The 1988 Mercury Cougar
While there have been no big modifications everywhere about automobile, adequate posts are built to be considered this as more than a carryover season. Ford confirmed that 1989 would cause an all-new Cougar on a whole new framework, so sellers forecast greater volume when you look at the showrooms-and they certainly were proper. The 1988 product 12 months became a good one your Cougar as profit leaped.
1988 Cougar XR-7
The 1988 Cougar XR-7 today highlighted a stunning brand-new monochromatic paint system, available in Oxford light, media Scarlet or Black. They presented body-colored side moldings, grille and outdoors mirrors; blacked-out window trim; black door manages and key surrounds; and body-colored 15″ aluminum rims that originated this new 1987 Mustang GT (argent rims had been elective on XR-7). Surprisingly, there are no unique “XR-7” C-pillar emblems, although regular LS emblems rather. So there ended up being unique pinstriping when it comes to XR-7, a decal that rode over the upper neck range and terminated at grille. The 1988 Cougar XR-7 was actually possibly the most familiar of Cougar systems from 1983 to 1988 and has been attractive even now.
Automatically the XR-7 got an 8.8″ back differential, considered the actual only real Cougar from 1983-88 to really have the big back axle. No major suspension modifications happened to be produced. The typical 5.0L V8 motor in addition had no energy boost nevertheless inclusion of a split double exhaust bumped up complete productivity 5 ponies to a total of 155hp. Once more the sole indication was actually the 4-speed AOD overdrive transmission.
The big news for the XR-7’s indoors had been the return in the regular analogue gauge cluster, missing since 1986. A V8-spec tachometer ended up being the sole differ from the final type. Furthermore, the sport controls, shown here, turned into common. The full digital device group was a choice the XR-7 also the LS.
1988 Cougar LS
Whilst the Cougar LS product was literally identical to the previous design 12 months, help save for shade alternatives, there are improvement toward engines. The bottom 3.8L V6 got an internal stability shaft and a new multiport fuel injection system for easier procedure and considerably improved throttle reaction. Electricity was today rated at 140hp nowadays the V6 surely felt better and responsive than its CFI precursor. Energy economic climate is bumped right up somewhat this is why. With the XR-7 design, the 5.0L V8 gotten a fresh quasi-dual fatigue for all in all, 155hp.
Because automobile insurance in America ended up being this type of a costly and challenging prospect inside 1980s, the thought of shelling out nearly U.S. $20,000 (or maybe more) for an XR-7 design right after which insuring they at full value was actually, as you may guess, expensive. The difficulty is that, even though the XR-7 had a standard-output V8 and not the performance-oriented HO 5.0 from Mustang, it actually was still considered a “sporting events” or “performance” unit, thus bumping right up insurance fees. But wise Cougar people could get a fully-loaded LS model making use of the V8 and now have a virtual XR-7 duplicate, rescue for paint program and tires, appreciate lower insurance costs. This proved to be popular action for most buyers once the made use of market for 1988 Cougars routinely demonstrates a plethora of V8 cars.
The 1988 3.8L V6 highlighted an all-new consumption plenum, reduced intake, cylinder heads, valve protects, add-ons and brackets, and air intake. The V6 started to strongly look like the 5.0L V8 in design and appears, and some elements were even discussed within motors.
an example for the 3.8L V6 internal stability shaft. It actually was put in to provide a counterbalance for added smoothness much less NVH. But got removed in 1989 and do not returned to the motor, apparently creating not become because successful as supposed.
Realization
Deals found well for Cougar in 1988, so when the part about fourth-generation Cougar closed, the auto proved to be durable, trustworthy and reliable, and a great price your money can buy. Lincoln-Mercury sellers understood the Cougar was actually a good choice and so they checked toward the debut from the MN12-chassis vehicle to help their unique selling objectives.
The days associated with aero Fox 1983-88 Mercury Cougar turned out to be a hugely popular one. Not just did product sales soar up throughout this six-model-year duration, nevertheless ages of the “aero” vehicles was now completely swing, as some other automakers scrambled to copy Ford’s find to their cars. Where competing GM quit the rear-drive phase commit top drive (Grand Prix, Cutlass, Regal, Lumina), and aero-look clones made an appearance (Chrysler LeBaron), Ford have an online freeze the midsize rear-drive deluxe coupe markets. The aero Mercury Cougar was, 
basically, just the right auto at the right time.
Features Original to 1988 Cougars:
- MPFI 3.8L V6 engine with internal stability shaft
- Monochromatic XR-7 unit (merely year because of this looks preferences)
- Cinnabar interior shade (merely 12 months in this system design)
- Rose Quartz/Cinnabar two-tone outside colors (one-year only)
- Average Regatta Blue metal external tone (light blues were distinctive to every unit year)
Technical Specifications
V6-232 3.8L Emissions Recalls 1. 91E14 MAY 92 Recall 91E14 Catalyst Inspection/Replacement – 49 Reports 2. 91E03 JAN 92 Catalyst Inspection/Replacement Pollutants Recollection 91E03