Ford of Europe
Cougar ST200

BRENTWOOD, November 24, 1999 -- The UK introduction of the Ford Cougar ST200 in January 2000 will add another high-performance vehicle to Ford's growing range of cars designed for the driving enthusiast.

Building on the acclaimed performance of the standard car, the Ford Cougar ST200 joins the Ford Mondeo ST200, Ford Racing Puma and Ford Fiesta Zetec-S, offering a combination of engaging performance and responsive driving dynamics.

First unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1999, the Ford Cougar ST200 offers 205PS output from its uprated 2.5-litre 24V Quad Cam Duratec V6. The high-tech all-aluminium engine and advanced chassis promise an exhilarating driving experience, while larger, 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, standard metallic paint, twin tailpipes and distinctive 'New Edge' styling ensure a striking image on the road.

Key features of the new Ford Cougar ST200 are:

• 2.5-litre 24V Quad Cam light-alloy Duratec V6 engine, uprated to 205PS
• Tuned cylinder heads, camshafts, intake manifolds, inlet air intake
• Unique twin outlet low pressure exhaust system
• 5-speed MTX 75 gearbox
• Unique Light Metallic Blue or Laser Red metallic paint
• Specially developed 17x 7inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with 215/45ZR17 tyres
• Tuned sports suspension with horizontal front bushes
• Unique full leather sports interior, ST200 door sill scuff plates and front slip mats
• Dual front and side airbags as standard

"Ford Cougar is already a huge success, with a 50 percent share in the family coupe segment," explains Kevin Griffin, Marketing Manager for Large Cars, Ford Motor Company Limited. "However, the recent launch of the Mondeo ST200, coupled with our own customer research, has already revealed a desire for a Cougar with even greater performance and appearance package - the Ford Cougar ST200 delivers on all counts, with striking looks and performance to match."

Two-stage remote central locking, dual front and side airbags, volume-sensing alarm, engine immobiliser and ABS with electronic traction control and electronic brake force distribution ensure Ford Cougar ST200 is the class leader for safety and security.

Comfort and convenience is not overlooked either, with a top-of-the-range equipment list including CD autochanger, climate control with semi-automatic temperature control, 'Quickclear' heated front windscreen, power windows and mirrors.

Like its Mondeo cousin, the Ford Cougar ST200 uses an uprated version of the standard car's 2.5-litre 170PS Duratec V6 engine, honed to develop more power and torque. It retains the aluminium alloy cylinder block fitted with aluminium alloy multi-valve twin-cam heads and the variable-length inlet tracts that combine high efficiency engine breathing at speed with strong low-speed torque and low emissions levels.

The advances in engine breathing made for the Mondeo ST200 have also been employed for the Cougar ST200, as has the 'extrude honing' of the primary and secondary intake ports in the cylinder heads. Extrude honing is an aerospace technology that first gained favour in the automotive world amongst high-performance engine tuners. The process involves squeezing a putty-like material containing fine grit through the ports or runners that channel air. The grit polishes the surface to a high degree, allowing air to move quicker and more efficiently.

The Ford Cougar ST200 twin tailpipe low back-pressure exhaust system also mirrors that of the Mondeo ST200.

The result of these changes is a peak power figure of 205PS at 6,500rpm and 230Nm torque at 5,600rpm, compared to 170PS and 220Nm for the standard Ford Cougar V6. Translated to on-road performance, this allows the Ford Cougar ST200 to accelerate from 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in 7.9 seconds - where the standard Ford Cougar V6 achieves the same in 8.3 seconds - and reach a potential top speed of 143mph (231km/h).

The extra performance is fed through a revised chassis incorporating a number of suspension and steering changes. Overall suspension geometry settings are changed, together with progressive damper valving, uprated coil springs and rear anti-roll bar.

New dampers also incorporate larger pistons to improve the ride quality in response to the ultra low profile wheel and tyre fitment. Suspension tuning, design and compound of the tyres have all been tailored specifically, while steering response has also been improved with an uprated power steering boost curve to increase sensitivity to the driver's input.

"The Ford Cougar ST200 has been developed using all of the lessons learned in creating the excellent performance and handling package of the Mondeo ST200," concludes Kevin Griffin. "The striking looks and uncompromising attention to comfort and safety, matched to the exhilarating driving dynamics, will satisfy even the most demanding driver."

The Ford Cougar ST200 will be available from January 2000 in two special colours - Light Metallic Blue or Laser Red. Like the Mondeo ST200, the Cougar ST200 will be offered for a single on-the-road price, which will be announced closer to the car's on-sale date.

FRANKFURT, 14 September, 1999 – Ford is promising a treat for driving enthusiasts, with the launch of the high performance 205 PS Ford Cougar ST200 early next year. The exhilarating coupé is making its public debut at the Frankfurt Show.

The Ford Cougar ST200 combines the sporty, free-revving, 2.5-litre V6 engine already acclaimed in the Mondeo ST200 with a unique suspension set-up optimised for agile handling. The result is a car that is exceptionally responsive and rewarding to drive.

"The inherent capabilities and purposeful looks of the Ford Cougar make it a natural choice for the application of performance technology and techniques that we’ve developed and honed in motorsport," says Will Boddie, Vice President of Ford’s Small and Medium Car Vehicle Centre. "Inspired by the responsive new engine, and with dynamics on the standard car that are already among the best in class, the Cougar ST200 team has been free to create a powerful sports coupé that really sets the pulse racing."

Increased power and uprated suspension

For the ST200, the power output of the Ford Cougar’s existing, all-aluminium, 24-valve V6 Duratec engine has been increased by more than 20 per cent, from 170 PS to 205 PS. Cylinder heads, camshafts, intake manifolds and the inlet and exhaust systems have all been tuned to develop both extra power and torque. In the Cougar ST200, the engine provides a top speed of 230 km/h and cuts the 0-100 km/h speed to 7.8 seconds.

To handle the extra power, the car’s suspension has been comprehensively retuned, with the clear objective of providing outstanding levels of handling. Overall stiffness has been substantially increased, with measures including the adoption of a larger rear anti-roll bar, while re-balancing of all the suspension elements ensures that the car’s ride comfort is still exemplary.

To suit the character of the Ford Cougar ST200, steering response has also been sharpened, with the emphasis on providing greater ‘feel’ for the driver around the centre point. As a result, the steering responds very directly to driver inputs, contributing further to the car’s performance appeal.

Sports styling details inside and out complete the high-specification package, including new 17-inch alloy wheels, a blue background to the instruments and supportive leather-covered seats. Both the front seats are heated and the driver’s seat has six-way power adjustment. Paint colours will include a new, metallic ice blue which will be exclusive to the Cougar ST200.

The Ford Cougar ST200 will go on sale early in the year 2000 in Germany and selected other European markets (Britain, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland). Prices will be announced nearer launch.