Photo by Jim Dvorak -- Los Angeles Auto Show, December 29, 1998
Photo by Jim Dvorak -- Los Angeles Auto Show, December 29, 1998
GENEVA, March 9, 1999 --- 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."
FORD COUGAR S CONCEPT
UNIQUE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
3.0L 24 Valve Duratec
· Modified intake/exhaust
· 215 hp
Transmission
5-speed MTX-75 with viscous-drive limited slip differential to accommodate all-wheel drive (AWD) Suspension
Lowered, front and rear tread extended 3", spring modifications to accommodate AWD Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
· 4.06 final drive ratio
Brakes
Brembo 13.1-inch front/11.0-inch rear disc brakes
· 4-piston front/2-piston rear calipers
· Separate rear parking brake caliper
Wheels 18-inch three-piece alloy Tires Goodyear 235/40ZR18 Eagle GS tires Interior
· Driver and passenger Recaro racing seats with unique materials
· Alloy clutch, brake and accelerator pedals
· Custom instrument cluster graphics
Exterior · Unique front and rear fascias, rocker panels and wheel lips
· Functional hood air intake
· Dual rear spoilers
The following images are from the Ford Motor Company Photo Archives and taken at the 1999 Los Angeles Auto Show
