1994 Mercury Cougars
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The
1994 Cougar XR7 |
The 1994 model year brought
major changes to the Cougar. Perhaps the most startling detail (although
inevitable) was the discontinued use of the 5.0 V8. The all-new 4.6 SOHC
V8 was the engine of choice now. This new V8 brought an air of technical
sophistication to the Cougar program, as no other rear drive coupe in America
at that time (besides the T-Bird and the new Mark VIII) had a standard
OHC V8. The Cougar gained a few ponies from the previous year (from 200
to 205) but lost 10 lb-ft of torque; however, the 4.6 was still potent
enough to haul the big Cat when necessary. Also debuting with the motor
was Ford's new EEC-V electronics system, which vastly eclipsed the EEC-IV
of the past. The standard 3.8 V6 still retained the EEC-IV system (which,
incidentally, is STILL one of the most sophisticated electronics systems
ever installed in a passenger vehicle), and was again rated at 140 hp.
| Also of high note was the all-new interior. Ford had begun using "themes" for their interiors in the early '90's---The 1992 Taurus had a "flow-through" design, The new-for-1993 Mark VIII had a "two-tier wraparound" interior, and the new 1994 Mustang debuted with a "twin hump" interior reminiscent of the original Pony cars. So it was fitting that Ford again experimented with themes with the Cougar. The look can be called "wraparound", and it is truly one of Ford's best interiors ever. It was ergonomically designed for easy reach of everything, and all switches were repositioned, with high-use switches (power windows, power door locks) illuminated at night. Rear seat heat ducts became standard, as well as CFC-free air conditioning, dual airbags, side-impact door beams, and a stand-alone clock. All fasteners for interior panels were now hidden, adding to further refinement. Also, all surfaces had new softer materials, and hard plastic surfaces were coated with "soft touch" paint that gives a velvety feel. The digital instument cluster was now a thing of the past; all Cougars from 1994-on had analog gauges. Optional stereos included an in-dash CD player and a trunk-mounted 10-disc CD changer. |  |
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On the outside, not much changed, although there are some details that got reshaped. The grille was new (while still keeping the same trapezoidal shape), and the taillights were further refined. The front bumpers were all new as well---they looked nearly identical to the 1991-93 bumpers, but lost the chrome strip running along the top and had 3 cooling slots on the bottom. A new rear bumper had a squarer profile. The side trim was new, with an oval shape, suggesting a "floating" molding. And, all the 4.6 V8 cars had a new "V8" badge behind the front wheelwell openings. Wheel choices continued to be the same as the previous year. Much of the Cougar's sheetmetal was now two-sided galvanized steel for additional corrosion resistance. |
Mechanically, the XR7 gained
some definite improvements. The new transmission of choice was Ford's full
electronic 4R70W overdrive unit, with push-button lockout on the floor
shifter. This transmission is rated for 700 ft.-lb. capacity! Also, a brand
new Traction Control system became an option; this system used the ABS
system for less wheelspin on slippery surfaces. A new transmission crossmember
and trunk support structures meant less NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness).
All suspension components became self-sealed, never needing lubrication
for life.
| The taillights
now had reflective stripes instead of black stripes, and chrome trim on
the bottom. |
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In all, 1994 marked a pivotal change in direction for the Cougar. Sales for the new model picked up nicely, as customers flocked to the new V8 and smoother styling. The 1994-95 Cougar will probably go down in history as the epitome of the 1989-97 design.
ENGINES
Base - 3.8 (232 cid) V6;
140 hp @ 3800 rpm; 215 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm
Optional - 4.6 (281 cid)
SOHC V8; 205 hp @ 4500 rpm; 265 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS
XR7 - 4R70W 4-speed with
overdrive
BRAKES
XR7 - Front 10.8 inch disc,
rear 9.8 inch drum (10.0 inch disc brakes available with ABS)
GENERAL
Wheelbase - 113"
Overall Length - 199.9
Overall Width - 72.7
Overall Height - 52.5
Cargo Capacity - 15.1 cubic
feet
Fuel Capacity - 18.0 gallons
CURB WEIGHT
XR7 (w/V6) - 3564 lb.
XR7 (w/V8) - 3726 lb.
TOTAL SALES
N/A
