style.

"Ford Cougar S Concept starts with the feline elegance of Ford's New Edge styling and the carefully crafted driving dynamics that have made the Ford Cougar production range a 'head turner' on the demanding roads of Europe," says Will Boddie, Vice President of Ford's Small and Medium Vehicle Centre. "We then added a healthy dose of confident aggression and the result was a cat with truly predatory instincts."

Ford Cougar S Concept is both powerful and sure-footed. Its "attack-cat" attitude comes from the combination of 200PS+ power and all-wheel-drive technology.

The concept vehicle is the product of Ford's Advanced Design and Special Vehicle Engineering teams. Sleeker, lower and wider than its production counterpart, the Ford Cougar S Concept sends a clear signal that it has something special under its skin.

Ford Cougar S Concept is powered by a 3.0-litre 24-valve Duratec engine which delivers 215 PS. The strong-breathing engine is a half-litre larger in capacity than its production V6 counterpart, and fed by a modified intake system that draws air through a functional "hood scoop" at the base of the windscreen. A modified exhaust system emits a subtly ominous growl.

The Ford Cougar S Concept takes all weather conditions in its stride by virtue of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system enhanced by a wider track - delivering sustained power to all four wheels and making the car as nimble and as powerful as the big cat from which it takes its name.

A 5-speed MTX-75 manual transmission, specially modified to accommodate the AWD system, smoothly links the engine and drivetrain, allowing the driver to change gear and accelerate seamlessly. A prerequisite for the concept car was to retain the production Ford Cougar's trademark characteristic of crisp, precise gear shifting.

To match the uprated power and handling capabilities, Ford Cougar S is fitted with larger brakes than the standard production model. Brembo four-piston, 13.1-inch front and two-piston 11-inch rear brakes allow for precise, responsive stopping control on demand.

"Sitting one inch lower and with a front and rear track that is three inches wider, the Ford Cougar S Concept requires a comprehensive aerodynamic package for optimal performance", says Ford Special Vehicle Engineering chief engineer John Coletti.

Matching Ford Cougar S Concept's increased horsepower and improved AWD handling characteristics required meticulous attention to detail from Ford's aerodynamicists.

A unique front fascia with integrated fog lamps and a lower brushed aluminum grille for improved cooling set the tone for the performance element of the car's dynamic styling. The Ford Cougar S also sports rocker panels which extend lower than the production versions for improved aerodynamics, and a unique rear fascia with integrated twin exhaust pipes.

The car's air flow is improved by anti-splash wheel arches which accommodate the car's widened stance. These features, together with its 18-inch wheels and Goodyear 235/40ZR18 Eagle GS tires, contribute strongly to the vehicle's robust, stable and safe handling characteristics.

The dynamic profile of the Ford Cougar S Concept is completed by eye-catching dual rear spoilers. While one spoiler is placed in the traditional decklid position, the second extends from the rear header for more downforce.

The interior of the Ford Cougar S Concept satisfies the demands of the performance car driver without sacrificing any of the refinement and features expected with any Ford Cougar.

Bucket-style Recaro racing seats mould around the driver and passenger to provide complete support and comfort, even during spirited driving.

The alloy clutch, brake and accelerator pedal covers accentuate the sporty feel of the car, and are matched by custom graphics on the instrument panel.

"All of these modifications combine to enhance the Ford Cougar S Concept's driving pleasure, explained Coletti.

"The standard Ford Cougar is already an impressive package. Starting with this made our job much easier and allowed us to do much more," Coletti said. "Almost everyone enjoys driving Ford Cougar. We wanted to take this to the next level, with more power, all-wheel-drive, and upgraded aerodynamics."

source: Ford Motor Company

Cougar performance concept: Attack cat

LOS ANGELES, December 30, 1998 -- Mercury's new Cougar S concept car builds on the aggressive driving dynamics and styling that is making the production Cougar a customer favorite in dealerships.  

Ford's Advanced Design Team and Special Vehicle Engineering developed this concept with the goal of enhancing each of Cougar's trademarks -- agility, power and personality. Mercury hopes the Cougar S will appeal to young hot rodders much like the production version is changing the car's image with a more broad youth audience.

"The production Cougar is important in re-establishing the Mercury name with younger buyers," said Mike Jennings, Cougar brand manager. "In the same way, Cougar S is very important for the exploding market of young car enthusiasts who are increasingly looking to modify front- or all-wheel-drive imports with smaller engines."

Cougar S is a dream come true for tweakers and tuners. The production Cougar's 2.5-liter 24-valve V6 Duratec engine was enlarged a half liter to pump out 215 horsepower with the help of modified intake and exhaust systems. A functional front hood air scoop feeds this larger engine.

These modifications are similar to the successful formula applied to the SVT Contour's refined Duratec powerplant. The avid car enthusiast will find Cougar S has another SVT feature, larger brakes --13.1-inch front and 11-inch rear Brembo brakes -- for quick and precise stops.

The Cougar S handles all conditions with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that is accommodated by a wider track - a combination that further likens the car to the nimble cat which gets power from all four legs. The engine and drivetrain are smoothly linked by a 5-speed MTX-75 manual transmission which has been specially modified to accommodate the AWD system.

"Starting with such an impressive package as the Cougar made our job much easier and allowed us to do much more," says John Coletti, chief engineer, Ford Special Vehicle Engineering. "Almost everyone enjoys driving Cougar. Just imagine the car with more power, all-wheel-drive, and upgraded aerodynamics!"

The Ford team paid particular attention to match the concept's aerodynamics to the increased horsepower and improved AWD handling characteristics. Cougar S sports upgraded body panels for a lower, more aerodynamic stance, perfect for 'S' turns.

A unique front fascia sets the performance tone with integrated fog lamps and a lower brushed aluminum grille for improved cooling. Stylish rocker panels extend lower than the production versions for improved aerodynamics.

Anti-splash wheel lips add functional flavor by improving the car's air flow and accommodating the car's widened stance. These treatments accentuate the car's unique 18-inch wheels wear Goodyear 235/40ZR 18 Eagle GS tires, both making for a more fun and stable ride.

The Cougar S aero package culminates with an attention-grabbing dual-spoiler rear treatment, including a unique design with integrated exhaust pipes. The design is both creative and functional as one spoiler is placed in the traditional decklid position and a second extends from the rear header for more downforce.

Inside, the Cougar S appeals to the performance minded with driver and passenger Recaro racing seats as well as unique alloy clutch, brake and accelerator pedals. The functional changes are matched by unique graphics on the instrument panel.

A hint of things to come … this powerful and extremely nimble Cougar recognizes the growing trend for performance personalization in the small specialty segment.

source: Ford Motor Company

Engine & performance:

Position: front

Type: V6 

Capacity: 3-liter 

Power: 215 hp

Drive: 4WD