Merkur ( German pronunciation: [mɛʁˈkuːɐ̯] , Mercury ) is a defunct automobile brand that was marketed by the Lincoln - Mercury division of Ford Motor Company from 1985 to 1989. Drawing its name from the German word for Mercury, Merkur was targeted at buyers of European executive cars in North America, selling captive imports produced by the German division of Ford of Europe .
122-571: Following the 1989 model year, Lincoln-Mercury withdrew Merkur, making it one of the shortest-lived automotive brands in the modern American automotive industry, lasting only one model year longer than the Edsel . During the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States and Canada, buyer preferences in the luxury-vehicle segment began shifting from once traditional Cadillac, Lincoln and Chrysler models towards more European-produced and inspired vehicles. As
244-558: A Ferrari Testarossa or a Porsche Carrera 4 ." The Aero was discontinued in 1997 and its engine became available for all 9000 models for 1998. Total production numbers of the 9000 CS amounted to 174,525 units (34.7% of overall production). A convertible version was constructed by Finnish company Valmet , the prototype version is currently on display at the Uusikaupunki car museum near the Valmet factory. Other experiments included fitting of
366-524: A 2.0 litre light pressure turbo (LPT) equipped engine called B204 with two balance shafts (like in the B234), became available on both CS and CD models. In these markets, this LPT engine gradually replaced the 2.3 litre naturally aspirated unit. Because Saab did not introduce the 2.0 litre LPT in the U.S., the LPT concept did not enter the U.S. market until 1994 with the 2.3 LPT, based on a re-designed B234 engine. Since then,
488-555: A European-market Ford Sierra or Ford Scorpio. To adapt a Merkur for sale in the United States and Canada, 5-mph bumpers were added, FMVSS 108-compliant headlamps, and an instrument panel with non-metric gauges. Introduced for 1985 as the introductory Merkur vehicle, the Merkur XR4Ti was a performance-oriented hatchback. Sized nearly identically to the Ford Mustang hatchback, the XR4Ti was
610-450: A badly leaking trunk during rain, and the odometer showing fewer than actual miles traveled. Edsel's most memorable design feature was its trademark " horsecollar " grille, which was distinct from that of other cars of the period. According to a popular joke at the time, Edsels "resembled an Oldsmobile sucking a lemon". According to Thomas E. Bonsall's 2002 book, Disaster in Dearborn , it
732-467: A deep-dish steering wheel, double-latched doors, and childproof rear door locks. The model line was among the first to introduce remote-operated trunk opening and self-adjusting brakes. In the first year, 63,110 Edsels were sold in the United States, and 4,935 were sold in Canada. Though below expectations, this nevertheless represented the second-largest launch for any new car brand to date, exceeded only by
854-407: A fuel injected naturally aspirated engine for the 9000 during the same year, available in all of Saab's markets. This engine is rated at 125 hp DIN (92 kW) with catalytic converters and 128 hp DIN (94 kW) without catalytic converters. The naturally aspirated engine is based on the turbocharged engine and features four valves per cylinder, electronic ignition, and a knock sensor. In
976-503: A large car like an Edsel was seen as too expensive to buy and own. When Ford introduced the Falcon in 1959, it sold over 400,000 units in its first year. Ford's investment in expanded plant capacity and additional tooling for Edsels helped make the company's subsequent success with the Falcon possible. By 1965, the market for medium-priced cars had recovered, and this time, Ford had the right car,
1098-516: A loss of over $ 250 million, $ 2.57 billion in 2023 dollars, on development, manufacturing, and marketing on the model line, Ford quietly discontinued the Edsel brand before 1960. Ford Motor Company became a publicly traded corporation on January 17, 1956, and thus was no longer entirely owned by members of the Ford family . The company was now able to sell cars according to current market trends following
1220-541: A lowered front fascia with new headlights, new grille, some minor changes at the doors and a substantially redesigned rear-end. Although the interior design remained basically the same, there were some minor cosmetic changes. The deeper C-pillars and stronger construction at the rear increased torsional rigidity, which the original CC design had been criticized for lacking. The new body was also designed to meet upcoming (1994) Federal side impact standards. The redesigned front and rear looked sleeker, but did not actually lower
1342-514: A mid-price model, with the brand slotted in between Ford and Mercury. However, when the cars debuted in September 1957, the least expensive Ranger model was priced within $ 74 of the most expensive and best-trimmed Ford sedan, and $ 63 less than Mercury's base Medalist model. In their mid-range pricing, Edsel's Pacer and Corsair models were more expensive than their ostensibly more costly Mercury counterparts. Edsel's top-of-the-line Citation hardtop sedan
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#17328447622201464-523: A more eco-friendly engine. The Saab 9000 was available with a variety of naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines. The range consisted mostly of the Saab 2.0 and 2.3 litre engines, but there was also the 3.0-litre V6 made by General Motors . One 9000 was fitted with a prototype Saab V8 engine. After the facelift in 1992 and as of 1993 (in most markets), the newly introduced two equipment series CS/CD and CSE/CDE could be combined with all available engines in
1586-728: A name. When the agency issued its report, citing over 6,000 possibilities, Ford's Ernest Breech commented that they had been hired to develop one name, not 6,000. Early favorites for the name brand included Citation, Corsair, Pacer, and Ranger, which were ultimately chosen for the vehicle's series names. David Wallace , manager of marketing research, and coworker Bob Young unofficially invited freethinker poet Marianne Moore for input and suggestions. Moore's unorthodox contributions, among them "Utopian Turtletop," "Pastelogram," "Turcotinga," "Resilient Bullet," "Andante con Moto" and "Mongoose Civique", were meant to stir creative thought and were not officially authorized or contractual in nature. By
1708-516: A paint-matched airflow body kit, spoiler, and a specially tuned turbocharged engine producing 195 PS (185 PS with catalytic converter) with the B202 turbo in 1990 up to 165 kW (225 PS) in 1991-92 with the B234 turbo and was only available with a manual transmission. The "Carlsson" was produced from 1990 to 1992 (changing from CC to CS design) with engine output up to 225 PS and can be described as
