The 1988 Mercury Cougar
While there have been no biggest adjustment anyplace throughout the automobile, sufficient posts comprise meant to be considered this as more than a carryover year. Ford affirmed that 1989 would bring about an all-new Cougar on a fresh frame, so sellers anticipated larger levels into the showrooms-and these were correct. The 1988 product season became outstanding one for Cougar as selling soared.
1988 Cougar XR-7
The 1988 Cougar XR-7 now showcased a stunning new monochromatic paint system, obtainable in Oxford light, method Scarlet or Black. They highlighted body-colored side moldings, grille and external decorative mirrors; blacked-out windows cut; black colored door manages and essential surrounds; and body-colored 15″ aluminum rims that came from the newest 1987 Mustang GT (argent wheels are elective regarding XR-7). Surprisingly, there have been no unique «XR-7» C-pillar emblems, but the standard LS emblems rather. And there had been special pinstriping for your XR-7, a decal that rode over the higher shoulder line and ended at the grille. The 1988 Cougar XR-7 got probably the most identifiable of all Cougar versions from 1983 to 1988 and has been attractive even today.
Automatically the XR-7 was given an 8.8″ backside differential, considered the only Cougar from 1983-88 to get the large back shaft. No biggest suspension variations are generated. The standard 5.0L V8 motor additionally didn’t come with energy boost nevertheless connection of a split twin fatigue bumped up complete result 5 ponies to a maximum of 155hp. Once again the sole indication got the 4-speed AOD overdrive sign.
The major development your XR-7’s internal had been the return for the common analog gauge cluster, missing since 1986. A V8-spec tachometer got really the only differ from the very last version. Also, the game controls, revealed here, turned regular. The full digital tool cluster was an option your XR-7 plus the LS.
1988 Cougar LS
Whilst Cougar LS unit had been literally identical to the prior unit seasons, cut for color options, there are variations on the applications. The bottom 3.8L V6 got an inside balance shaft and a unique multiport energy injections system for easier operation and greatly better throttle feedback. Electricity was now ranked at 140hp now the V6 seriously felt stronger and receptive than its CFI precursor. Gasoline economy is bumped right up slightly as a result. 
Much like the XR-7 model, the 5.0L V8 was given a new quasi-dual exhaust for a total of 155hp.
Because car insurance in the us was actually this type of a costly and challenging prospect during the 1980s, the idea of ponying up almost U.S. $20,000 (or more) for an XR-7 design following insuring it at full-value ended up being, as you may think, expensive. The trouble had been that, although the XR-7 got a standard-output V8 and not the performance-oriented HO 5.0 from Mustang, it absolutely was however thought about a «sporting events» or «performance» unit, therefore thumping up insurance premiums. But smart Cougar people could purchase a fully-loaded LS unit together with the V8 while having an online XR-7 clone, save your self for your paint plan and tires, appreciate reduced insurance charges. This proved to be popular move for most buyers once the used market for 1988 Cougars routinely demonstrates various V8 cars.
The 1988 3.8L V6 featured an all-new intake plenum, decreased consumption, tube heads, device handles, extras and brackets, and air intake. The V6 started initially to highly look like the 5.0L V8 in design and appears, and some areas were also provided involving the engines.
an example on the 3.8L V6 inner balances shaft. It actually was setup to give you a counterbalance for added smoothness much less NVH. However, it is eliminated in 1989 and do not gone back to the engine, seemingly creating not come since winning as meant.
Summation
Product sales found perfectly the Cougar in 1988, so when the section about fourth-generation Cougar shut, the car turned out to be durable, dependable and trustworthy, and a great advantages your money can buy. Lincoln-Mercury retailers know that Cougar is a good bet in addition they checked toward the introduction regarding the MN12-chassis auto to advance their income goals.
The days with the aero Fox 1983-88 Mercury Cougar proved to be a very popular one. Not only did product sales soar up throughout this six-model-year years, although ages of the «aero» automobile ended up being now in full swing, as various other automakers scrambled to copy Ford’s look on their cars. In which competing GM threw in the towel the rear-drive sector going forward drive (Grand Prix, Cutlass, Regal, Lumina), and aero-look clones showed up (Chrysler LeBaron), Ford have an online freeze the midsize rear-drive luxury coupe industry. The aero Mercury Cougar was, simply, ideal vehicle from the correct time.
Services Distinctive to 1988 Cougars:
- MPFI 3.8L V6 motor with internal balance shaft
- Monochromatic XR-7 model (merely 12 months for this system style)
- Cinnabar interior tone (just seasons in this system style)
- Rose Quartz/Cinnabar two-tone exterior tone (twelve months merely)
- Method Regatta azure metal external colors (light organization had been distinctive to each model season)
Technical Specifications
V6-232 3.8L Pollutants Recalls 1. 91E14 MAY 92 Remember 91E14 Catalyst Inspection/Replacement — 49 Claims 2. 91E03 JAN 92 Catalyst Inspection/Replacement Pollutants Recall 91E03