Chevvys Hot Chase And Mercurys New Cat

The name Chevrolet is fast re-emerging as a symbol of the American way of life. Thanks in part to the two sports car classics with a long and proud pedigree Corvette and Camaro. In 1998, these two models will enhance the GM product line in entirely new versions. For the European market the 1998 Camaro, a sporty 2 plus 2 seater available as either a coupe or convertible will replace its sister model, the Pontiac Firebird. Following a body revision and improvements to the suspension, brakes and engine line-up, the Camaro is more attractive than ever. More importantly, it is equipped with an entirely new engine. The premium Camaro, Z 28, is now powered by the latest version of the Small Block V8; the same 5700CC LS1 powerhouse that debuted in 1997 inside the fifth generation Corvette. The small block V8, the most successful engine design of all time, is celebrating a further high point in an entirely new, light alloy version.

 

Corvette news: In America, this Chevvy sports car enjoys brand recognition comparable to that of Coke, according to GM. Its 45-year history is extensively documented at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. And now, for model year 1998, the Corvette can again be ordered as a full convertible.

The convertible is an attractive alternative to the fifth generation coupe (coded C 5) version, introduced in 1997. It fits into the tradition of the sports car that has been making auto history since 1953. With the 344 bhp engine, new suspension set-up and lines of the composite body, the new Corvette convertible offers a value for price that is unprecedented in the segment for high performance cars.

Kicking off its Year of the Cat, Mercury launched the all-new 1999 Cougar sports coupe at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit.

Incorporating the Ford Motor Companys first North American application of its New Edge Design and side air-bag technology, the sleek, front-wheel drive four-seat sport coupe is designed to lure a new generation of customers into Mercury showrooms.

Our challenge was to combine the athletic stance and agility of a sports car with the expressive elegance of a Mercury. We also wanted the practicality of four seats in a two-door wrapper, said Jack Nasser, president, Ford Automotive Operations. This is admittedly an ambitious list, but our Cougar just like the original in 1967 really delivers.

The new Coupe harks back to the nameplates roots with a refined sportiness and fun-to drive character. Cougar is based on the Mystique/ Contour-Mondeo platform for advanced driving dynamics. Customers can choose from either the base 16 valve Zetec I-4 engine, which develops 125 hp, or the 24 valve Duratec V 6, which generates 170 horses.

The Cougars vehicle dynamics are calibrated to deliver sports car handling; steering, braking and handling characteristics are tuned to inspire driver confidence with the cars ability to hug the road. It is equipped with four-channel anti-lock brakes and optional side airbags that help protect the chest and head of front seat occupants. Cougars side airbags are a first in the North American small speciality segment, and previously were found only on luxury models.

Cougar offers seating for four adults. Its large rear hatch and split-fold rear seats provide ample space for passengers or cargo.

By capitalising on the economies of scale, Mercury offers advanced technology at a competitive price. Approximately seventy per cent of Cougars basic parts are common with Countour-Mondeo/Mystique.

Mercury is targeting 25 to 40-year-old customers, about half of whom are female, who lead active, athletic lives. The Cougar will also be sold in Europe as a wilder, wider cousin to the successful Puma.