1830-575: A passive restraint system (automatic seatbelts), requiring an expensive redesign for both model lines (the Ford Sierra and Ford Scorpio did not receive airbags until their 1993 and 1994 replacements, respectively). As slow sales of the brand did not justify the expense of such a redesign, Ford withdrew the XR4ti in early 1989, with sales of the Scorpio ending at the end of the model year. Edsel Edsel
1952-679: A response, the Japanese automotive industry launched luxury-oriented brands developed for North America, with Honda's Acura brand going on sale in 1985 and Nissan and Toyota bringing Infiniti and Lexus , respectively, to market in 1989. In its own response, Ford announced the creation of the Merkur brand in November 1983 with an expected launch for the 1985 model year. Instead of developing all-new product lines, Merkur adapted vehicles from Ford of Europe to meet American safety and emissions regulations. During
2074-448: A revised oil sump system, cylinder-head, timing cover, and different bell housing pattern. Therefore, over the years three different engine types developed by Saab itself which were available for the 9000: B202/B204/B234 (with the old B202 phased out on all markets from 1994). The B204 and B234 both came with and without the turbochargers which additionally split in so called LPT (low pressure turbo) and FPT (full pressure turbo). Till 1995,
2196-521: A seven-model product line, including four sedans and three station wagons. The lower-trim Edsel Ranger and Edsel Pacer shared bodies with Ford Fairlane sedans (118-inch (300 cm) wheelbase) while the higher-trim Edsel Corsair and Edsel Citation shared bodies with the Mercury Monterey and Mercury Montclair sedans (124-inch (310 cm) wheelbase). Sharing its body and 116-inch (290 cm) wheelbase with Ford station wagons, Edsel had
2318-501: A single year on the CC in most markets (the CD notchback retained its old design until the 1994 model year). Also new during 1991 was the ozone-friendly air-conditioning system using R134a - the first in the world. Saab also offered conversion kits for existing, air conditioned 9000 models. The next bigger facelift for the 9000 5-door hatchback was followed by the introduction of a partial redesign for
2440-464: A slightly more aerodynamic front design which the CC did not receive until 1991. The redesigned rear gave the CD about 20% more torsional rigidity. Just as in the launch of the CC variant, the 9000 CD was initially available only with the B202 turbo engine, but Saab combined it right from the start with its new "DI ignition system" At the Birmingham Motor Show in September 1988, Saab premiered
2562-703: A slightly rebodied version of the Ford Sierra XR4i , the mid-range sporting model of the Sierra. Along with reflecting the use of a turbocharged engine (see below), the XR4Ti name was chosen as General Motors held the GMC Sierra and the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera nameplates. The 2.8L V6 of the XR4i (which did not meet American emissions requirements) was replaced by a 2.3L turbocharged inline-4. A modified version of
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#17328447622202684-526: A speed warning on the speedometer if the driver exceeded a preset speed limit. While a standard column-mounted transmission shifter was offered, as a delete option, Edsel marked the introduction of the Teletouch push-button shifting system, mounted in the steering wheel hub. Edsels integrated many elements of the Ford Lifeguard safety package into its design. Along with optional seatbelts, Edsels featured
2806-471: A stand-alone factory solely to Edsel model production. The 1958 Edsels were assembled in both Mercury and Ford factories. The longer-wheelbase models, Citation and Corsair, were produced alongside the Mercury products. The shorter-wheelbase models, Pacer and Ranger, were produced alongside Ford products. Workers assembling Fords and Mercurys often found the task of assembling the occasional Edsel that moved down
2928-415: A stellar sales success. To make matters worse, as a new make, Edsel had no established brand loyalty with buyers as its competing makes had. Even if the 1957–1958 recession had not occurred, Edsel would have been entering a shrinking marketplace. In the early 1950s, when the "E" car was in its earliest stages of development, Ford Executive Vice President Ernest R. Breech had convinced Ford management that
3050-512: A success by Ford. Projected to sell 15,000–20,000 vehicles annually, the brand only sold 26,000 XR4Tis in its first two years; sales declined nearly 50% for 1987. On average, each Lincoln-Mercury dealer would sell one to two Merkur vehicles each year. Several factors led to the slow sales of the Merkur line, including an unfavorable exchange rate between the dollar and the West German Deutsche mark , leading to unstable pricing. By 1989,
3172-421: A supreme example of the corporate culture's failure to understand American consumers. Business analysts cite the weak internal support for the product inside Ford's executive offices. According to author and Edsel scholar Jan Deutsch , an Edsel was "the wrong car at the wrong time." Edsels are most notorious for being a marketing disaster. The name "Edsel" became synonymous with the real-life commercial failure of
3294-464: A top-rated television special, The Edsel Show , on October 13, but the promotional effort was not enough to counter the adverse initial public reaction to the Edsel's styling and unconventional build. After the launch date, Edsel was described as a "reborn LaSalle ," a General Motors brand that had disappeared in 1940. For months, Ford had been telling the industry press that it "knew", through its market research, that there would be great demand for
3416-446: A turbocharger, rated at 195 hp DIN (143 kW). Unlike the other engines, each of which was also used in the 900, the B234 engine was only used in the 9000 (and later in other model series). For the 1991 (Europe) and 1992 (US) model years, Saab also adopted the sloping front design of the CD for the CC hatchback. With this, the flat front design of the 90, 99, 900 and the early 9000 was finally over. But this design existed only for
3538-444: A vivid illustration of how not to market a product. The principal reason Edsel's failure is so infamous is that Ford did not consider that failure was a possibility until after the cars had been designed and built, the dealerships established, and $ 400 million invested in the product's development, advertising and launch. Incredibly, Ford had presumed to invest $ 400 million, well over $ 4 billion in 21st century dollars, in developing
3660-443: A year in the U.S. from 1957 onward. Edsels were equipped with powerful engines and offered brisk acceleration, but they also required premium fuel, and their fuel economy, especially in city driving, was poor even by late-1950s standards. Ford Motor Company had conducted the right marketing study, but it came up with the wrong product to fill the gap between Ford and Mercury. By 1958, buyers had become fascinated with economy cars, and
