Is the Cougatti Just the Purtiest 2002 Mercury Cougar you ever did see?

Sure, most people would love to have a Bugatti Veyron; sadly, at over a million bucks a pop we're talking a vehicle that's slightly out of reach for most consumers. Thankfully, one man and eBay have rectified this issue with something we'll call a Cougatti (or Bougar).

Based on a 112,000-mile 2002 Mercury Cougar with a V6 and automatic transmission, this one-of-one Cougatti has a starting bid of $89,000 and no takers as of this writing. Potential buyers get all the body work, 20-inch wheels, angel eye HID headlights, LED tails, two gas caps (one functional), and power windows/mirrors.

No pics of the interior just yet, but the seller says it is "in progress" and "very close to being ready for upholstery".

Is this cross-bred creature a crime against humanity or a bargain basement show car? Leave your comments down below.

By Phil Alex

Link: eBay

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

NHTSA Warns Ford Owners on Older Recall Concerning 17.5 Million Vehicles

In an unusual announcement today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) voiced concerns that millions of Ford vehicles previously recalled for a faulty cruise control system may have not been repaired, despite FoMoCo's notification efforts.

The safety agency noted that Ford Motor Company "has been diligent in contacting owners of the affected vehicles, including sending re-notification letters to owners in many cases."

According to the feds, since 1999, approximately 17.5 million Ford vehicles have been involved in the recalls because of the faulty cruise control disconnect switch, which can overheat and burn, potentially causing a fire long after the engine has been turned off.

"As more of the affected vehicles enter the used car market, the agency is concerned that most used car buyers don't know whether the used vehicles they purchased were ever returned to dealers for the needed repairs," the NHTSA said in a statement.

The agency said it advising owners of the affected Ford models to watch for potential warning signs of an imminent fire, including: a cruise control system that can't be activated or stops working; brake lights that stop working; low brake fluid; ABS and brake warning lights that are illuminated on the dashboard; or the inability to get a vehicle out of park.

Concerned owners can visit Ford's dedicated recall page and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if their particular model has been recalled for the problem and if the repair has been made.

Here's the complete list of affected vehicles with the defective cruise control system:

• 1992-2003 E Series (all including Econolines)
  
• 1992-1998 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car
  
• 1993-2003 F Series (150-550)
  
• 2003-2004 Lightning
  
• 2002-2003 Blackwood
  
• 1993-1997 F Series (>8500GVW Diesel)
  
• 1999-2003 F Series (>8500GVW Diesel)
  
• 1993-1995 Taurus SHO
  
• 1993-1998 Mark VIII
  
• 1993-1996 Bronco
  
• 1994-2002 F53 Motorhome
  
• 1994 Mercury Capri
  
• 1995-2003 Ranger
  
• 1995-2002 Explorer
  
• 2001-2002 Explorer Sport & Sport Trac
  
• 1995-2002 Mountaineer
  
• 1995-2003 Windstar
  
• 1997-2002 Expedition
  
• 1998-2002 Navigator
  
• 1998-2002 Mazda-B-Series
  
• 2000-2003 Excursion

Mulally wants Ford to Cut Company-wide Lineup Down to Around 20 vehicles

Alan Mulally, President and CEO of FoMoCo, told an audience of business leaders at the Confederation of British Industry in London today that Ford is looking to downsize its current lineup to 20-25 models in an attempt to "simplify" and build better cars.

It seems to make sense; instead of spreading yourself too thin and trying to be everything to everyone at the cost of quality, spend more of your resources on fewer models to ensure a well put-together product.

Clearly addressing the euthanization of Mercury and its badge-engineered wonders (as well as parting out Ford's Premier Automotive Group), Ford CEO Alan Mulally said:

"When I arrived, it was absolutely clear that we had to simplify Ford dramatically...Fewer brands means you can put more focus into improving the quality of engineering."

For the record, Mulally came into a FoMoCo that had ninety-seven (97!) models in 2006. Thanks to cutting back models and standardizing components, Ford has helped bring down the cost of multi-market cars like the Fiesta (65% of which is standardized parts).

With Volvo's sale - at a huge loss - to Chinese Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ford's golden child already is now making sure those wasted Mercury funds are allocated properly (i.e. to Lincoln and its non-cohesiveproduct range). What's next?

Mulally says, "The key thing now is to keep the economy going. All the fundamentals say that we are moving in the right direction."

I'll believe that when Lincoln is a true-blue luxury brand once more.

By Phil Alex

Source: Bloomberg

Mercury's 2003 Messenger Sports Coupe Concept also up for Sale

The five Lincoln concept models that we told you about on Friday will be joined by the 2003 Mercury Messenger concept at the RM's Sports & Classics of Monterey auction on August 12th.

The two-seater sports coupe prototype of the soon-to-be discontinued Mercury brand broke cover at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit back in 2003. It was supposed to herald a new and more stylish design language for the company while some had also suggested that it may inspire a production model - unfortunately for Mercury, that never happened.

Influenced by the Cougars of the late sixties with a rakish roofline that recalls Ford's GT supercar, the rear-wheel drive Messenger Coupe was designed to be powered by the Dearborn automaker's familiar 4.6 liter V8 engine (the study is not fitted with a powertrain). The folks over at RM Auctions estimate that the Messenger can fetch between US$75,000 and $100,000.

Here's an excerpt from the Ford's 2003 NAIAS press release:

"At the North American International Auto Show, Mercury is a brand sending a message that modern design will lead its rejuvenation, beginning with its new Messenger concept coupe.

Mercury is returning to its roots as a design leader introducing the Messenger concept, a distinctive and energetic high-performance two-seat sports coupe.

