2012 Mercury Cougar
10-24-2008, 03:40 PM
#1
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2012 Mercury Cougar
Wouldn't it be nice. Word is Ford is going to have all future Mercury's designed by Ford of Europe and that they will be similar to current Euro Fords. I think this a great idea. Still Mercury needs brand identity and I feel a new Cougar would be a great idea. Something to compete against 3 series coupes and G37's. I would have the car based on the Mustang but with these changes..
- Slightly longer wheelbase to make room for bigger back seat
- IRS
- standard EcoBoost V6 w/optional 5.0L(if that comes out by 2012)
- all new sheetmetal
- all new interior
- softer to touch materials then Mustang
- More standard features, think MKS
- Bigger brakes standard
- Possible Eliminator model, with GT500 motor
- Start pricing at $35,999 to low $50,000's
Let me know what you all think!
- Slightly longer wheelbase to make room for bigger back seat
- IRS
- standard EcoBoost V6 w/optional 5.0L(if that comes out by 2012)
- all new sheetmetal
- all new interior
- softer to touch materials then Mustang
- More standard features, think MKS
- Bigger brakes standard
- Possible Eliminator model, with GT500 motor
- Start pricing at $35,999 to low $50,000's
Let me know what you all think!
Last edited by 83gtragtop; 10-24-2008 at 03:45 PM.
10-24-2008, 04:04 PM
#2
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Location: Louisiana
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I've been thinking something similar ever since the S197's came out. Make it a more refined, upscale counterpart to the Mustang. Better interior, better lights, etc. Oh, and give it an IRS, since keeping it cheap wouldn't be as big a concern as with the Mustang. I would say to offer it with just the NA V6 and the Ecoboost to start off with. If it sells well, then you could bring in the 5.0 as a top dog model. I don't see them squeezing the GT500 drivetrain into a Mercury........I just don't.
Only thing I don't know is how well an S197 based Cougar would sell, especially in todays market. That's anyone's guess. But it certainly would bump up the Mercury brand name's image a notch or two, that's for sure.
Only thing I don't know is how well an S197 based Cougar would sell, especially in todays market. That's anyone's guess. But it certainly would bump up the Mercury brand name's image a notch or two, that's for sure.
10-24-2008, 07:15 PM
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB
Posts: 395
That would be epic. Really would spice up the brand. I mean, I haven't looked into it recently, but isn't the entire Mercury line right now just rebadged/more refined Ford models? I don't even think they still sell Mercuries up here in Canada anymore...
10-24-2008, 09:46 PM
#5
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Yea, Mercury really doesn't stand out much on its own these days from what I can see. They do still sell well, but they don't have much brand identity.......ppl mostly recognize them against the Ford products they are based off of. The brand just needs something of its own. True that the Cougar we're talking about would be a glorified "Mustang", but with all the refinements that have been mentioned here (and a uniquely styled exterior) I think the car would really stand out on its own.
Think of it as the Mustang that all the car mag elitists would design if they had their way (with all the bitchin and whining they do about what the current Mustang lacks compared to other cars in its class).
Think of it as the Mustang that all the car mag elitists would design if they had their way (with all the bitchin and whining they do about what the current Mustang lacks compared to other cars in its class).
10-24-2008, 10:34 PM
#6
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Yea, Mercury really doesn't stand out much on its own these days from what I can see. They do still sell well, but they don't have much brand identity.......ppl mostly recognize them against the Ford products they are based off of. The brand just needs something of its own. True that the Cougar we're talking about would be a glorified "Mustang", but with all the refinements that have been mentioned here (and a uniquely styled exterior) I think the car would really stand out on its own.
Think of it as the Mustang that all the car mag elitists would design if they had their way (with all the bitchin and whining they do about what the current Mustang lacks compared to other cars in its class).
Think of it as the Mustang that all the car mag elitists would design if they had their way (with all the bitchin and whining they do about what the current Mustang lacks compared to other cars in its class).
10-24-2008, 10:56 PM
#8
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