3782-561: Is a discontinued division and brand of automobiles that was produced by the Ford Motor Company in the 1958 to 1960 model years. Deriving its name from Edsel Ford , son of company founder Henry Ford , Edsels were developed in an effort to give Ford a fourth brand to gain additional market share from Chrysler and General Motors . Established as an expansion of the Lincoln–Mercury Division to three brands, re-christened
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3904-523: Is the so-called "Talladega" (US and most parts of Europe) or "Carlsson" (UK), both models available as CC and CD saloon versions. The "Carlsson" takes its name from legendary Swedish rally ace Erik Carlsson , who secured numerous wins for Saab in the sixties. In markets outside of the UK, it was known as the Talladega in honour of the 19 endurance records set by three standard turbocharged 9000s at Talladega Speedway in
4026-638: The Top Gear TV series, where Clarkson and James May paid tribute to the fallen automotive marque. At a visit to the American Sunroof Company , who helped design the Saab 900 convertible, the engineers spotted the building of a minivan based on the Chrysler's K-car (later launched as Chrysler Voyager ). Gunnar Larsson thought it was a neat idea and when he came home he asked the head of bodyworks Dick Ohlsson if they could do something like that based on
4148-555: The DeSoto introduction in 1929. One four-door Citation model was purchased and delivered in October 1957 to the United Kingdom for Ian Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford . Its current whereabouts is unknown. In January 1958, the free-standing Edsel division was added to Lincoln–Mercury, with the re-christened Mercury–Edsel–Lincoln Division (M–E–L) adopting Edsel sales and marketing operations. As
4270-501: The Galaxie 500 LTD . The LTD's success led Chevrolet to introduce the Caprice as a mid-1965 upscale trim option on its top-of-the-line Impala four-door hardtop. The name of the car, Edsel, is also often cited as a further reason for its lack of popularity. Naming the vehicle after Edsel Ford , former company president and son of Henry Ford, was proposed early in its development. However,
4392-517: The Lincoln – Mercury division, whose cars at the time shared the same bodies. Ford later claimed to have performed more than adequate, if not superior, product development and market research work in the planning and design of the new vehicle. Ford assured its investors, and the Detroit automotive press, that Edsels were not only superior products, as compared to their Oldsmobile/Buick/DeSoto competition, but
4514-618: The Yamaha developed Ford SHO V6 engine most famously fitted to the Ford Taurus SHO . This was vetoed by Saab-Scania , Saab's owner at the time, as was the fitting of a VM Motori diesel engine which had been executed with the aim of increasing Saab's sales in central and southern Europe. In 1993, Saab experimented with steer-by-wire technology as part of the pan-European programme "Prometheus" (Programme for European Traffic with Highest Efficiency and Unprecedented Safety). Their contribution to
4636-519: The "Anniversary" could be also ordered with the engine of the Aero model. The Saab 9000 CS Aero was introduced in 1993. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1992, the new 9000 Aero was the fastest Saab automobile to date. It was powered by a 225 PS (165 kW) version of Saab's 2.3-litre B234 engine, with more power courtesy of a larger Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger. Models equipped with
4758-449: The "NG 900". For the 1987 model year a 4-speed automatic transmission made by ZF became available. For the 1988 model year, Saab introduced a 4-door saloon variant of the 9000 known as the CD. The front of the Sedan was different (more modern) and more streamlined than the hatchback model. This involved smoothing the edges of the headlamps and grille and sloping the front outwards. Saab adapted
4880-830: The 1957 model year. Sales of Chrysler's DeSoto marque dropped dramatically from its 1957 high by over 50% in 1958. When DeSoto sales failed to rebound during the 1959 model year, plans were made in Highland Park to discontinue the nameplate by 1961. Despite the presence and influence of the "whiz kids" in the Ford hierarchy and upon this car, the project epitomized the hazards of 'design by committee .' Sales for most car manufacturers, even those not introducing new models, were down. Among domestic makes, only Rambler and Lincoln produced more cars in 1958 than in 1957. Customers started buying more fuel-efficient automobiles, particularly Volkswagen Beetles , which were selling at rates exceeding 50,000
5002-412: The 1959 Pontiac. For the first time, a full-width front bumper was used. While sharing their tailfins with Ford, the rear fascia of Edsels were distinguished by four oblong vertical taillamps. Distinguished primarily by their grille and taillamps, the 1960 Edsels were fitted with model-specific hoods, bumpers, and body-side trim. The four-door Ranger hardtop had no direct Ford equivalent, as it combined
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5124-505: The 1960 model year, Edsel saw its model line reduced further, offering only the Ranger sedans, hardtop, and convertible alongside the Villager station wagon. Redesigned alongside 1960 Fords , 1960 Edsels were released with a far more muted styling than their 1958 namesake. Sharing nearly its entire body with Ford, Edsel abandoned its trademark vertical grille in favor of a split grille, similar to
5246-525: The 1970s, the Mercury Capri had been imported from West Germany, becoming the most-imported car in the United States behind the Volkswagen Beetle . In the initial launch of Merkur, approximately 800 Lincoln-Mercury dealers signed up to take on the Merkur brand. Advertising and PR materials strongly urged the proper German pronunciation of the brand name (German for Mercury). On Merkur vehicle badges
5368-682: The 1992 model year in Europe (for 1993 model year in the US), known as the CS. At the release of the CS, the original hatchback variant from 1985–1991/1992 model years was retrospectively designated CC to differentiate it from the newer model. The "old" CC continued to be sold alongside the facelifted model in some markets as an entry-level model and particularly in the US, where the new CS was not available until 1993. A new turbocharger management system, Trionic 5 and later Trionic 7 ,
