They may be behind in bringing out new models for a little while, but it seems that performance is going to take a front seat.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/803288.asp

 

Any possibility this could be a new cougar? I’ve heard that Ford has been talking to cougar clubs and enthusiasts to see what they want in a future cougar. Could it ride off the new mustang components just with different styling like the first cougar? Just a thought.... However I’m guessing this will most likely be the SC Marauder we have been hearing about. Or is that already official?

 

Rumor has it Team Cougar was merged with Team Mustang after the current car got the axe...I think Ford will bring the Cougar becaue it is probaly Mercury's most recognizable nameplate. The current car was actually nice..Ford kinda sealed it's fate when they didn't follow through on the performance and convertable models. I know the numbers were low, but is see an assload of Cougars all the time on the streets.

I hope they bring the SHO back..I always loved the name "Super High Output". Except instaead of putting the Yamaha engine in it give it a 260 HP modular V8...if the thing fits in a Continental it will fit in a Taurus.

------------------
Branden-Founder- GMInsidenews and NewAgeGTO
1995 Firebird White with Red Leather!- 2002 TA exhuast, JVC Head unit, 350 watt amp pushing two 10" subs..
Slow can be sexy

 

I too have heard persistant rumors that Cougar will return as RWD based off of Mustang mechanicals.

One thing is for sure....Mercury is certainly talking to alot of Cougar clubs regarding what they would want to see in a future Cougar.

....maybe in some future magazine we'll see these headlines:

Camaro Z/28 vs Mustang Cobra
and
Pontiac GTO vs Cougar XR7

 

PS stars,

Not only is Marauder official....I've already seen a couple on the street.

 

...or this headline:

Camaro Z/28 vs Mustang Cobra
and
Camaro SS vs Cougar XR7

 

I think he was refering to the supercharged version

 

OK, sorry, missed that.

 

American iron battles on:
Camaro SS vs Mustang Cobra vs Dodge Charger vs Cougar XR7 vs Pontiac GTO

 

I'd like to see a Trans Am in that line up as well.


------------------
-Joshua
1997 Bright Red Trans Am WS6 M6
I was thinking dagger. -Steve Nash

 

Oh I Know, Ive already seen a few too. I have heard some rumors though about a Super Charged Marauder. I was asking about it. Does anyone have a clue about this or am I just making this up?

 

Funny that GM hasn't even made a big enough deal of their new performance group for it to get a mention in that article.

Chrysler got a nod but not GM, in an article about American performance. Sigh.

Every time I hear that Cougar on the Mustang rumor, it gets shot down.

The most logical thing I heard was that the Cougar is being looked at on the next gen Focus chassis, and possibly AWD.

This news of more performance at Ford is great.

The supercharged Marauder was a concept that was at some shows like last year. There isn't anything concrete about it coming out any time soon.

------------------
Jason

<A HREF="http://camaroz28.cardomain.com/id/munche" TARGET=_blank>1997 A4 Z28 "Mongoose"
</A>

<A HREF="http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/cougar/" TARGET=_blank>New Project: 1969 Mercury Cougar 351W
</A>

[This message has been edited by MunchE (edited September 05, 2002).]

 

Based on what I've read at BON & a couple of Ford sites, it's all but certain.

As far as Cougar goes, I think that is hingeing on how Ford does in the next year or so. It's supposed to be based on the next Mustang.

The German built Capri will be out soon in europe, built off the Focus chassis. I posted a link to a picture to it some weeks ago.

 

Here's a link to an old thread about the S/C Marauder as well as the droptop version. The first post has links to both S/C and Droptop articles. Dated, but not much new stuff to report in print.

Last rumors I got (at the MCA Grand Nationals in Charlotte Sept 1) were that the droptop S/C model is going to see production , with a debut late next spring or early summer as early '04 offerings. The engine is a "choked" Cobra 4.6 mod-motor... all engineering (mounting, electronics, emissions, etc.) is done, just line work needed. Also, Ford wanted to distinguish the two offerings, which makes sense from marketing's POV. You get "twice the hype" from just one model name split over two model years.

The S/C - droptop debut was to be a part of Ford's 100th celebration next spring. Ford still has a few suprises up the sleeve for next year too - they are struggling to keep some things under wraps for the "suprise" effect next year, kinda like they did with the Mustang debut at the '64 World's Fair. Lotsa rumors, not lotsa pictures/facts - you know how it is.

I did see the 5-door SVT Focus though. THAT is a STRANGE little ride! Also got to see the "newer" blue and white GT-40 that is one of the latest pre-production cars (newer than the yellow/black show car that has been seen a bazillion times)... had to make a pit stop to clean the shorts after that one guys. Oh that deep throaty V8 sound from short pipes... and with a blower whine to boot! Roush is doing all the drivetrain and Saleen is setting up a shop in Michigan to do the body/assy work. What A Team!

Sorry for rambling... it was a great show (at least for me anyhow).
So, there's my .02 on the Marauder thing.
Peace!

 

2005 Capri again:

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/ford/capri/01.asp

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/ford/capri/03.asp