1995 Mercury Cougars
The
1995 Cougar XR7 |
Since the 1994 model year
brought so many changes to the Cougar, and since Ford was so fond of two-year
cycles for the big Cat, 1995 was essentially a carryover year. In fact,
about the only change was with exterior colors. Everything else---wheels,
engine power, mechanicals, and exterior---was identical to the 1994 car.
Sales continued to climb, and the Cougar looked to be in safe territory.
The Cougar's instrument panel and steering wheel were just some of the outstanding "form-following-function" features so prevalent in these cars. |
But about at the end of the
1995 model year, rumors began to leak out about the future of the Cougar/Thunderbird
program. It was becoming clearly evident that the sport utility market
was skyrocketing, and the profit margin in that segment was extremely high.
This, coupled with the shrinking midsize coupe segment, meant that Ford
no longer had the time or the resources it once had to continue to upgrade
its existing cars. The rumors ranged from conservative (still rear drive
but on a modified Mustang Fox-4 chassis) to the outrageous (front drive,
based on the new Contour/Mystique/Mondeo). Little did everyone know at
the time that the decision had been all but made to go with the latter.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty of Ford's wait-and-see policy meant that the
Cougar would be around for a little while longer, in any case.
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) - 3533 lb.
XR7 (w/V8) - 3671 lb.
TOTAL SALES
N/A