5490-492: The 9000 CD and its B202 turbocharged engine. The CC's engine also got similar updates for the 1989 model year and the direct injection system later expanded to all models (except models equipped with the V6 engine, which came from General Motors). The output of both engines increased slightly through optimisation, from 160 to 163 hp (118 to 120 kW) DIN for the catalyzed turbo model, from 125 to 128 hp (92 to 94 kW) DIN for
5612-477: The 9000 CD saloon in 1988. As with the 900 CC, the 9000 CC had some special models in some countries, such as the 9000 Turbo 16 SP in France (SP stands for "Sport and Performance"). In Germany and Switzerland there were also a special edition named "Saab 9000 Turbo 16 S", with an airflow kit and the B202 turbocharged engine with a catalytic converter tuned up to 195 hp (for 1990). But the most popular special series
5734-465: The American crash test standards but the car was continuously reinforced during its production run. At the end of 1985, for the 1986 model year, the 9000 was rolled out in Saab's most important foreign market: the US. It was fitted with the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, now with exhaust gas purification via catalytic converter and was rated at 160 hp DIN (118 kW). Saab also introduced
5856-399: The CD above the hatchback model in terms of equipment and price. This was in keeping with the spirit of the times, which saw an expensive notchback model more as a car for business people (with or without a chauffeur) who did not need the cargo space of the CC. This is why Saab never offered the CD with a folding rear seat, which would have been at the expense of stability and peace and quiet in
5978-464: The European market. This original model called "Saab 9000 Turbo 16" was a five-door hatchback , only available with a manual gearbox and the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 16 valves, already known from the 900. Maximum power was quoted to be 175 hp DIN (129 kW) without a catalytic converter. The 9000 has Drag coefficient of C d 0.34, very competitive for the time. Earlier on in
6100-529: The Fairlanes. Although Ford got a new luxury series of cars mid year, the Galaxie, Edsel never got an equivalent series, further eroding its appeal as a medium price automobile. The 1959 Edsel interior dropped several features to increase its commonality with Ford. The push-button Teletouch transmission controls were withdrawn, alongside the rotating-dome speedometer, as Edsel introduced a slightly restyled version of
6222-536: The Ford Fairlane 500 dashboard. The optional climate control and fully padded dashboard returned. Alongside the use of distinct interior trim from Ford, Edsel had a 70/30 split-bench seatback for Corsairs. In 1967, Ford returned the split-bench seatback on the Ford LTD , continuing it into the 2010s on its full-size cars. In 1959, Edsel sold 44,891 vehicles in the United States. 2,505 vehicles were sold in Canada. For
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#17328447622206344-702: The Ford Sierra, making it the largest car sold by Ford of Europe. As an entry-level luxury car, the Merkur Scorpio competed against a range of sedans including the Acura Legend , Audi 100 , Mercedes-Benz 190E , Saab 9000 , Sterling 827 , and Volvo 740 . In sharp contrast to many of its competitors, the Scorpio was offered only as a 5-door hatchback (a configuration otherwise only offered by Saab and Sterling in North America). The model line included many features as standard equipment; many examples were sold with
6466-433: The Ford family strongly opposed its use. Henry Ford II declared that he did not want his father's good name spinning around on thousands of hubcaps. Ford ran internal studies to decide on a name, and dispatched employees to stand outside movie theaters to poll audiences as to what their feelings were on several ideas. They reached no conclusions. Ford retained the advertising firm Foote, Cone & Belding to come up with
6588-405: The Ford press release. In some newspaper markets, dealers scrambled to renegotiate newspaper advertising contracts involving the 1960 Edsel models, while others dropped the name from their dealerships' advertising entirely. Ford issued a statement that it would distribute coupons to customers who purchased 1960 models, and carryover 1959 models, prior to the announcement, valued at $ 300 to $ 400 toward
6710-706: The Fords and Mercurys were satisfactorily assembled on the same lines. Many Edsels actually left the assembly lines unfinished. Uninstalled parts were placed in the trunks along with installation instructions for dealership mechanics, some of whom never installed the additional parts at all. Some dealers did not even receive all the parts. In the March 1958 issue of Popular Mechanics , 16% of Edsel owners reported poor workmanship, with complaints ranging from faulty welding to power steering failure. In its test car, Popular Mechanics tested for these problems and discovered others, notably
6832-497: The LPT had the designation "Ecopower" on the cylinder head in some markets. From 1996 Saab used this designation "EcoPower" for all turbocharged engines and in general for the Saab turbo concept. Both systems used the same Garrett T25 turbocharger with a base boost pressure of 0.4 bar (6 psi), but the FPT is equipped with a boost control valve that is manipulated by the ECU. This allows
6954-470: The Louisville Assembly, except for the pilot prototypes. Ford announced the end of the Edsel program on November 19, 1959. Production continued until late in November, with 2,846 model year 1960 cars produced. Total Edsel sales were approximately 116,000, less than half the company's projected break-even point. The company lost $ 350 million, the equivalent of $ 2.8 billion in 2023 dollars, on
7076-482: The Mercury, or a step below it. After introduction to the public, Edsels did not live up to their preproduction publicity, even though many new features were offered, such as self-adjusting rear brakes and automatic lubrication. While Ford's market research had indicated that these and other features would make Edsels attractive to them as car buyers, their selling prices exceeded what buyers were willing to pay. Upon seeing
7198-535: The Mercury-based Citation was withdrawn and the Corsair became a higher-trim version of the Ranger. The Pacer was also discontinued. The station wagon line was pared down to the Villager wagon, dropping the two-door Roundup and wood-trim Bermuda. While all Edsel sedans used a Ford body, their wheelbase was 120-inch (300 cm), 2 inches longer. In response to the widely negative response to 1958 Edsel exteriors,
7320-565: The Mercury–Edsel–Lincoln Division, Edsel shared a price range with Mercury . The division shared its bodies with both Mercury and Ford. Competing against Buick , Oldsmobile , Pontiac , Dodge , and DeSoto , Edsel was the first new brand introduced by an American automaker since the 1939 launch of Mercury and 1956 launch of Continental, which ended and merged into Lincoln after 1957. In the year leading to its release, Ford invested in an advertising campaign, marketing Edsels as