The Messenger concept car represents the first expression of Mercury's new design DNA with a clean, technical appearance that begins to establish the look of Mercury products still to come. Mercury will introduce four new products over the next four years including a minivan, a small sport utility and two cars.

"The body surface reflects the car's power and grace, with flowing body lines that are accented with purposeful air intakes and outlets," says Gerry McGovern, design director, Lincoln Mercury. "The dynamic fluidity of the Messenger's lean and taut form is expressed at rest as much as it is in movement."

___________________________________________________________________

2003 Mercury Messenger Concept

Estimate: $75,000-$100,000 US

Rolling interior and exterior display model. No drivetrain. Wheelbase: 111.2" - Sleek, stillborn sports coupe - A Mercury that might have been - Compact, efficient packaging

Mercury Messenger Technical Specifications

General

The Mercury Messenger is a high performance, two-seat sports car powered by a V-8 classically driving the rear wheels.

Engine/Drive train

Front engine, rear wheel drive.
All-aluminum 4.6-liter DOHC V-8
6-speed automatic sequential gearbox

Body and Chassis

Unique monocoque construction using a composite / aluminum hybrid 'tub' chassis with super-formed aluminum panels bonded to it. The result is a body with high torsional rigidity providing excellent ride and handling properties. Occupant protection is enhanced and noise/vibration/harshness (NVH) is reduced by this method of construction.

Wheels/Brakes/Suspension

Rear 18 spoke 20 x 10J cast alloy wheels with Goodyear 305/40R20 tires
Front 18 spoke 19 x 9J cast alloy wheels with Goodyear 275/40/R19 tires

High performance Brembo power assisted brakes, anti-lock brake system using Electronic Brake Force Distribution

Front - 355mm vented discs with 4 piston calipers

Rear - 355mm vented discs with 4 piston calipers

Computer active suspension adjusts ride height and dynamics to suit driving style, speed and road conditions with 'intelligent' traction control

Electronically actuated parking brake

Steering

Power assisted variable ratio rack and pinion

Dimensions

Length 4533mm / 178.5"

Width 1938mm / 76.3"

Height 1304mm / 51.3"

Wheelbase 2825mm / 111.2"

Front track 1662mm / 65.4"

Rear track 1650mm / 65"

Trunk volume 340 liters

Legroom 1084mm / 42.6"

Headroom 943mm / 38"

Safety and Security

Integral safety cell structure

Personal Safety System Global vehicle theft location system

Self-leveling high-intensity 'projector' headlamps

LED technology brake lights with faster response for additional safety

Automatically monitored and adjusted tire pressure sensing system

Comfort and Convenience

Independent climate control for driver and passenger with pollen filtration

THX certified digital CD/Radio Hi-fi system.

Automatic volume control linked to vehicle speed Hands free telephone capability

Rain sensing windshield wipers

Automatically dimming interior rear view mirror

Powered and heated exterior rear view mirrors

Height and reach adjustable steering column

Low-E glass to reduce UV and heat build up

Stowage space behind seats with integral child seat fittings

NADA Issues Statement on Ford's Decision to Kill Mercury

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), which represents some 17,000 dealers with about 37,500 franchises in the U.S., has issued a statement through its chairman, Ed Tonkin, expressing some concerns about Ford's decision to discontinue its Mercury brand (click here for more details) and end production at the end of this year. Read the statement after the jump.

NADA Chairman Ed Tonkin

"It's a sad day for this 70-year-old marque, and its loss is disappointing for the more than 1,700 dedicated dealers who sell the Mercury brand.

NADA's concern is that Ford treats each of its Mercury dealers fairly and equitably, especially the 276 of whom sell Lincoln and Mercury exclusively. Another important concern is that Mercury customers be reassured by Ford, and that all warranties will be honored and parts and service will continue to be available.

Ford also needs to move quickly to take into account the millions of dollars that dealers have invested in facilities, equipment, personnel and training. They deserve fair compensation."

It's Official: Ford Dumps Mercury Brand

Like GM, Ford Motor Company is continuing to shrink its brand portfolio. Following the recent sale of Volvo Cars to China's Geely, with which it completed the dismantling of the premium group that once included Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover, the Deaborn automaker made it official today that it will terminate the Mercury division in the fourth quarter of this year.

Given Mercury's declining sales over the years (the brand holds a pitiful 0.8 percent market share in the U.S. - overall Ford has 16%) and the fact that its entire lineup comprises of re-grilled / re-badged Ford models, the announcement was no surprise.

Some had suggested in the past that Mercury should do what GM is doing with Buick - enhance its U.S. lineup with Ford's European models, but apparently that role is partially going to Ford with the new Euro-style Fiesta and Focus cars.

Ford admitted that the majority of current Mercury sales are to fleet buyers and customers purchasing through employee, retiree and friends and family discounts, which the company anticipates can be satisfied by Ford brand vehicles.

The company added that it will work closely with Mercury dealers and customers during the transition, providing providing existing owners with access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers and by honoring current warranties.

"We are 100 percent committed to supporting Mercury owners through Ford and Lincoln dealerships and working hard to keep them as valued customers in the future," said Ford President, Mark Fields.

"At the same time, we will work closely with our dealers to phase out Mercury franchises and continue to build a healthy, growing Lincoln with strong new products and a profitable dealer network that delivers a world-class customer experience."

Mercury was introduced into the market 71 years ago by Edsel Ford as a Buick-like, mid-priced alternative to mainstream Ford and luxury Lincoln models.

The brand's sales peaked at 579,498 units in 1978, but have since plunged to just 92,299 vehicles in 2009. In the first quarter of 2010, Mercury's sales accounted for a mere 1.9% of FoMoCo's global sales.