7442-541: The Merkur Scorpio rivaled the Lincoln Town Car in price, despite its strong visual resemblance to the far more affordable Mercury Sable. Alongside the lack of sales from either the Scorpio and the XR4Ti, the fate of the Merkur line was ultimately sealed by passive restraint requirements in North America. To bring the two vehicles into compliance for 1990, the two vehicles would have required the addition of airbag(s) or
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#17328447622207564-410: The Ranger and Bronco II). While a 5-speed manual transmission was standard, nearly every Scorpio sold was equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. One of the shortest-lived vehicles ever produced by Ford Motor Company, the Merkur Scorpio was discontinued at the end of the 1989 model year, marking the end of the Merkur brand. In the United States and Canada, Merkur was ultimately not considered
7686-403: The Saab 9000 has only been available in the U.S. with the three 2.3 litre turbo engines: 2.3 litre LPT: 170 hp 2.3 litre FPT: 200 hp 2.3 litre Aero: 225 hp The 9000 with this LPT engine had the best fuel economy of any large car in the U.S. in 1995. The background of the new B204 and re-designed B234 engine was that Saab needed a suitable engine for the upcoming 900 NG . Since Saab
7808-504: The Saab 9000. "No problem", was the reply and a small team started working on it in secret. They used the 9000 platform but lengthened and with higher roof and room for seven persons (even if the rear seat was mostly suitable for children). The full-scale model was finished in May 1985, two months after the idea was first mooted. British coachbuilder Coleman & Milne extended several Saab 9000s into stretch limousine versions. The 9000 Ecosport
7930-442: The US in 1986. Since 1988, the CC was available both with and without catalytic converter. Saab had scared the power to 175 PS (160 PS original) in the catalytic converter engine and 192 PS (175 PS original) in non-catalyzed variants. The boost pressure was around 1.0 bar. Furthermore, a new "black box" (APC) had been installed in the Talladega models which allows higher power. 9000 Carlsson models were produced with
8052-457: The US in summer 1995). The production of the performance-oriented Aero model also ended in summer 1997. Only 1,400 units of the 9000 were produced for the final model year pf 1998 (starting in August 1997), and of these, only 400 were exported to the United States, the main foreign market for Saab. In 1997, Saab introduced the successor of the 9000 called the 9-5 . Originally known simply as the 9000,
8174-482: The automatic transmission-equipped were limited to 200 PS (147 kW) and kept the regular turbocharged models' Garrett T25 turbocharger. The Aero was equipped with paint-matched body kit and spoiler, eight-way Recaro -designed heated sports seats, a sport suspension, and 16-inch three-spoke Super Aero wheels. The Aero's in-gear acceleration was strongly emphasised, and period advertising boasted, "The 5-speed Saab 9000 Aero will streak from 50 to 75 mph faster than
8296-683: The autumn of 1986, Saab organised a record attempt with the 9000, which received much attention in the US and internationally, at the Alabama International Motor Speedway at Talladega, now the Talladega Superspeedway . "Saab Turbo--In The Long Run" took place over 20 days and 20 nights. "The main purpose of the Long Run project is to test the endurance of our cars as part of our ongoing testing program," explained Olle Granlund, head of Saab's engine and transmission department and
8418-547: The boost pressure to be increased as the ECU sees fit. Maximum stock boost on a full pressure turbo varies from 0.7 to 1.02 bar (10 to 15 psi) depending on the year and transmission. For 1995 a 210 hp three-litre V6, originating from General Motors and also found on the Opel (and Vauxhall) Omega, was introduced. For MY 1996 the name “Ecopower” was now applied to all turbocharged engines regardless of FPT or LPT variants. The 2.3 litre fuel-injected engine (without turbocharger)
8540-498: The boot and 1.6 cubic metres (57 cu ft) with rear seats folded). Qualifying as an EPA -rated large car , a distinction shared only with the contemporary Rolls-Royce in America. This was achieved by installing the engine transversely to the direction of travel in the 9000 (instead of longitudinally as in the 900). Unlike the 900, the 9000 kept the ignition switch in the more conventional steering column position rather than between
8662-407: The cars of the future. While 1958 Edsels introduced multiple advanced features for the price segment, the launch of the model line became symbolic of commercial failure. Introduced in a recession that catastrophically affected sales of medium-priced cars, Edsels were considered overhyped, unattractive, distinguished by a vertical grille said to resemble a horse collar , and low quality. Following
8784-493: The catalyzed, naturally aspirated engine, and from 128 to 133 hp (94 to 98 kW) DIN in the uncatalyzed model. For the 1990 model year, Saab introduced the newly developed and enlarged B234 2.3-litre engine, rated at 146 hp DIN (107 kW) for the naturally aspirated variation. This version develops 150 hp SAE (112 kW) in US-market cars. For the 1991 model year, the new engine also became available also with
8906-554: The design of the saloon to the current facelift of the 900, which had already received a similar new front-end design for the 1987 model year. This re-design marked a departure from the more upright front styling of the 1984 model, which was also similar to the old design of the 900 from 1978 to 1986. From 1988, all 9000 variants were equipped with a Saab Information Display (SID) which showed fuel consumption, distance to an empty fuel tank, alternator output voltage, outside temperature, and lowest battery voltage during vehicle start. If
9028-526: The design, none of the components could be interchanged between the cars. Fiat had designed the Croma with no consideration of American crash test requirements, which forced Saab to strengthen the body by fitting various reinforcements. Thus, the front of the Saab is radically different from the Italian siblings due to the much improved crash protection. Only seven parts are actually interchangeable. Additionally, where
9150-490: The details of their styling and specifications were the result of a sophisticated market analysis and research and development effort, that would essentially guarantee their broad acceptance by the buying public when the cars were introduced. Its elegance, its engines, its exciting new features, make other cars seem ordinary — Edsel advertisement, 1957 In November 1956, the Edsel Division of Ford Motor Company
9272-579: The development, the PRV engine had also been considered as well as the Ford Vulcan engine from the upcoming Ford Taurus. The Saab 9000 was awarded Best Prestige Car 1985 by the French magazine L'Action Automobile. Cars built in the first year had problems with weak structural rigidity and developed a reputation for cracks and fatigue if fitted with tow hooks or sunroofs. Earlier production 9000s were not able to pass
9394-523: The engine used by the Ford Mustang SVO and Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe (with the intercooler deleted), the engine was retuned to 175hp with a 5-speed manual transmission and 145 hp with a 3-speed automatic transmission. The body of the XR4Ti was shared with the Sierra XR4i albeit modified for American regulations. It differed from the standard Sierra 3-door in its side profile appearance: in place of
9516-543: The engines available in the respective model year. This means that even a "simple" CS could be ordered with the 200 hp turbocharged engine, for example. For the 1995 model year, a 3.0-litre B308 V6 engine from General Motors rated at 210 PS (154 kW) was introduced as standard for the CDE trim and optional for the CSE trim. The four-door CD/E models were discontinued in all markets in summer 1997 (already discontinued in
9638-408: The exterior of 1959 Edsels underwent a restyling to tone down its appearance. While the vertical center grille made its return, following heavy revision, a redesign of the hoodline integrated the headlamps into a full-width outer grille, visually lowering the hoodline. A similar revision of the rear fascia repositioned the taillamps. Being based on the 1959 Ford, Edsels received the same roof design as
9760-512: The front seats. The inspiration for the seats was taken by Björn Envall from The Muppet Show 's Pigs in Space , a sketch by the late puppeteer Jim Henson . In total, 503,087 Saab 9000s were manufactured. These are divided into: 216,385 Saab 9000 CC (MY 1985–1991), 174,525 Saab 9000 CS (MY 1992–1998), 112,177 Saab 9000 CD (MY 1988–1997). The 9000 was launched to the motoring press at a conference at Kolmården Game Park on 24 May 1984 and 1985 in
9882-478: The instruction of Ernest Breech, who was chairing a board meeting in the absence of Henry Ford II, the car was finally called "Edsel", in honor of Edsel Ford. Even though Edsels shared basic technology with other Ford cars of the era, a number of issues caused reliability problems, mostly with the 1958 models. Reports of mechanical flaws with the cars surfaced, due primarily to lack of quality control and confusion of parts with other Ford models. Ford never dedicated
10004-404: The interior. With the introduction of the 9000 2.3 Turbo CD "Griffin" for 1992 as the top model of the 9000 series, Saab finally placed itself in the luxury class. The Griffin was only available as notchback and only with the 2.3 Turbo engine and only 400 units were produced. In 1994, for the 1995 model year, Saab redesigned the CD for the first time since its introduction, the model now receiving
10126-444: The intermediate slot vacated by Lincoln. Ford explained in 1958 that “The Edsel is new but it’s actually the germination of an idea conceived by Edsel Ford who thought years ago that the company should have greater representation in the medium-price range. This idea was furthered by his son, Henry Ford II, in 1948 when another car was proposed to keep abreast of things in the automotive market.” Marketing research and development for
10248-591: The long, rear quarter windows of a standard Sierra 3-door, the Merkur was fitted with the C-pillar windows of the 5-door Sierra, and equipped with opening rear quarter windows behind the front doors. In line with the XR4i, the Merkur XR4Ti is distinguished by a large biplane rear spoiler, similar to that of the Ford Mustang SVO. As a result of the Merkur XR4Ti requiring adaptation for North American sale, final assembly
10370-445: The medium-priced market segment offered great untapped opportunity. At the time, Breech's assessment was basically correct. In 1955, Pontiac, Buick, and Dodge sold a combined two million units. However, by the fall of 1957, when Edsels were introduced, the market had changed drastically. Independent manufacturers in the medium-priced field were drifting to insolvency. Hoping to reverse its losses, Packard acquired Studebaker , which
10492-408: The model year progressed and sales fell under expectations, multiple Edsel-only dealers closed or expanded their brand offerings with the encouragement of Ford Motor Company, including Lincoln–Mercury or imported Ford of Britain and Ford of Germany franchises. For the 1959 model year, Ford revised the market position of Edsel, slotting it between Ford and Mercury. To reflect the marketing change,
10614-411: The new intermediate line had begun in 1955 under the code name "E car", which stood for "experimental car." Ford Motor Company eventually decided on the name "Edsel", in honor of Edsel Ford , son of the company's founder, Henry Ford despite objections from Edsel's son Henry Ford II . The proposed vehicle marque represented the start-up of a new division of the firm, alongside that of Ford itself and
10736-452: The new product line without any prior study to determine whether such an investment would be prudent or profitable. The pre-release advertising campaign promoted the cars as having "more YOU ideas". The teaser advertisements in magazines revealed only glimpses of the cars through a highly blurred lens or wrapped in paper or under tarps. Ford never test marketed the vehicles or their radical styling concepts with potential buyers prior to either
10858-404: The non-turbocharged model of the CD with the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline-four. In 1990 Saab introduced the 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 2.3-litre B234 normally aspirated engine for the CC and CD. Since then, the CD was available with the same basic engines as the CC, except the 225 PS "Aero" engine which was reserved for the liftbacks. From the beginning, Saab had placed
10980-424: The notchback from the US market in the summer of 1995, but kept offering this bodystyle in other markets until summer 1997. Total production of the 9000 CD amounted to 112,177 units (22.3% of total production). Saab presented the 9000 CS (Combi Sedan), an updated version of the former CC hatchback body variant, in Europe in autumn 1991 for the 1992 model year (in the US the CS was introduced in 1993). The CS featured
11102-576: The optional Touring Package upgrade. The Merkur Scorpio (unlike the XR4Ti) was assembled on the Ford Cologne assembly line in West Germany. The body was largely unchanged for North America, with the exception of 5-mph bumpers, and US-market bumpers; Merkurs are also distinguished by badging and full-width taillamps. Powertrain modifications were minimal, as the 2.9L V6 was an engine used in North America (by
11224-420: The original hatchback variant was later given the CC identifier, standing for "Combi Coupe", to differentiate it from the CD ("Corps Diplomatique") saloon and later CS hatchback. Saab also used this different identifier for models of the 900. While originally equipped with an upright front design, this was replaced by the facelift adopting the sloped design language in the 1990 model year that had earlier debuted on
11346-514: The other Type Four cars used independent MacPherson struts all round, the 9000 used them only on the front suspension, with its rear suspension instead using a beam axle . The 9000 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Saab's in-house designer Björn Envall . Despite being shorter overall than the 900 which was still produced in parallel, the 9000 has a longer wheelbase and greater interior space with 3.5 cubic metres (120 cu ft) of interior space, 0.67 cubic metres (24 cu ft) in
11468-408: The outside temperature fell to −3 to 3 °C (27 to 37 °F), the temperature display is automatically selected to warn of possible black ice road conditions. A separate pictogram monitored door and hatch opening and exterior light bulb condition. 1988 also marked the introduction of pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners for the front seats. Saab Direct Ignition was also introduced in 1988 with
11590-445: The person in charge of this project. All three 9000 Turbo 16s passed the 100,000 kilometres (62,000 mi) mark in 21 days, the lead car breaking 21 international and two world speed records in the process. In memory of this event, Saab sold special models of its cars named "Talladega" in the prospective years, not only for the 9000 but also for other model series. Furthermore, the event was repeated 10 years later in 1996 with models of
11712-422: The platform as the more basic Fiat Croma , the luxury-themed Lancia Thema , and the sports-oriented Alfa Romeo 164 . Unlike the 164, which shares only the chassis, the Croma and Thema are outwardly similar to the 9000. As such, much of the bodywork appeared interchangeable between the 9000, Croma and Thema; for example, the doors. However, because Saab fitted heavier side impact protection and made other changes to
11834-646: The precursor of the Aero, which was introduced in 1993 with the CS design. A number of the Carlsson editions fitted with the B202 turbocharged engine were sold into the Australian market. In total 216,385 9000 CC were produced from 1985-1991 (43% of the total production numbers). The 9000 CD was introduced in Nice, France in January 1988. The CD was the four-door saloon body style featuring
11956-421: The predicted "perfect" product or product idea. Similar ill-fated products have often been colloquially referred to as "Edsels". Ford's own Sierra model, which launched almost 25 years later, is often compared to Edsels owing to initial buyer antipathy to their perceived radical styling, even though, unlike Edsels, it ultimately became a sales success. Since the Edsel program was such a debacle, it gave marketers
12078-586: The price for a base model, many potential buyers simply left the dealerships. Other customers were frightened by the price for a fully equipped top-of-the-line model. One of the external forces working against the Edsel brand was the onset of an economic recession in late 1957 . Compounding Edsel's problems was that the car had to compete with well-established nameplates from the Big Three such as Pontiac , Oldsmobile , Buick , Dodge , and DeSoto , as well as with its sister division Mercury , which had never been
12200-428: The production line burdensome, because it required them to change tools and parts bins, then switch back to resume assembling Fords or Mercurys after completing assembly on Edsels. The workers were also expected to accommodate Edsel assembly with no adjustment in their hourly quota of Ford and Mercury production. Consequently, the desired quality control of the different Edsel models proved difficult to achieve, even when
12322-477: The programme consisted of a modified 9000 with the steering wheel replaced with a center-mounted joystick. This setup removed the risk of body and facial injury in the event of an accident. It also provided easier and cheaper airbag installation, as well as improved instrument panel visibility. This prototype was tested by Jeremy Clarkson in an episode of Top Gear ; the segment was revisited in Series 18, Episode 5 of
12444-410: The purchase of new Ford products to offset the decreased values. The company issued credits to dealers for stock unsold or received, following the announcement. Historians have advanced several theories in an effort to explain Edsel's failure. Popular culture often faults vehicle styling. Consumer Reports has alleged that poor workmanship was Edsel's chief problem. Marketing experts hold Edsels up as
12566-488: The respective model years. This means that even a base CS could be ordered with the most powerful turbo engine. The face lifted CS models and the CD were available in MY 1992 in most countries with the same four engines which had also powered the former CC: - the old B202 with and without the turbocharger, both known from the classic Saab 900 - the B234 with and without the turbocharger This changed for 1993: on most international markets
12688-619: The roofline of the Fairlane with the doors of the Galaxie. The two-door hardtop shared its body with the Ford Galaxie Starliner, minus the star emblems on the "C" pillar. In a design advance, the muffler was relocated from below the passenger compartment to the rear of the car, intended for better muffler protection and less heat and noise intrusion to the passenger compartment. The 1960 Edsels were produced between October 15 and November 19, 1959. In total, 2,846 vehicles were produced at
12810-467: The same front end design as on the CS and a revised taillight arrangement. In some European markets, Saab revived the "Griffin" model from 1995 onwards. It was only available with the V6 engine, automatic transmission and with numerous luxury appointments, such as an optional second air conditioning unit in the boot for the rear occupants and with all available electric options, special eucalyptus green paint, walnut trim and rear window blinds. Saab withdrew
12932-494: The seller's market of the postwar years. Ford's new management compared the company's roster of makes with that of General Motors and Chrysler , and concluded that Lincoln was competing not with Cadillac , but with Oldsmobile , Buick , and DeSoto . Ford developed a plan to move Lincoln upmarket, with the Continental broken out as a separate make at the top of Ford's product line, and to add premium/intermediate vehicles to
13054-471: The two-door Edsel Roundup and the four-door Edsel Villager and Edsel Bermuda . The Edsel model line had multiple design features that were considered innovative. In place of a horizontal strip or a round dial, the speedometer was a rotating dome. In line with aircraft design, the dashboard adopted warning lights for conditions such as low oil level, parking brake engaged, and engine overheating. While not equipped with cruise control , Edsel introduced
13176-428: The vehicles' initial development decision, or vehicle shipments to their new dealerships. Edsels were shipped to the dealerships under wraps, and remained so on the dealer lots. The public also had difficulty understanding exactly what Edsels were, primarily because Ford made the mistake of pricing Edsels within Mercury's market price segment. Theoretically, Edsels were conceived to fit into Ford's marketing structure as
13298-472: The vehicles. Ford insisted that, in the Edsels, it had built exactly the "entirely new kind of car" that Ford had been leading the buying public to expect through its pre-introduction publicity campaign for the cars. In reality, Edsels shared their engineering and bodywork with other Ford models, and the similarities were apparent once the vehicles were viewed firsthand. For its inaugural model year, Edsel introduced
13420-482: The venture. Only 118,287 Edsels were built, including 7,440 produced in Oakville, Ontario, Canada . By U.S. auto industry standards, these production figures were dismal, particularly when spread across a run of three model years. On November 20, 1959, United Press International 's (UPI) wire service reported that book values for used Edsels had declined by as much as $ 400, based on condition and age, immediately following
13542-451: The wind resistance. However, lift was reduced, making the car more stable at high-speeds. The 9000 CS was fitted with a variety of Saab H engines . After the old B202 engine was phased out after 1993, there were in summary 9 different engine versions for the CS available in the upcoming years. After the 1995 model year, the naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines were discontinued in the United States. A limited-edition Anniversary model
13664-401: Was a script stating: Ford Werke AG-Cologne, West Germany , indicating the car's place of manufacture ( Cologne Body & Assembly ). The Merkur model line consisted of two models: the three-door XR4Ti hatchback and the five-door Scorpio hatchback. North American regulations dictated a number of modifications to the design of the vehicles, which meant that a Merkur could not be identical to
13786-435: Was also in financial difficulty. The board decided to stop production under the venerable Packard badge after 1958. The 1957–58 Packards were Studebaker bodied cars using much Packard styling, also known as "Packardbakers". Attempting to capitalize on the emerging consumer interest in economy cars, American Motors shifted its focus to its compact Rambler models and discontinued its pre-merger brands, Nash and Hudson , after
13908-477: Was always under high-cost pressure, the new B204 were designed to fit both the new Saab 900/2 and the Saab 9000. So the new B234 without turbochargers and the B204 without turbochargers and as LPT and FPT were all used in both the 9000 and 900 NG. There were two generations of the B234 engine in the 9000, one made from 1990-1993 (called "long block") and the other from 1994 to 1998 (called "short block"). The later motors had
14030-476: Was assistant stylist Bob "Robin" Jones who suggested a vertical motif for the front end of the "E-car". Saab 9000 The Saab 9000 is an automobile produced by the Swedish company Saab from 1984 to 1998. Representing the company's foray into the executive car scene, it was developed as a result of the successes of the turbocharged 99 and 900 models. The 9000 remained in production until May 1998 and
14152-535: Was contracted to specialty manufacturer Karmann in Rheine, West Germany . Prior to the 1988 introduction of the Merkur Scorpio, the XR4Ti was the sole Merkur model. In early 1989, the XR4Ti was discontinued. Introduced in mid-1987 as a 1988 model, the Merkur Scorpio was targeted for the executive sedan segment. Similar in appearance to the Mercury Sable and Ford Taurus, the Scorpio was an extended-wheelbase version of
14274-476: Was developed to be introduced at the 1992 Geneva Motor Show . It featured a 280 hp (209 kW; 284 PS) engine and four-wheel drive. Saab had a finished car to show, posters and brochures were printed, but in the last moment General Motors stopped Saab from unveiling the car as they wanted Opel to be the first to present four-wheel drive. Saab had to quickly rebuild it as a front-wheel drive only car. The show car had some innovations like UV headlights and
14396-453: Was equipped from the 1993 model year onwards (the Trionic system used resistor spark plugs to detect for engine knock in place of the knock sensors incorporated into the engine block in the previous APC system). The model range was also revised to provide some uniformity to the model designations on all markets. They became CS/CSE and CD/CDE: In principle, both trim levels could be combined with
14518-537: Was formed to establish a retail organization and dealer network, alongside Ford and Lincoln–Mercury. The Continental Division had ceased to exist several months earlier. With a network of 1,187 Edsel dealers, Ford Motor Company now had approximately 10,000 dealerships between its three divisions, bringing it closer in line with Chrysler, with 10,000 dealers across five brands, and General Motors, with 16,000 across six brands. Edsels were introduced amid considerable publicity on "E Day"—September 4, 1957. They were promoted by
14640-404: Was introduced in 1997 to mark Saab's 50th anniversary, featuring leather seats embossed with the classic, aircraft-inspired Saab logo and a colour-keyed body kit. The engine type was freely selectable from the available turbocharged engines from the 1997 model year except the engine used in the Aero model. The "Anniversary" could be ordered until the end of the 9000's production in 1998. During 1998,
14762-409: Was replaced by the 9-5 in late 1997, although some final cars were produced into 1998. The Saab 9000 was only available with petrol engines, in two different 5-door hatchback designs or as a 4-door notchback. Saab designed the 9000 as part of its joint development Type Four platform in conjunction with the Italian automaker Fiat Automobiles . Fiat developed and sold its own derivative versions from
14884-423: Was the only model priced to correctly compete with Mercury's mid-range Montclair Turnpike Cruiser model, as illustrated in the chart below. Edsel products were priced from $ 2,484 (equivalent to $ 25,583 in 2023) to $ 3,766 (equivalent to $ 38,787 in 2023). Not only was Edsel competing against its own sister divisions, but model for model, buyers did not understand what the cars were supposed to be—a step above
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