THE l998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE : THE PLEASURE OF DRIVING RETURNS

The 1998 Mercury Mystique builds on its well-established reputation for European driving performance with enhanced powertrain and even better driving dynamics. For 1998, the standard 2.0-liter Zetec 16-valve I-4 is updated with variable cam ' which provides a smoother ride, improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions. A new, ladder-frame bottom end dramatically reduces noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The Mystique's new manual transmission cable-shift system extends the transmission' s life and refines the ride by reducing gearshift effort and interior noise levels. The ride also is enhanced by a major front suspension upgrade that results in a smoother ride at low speeds and at freeway speeds.

Updated Zetec Engine Adds Refinement

The improved Zetec engine reaches 125 horsepower at 5,500 rpm with a peak torque of 130 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm. For quick acceleration, more than 90 percent of maximum torque is developed from 2,200 to 5,700 rpm. The upgraded Zetec is the first Ford engine sold in North America to employ variable cam timing, which also provides smoother running and improved fuel economy. Using variable cam timing allows the EEC-V engine computer to select cam timing based on running conditions, while valve lift and opening duration remain constant. Preliminary tests show that fuel economy is expected to be boosted by about 1 mpg for city driving due to variable cam timing and other modifications, including lightweight valve springs, a reduced-capacity oil pump, more efficient water pump and low-friction lubricating oil.

In addition, the Zetec's internal exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) lowers exhaust emissions. The ladder-frame reinforcement on the engine's cast-iron block improves lower-end rigidity by supporting the main bearings for the crankshaft. The Zetec's engine noise is reduced due to a series of improvements, including a. redesigned cast cam cover and new oil pan with more einforcement. Low-friction mechanical tappets are new, along with lightweight pistons and longer connecting rods for reduced engine vibration. For increased engine refinement and reduced vibration, the engine mounts are bolted directly to the front cover. New bushings at both ends of the engine roll-restrictor are stiffer to reduce vibration during takeoff and idling. The 2.0-liter Zetec with automatic transmission will meet California's requirements for Transitional Low Emission Vehicles (TLEVs), which mandates a 50 percent reduction in non-methane hydrocarbon emissions. Beyond reduced emissions, benefits include more efficient engine operation and improved catalyst performance.

The Duratec Engine Returns

The Duratec 2.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V-6 is available on the LS model. The Duratec 2.5-liter engine produces 170 horsepower at 6,250 rpm with a peak torque of 165 foot-pounds at 4,250 rpm. Both the Zetec and Duratec engines can go 100,000 miles between tune-ups under normal driving conditions with routine fluid and filter changes. In addition to extensive testing at North American and European proving grounds, powertrain components underwent further testing in tropical and arctic climates.

Transmission, Chassis Revisions Contribute to a Smoother Ride

The Mystique’s reputation for a smooth ride is strengthened by significant improvements to the transmission and chassis. The manual transmission, the MTX75, has a new cable-operated gearshift that makes shifting easier, reduces NVH and allows a shorter gear-lever travel. Direct-acting rods are replaced with sleeved, low-friction flexible cables, which reduces engine movement. All manual transmissions are equipped with new, low inertia hydraulically operated clutch assemblies for improved shifting. Friction is reduced on the chassis by a modif ed front strut design with increased spring offset. Compact MacPherson struts are located by low A-arms with the anti-roll bar and steering rack atta.ched directly to the struts to mirumize road noise and vibration. Large-diameter horizontal bushings insulate the vehicle from road shocks. Damper settings are adjusted for smoother starts. The Mystique's power-assisted rack-and-pinion assembly has been modified with new ball joints and tie-rod ends, reducing internal friction and improving steering feel and response and reducing initial steering effort. An updated antilock-braking system (ABS) is available with both the Zetec and Duratec engines.

THE 1998 MYSTIQUE'S DESIGN GOALS: ELEGANCE, STYLE AND DISTINCTION

The 1998 Mercury Mystique has a new profile to match its European driving appeal. A new grille and hood, new bumpers, larger headlamps and chrome accents give the Mystique a sculptured new style. Elegance, style, distinction, quality, comfort and excitement topped the list of design goals. Larger, jeweled headlamps are a high-technology feature that give the car a premium appearance and improved lighting performance. The large, polycarbonate lens is equipped with halogen bulbs and integral park and turn indicators. The system relies on integrated reflectors with separate sets of two bulbs for high and low beams behind the lens. The high beams and low beams are adjustable, with the high beams illuminating what the low beams miss. For protection against flying gravel and other road hazards, headlamp lenses also are treated with a scratch-resistant coating. The polycarbonate color-keyed front and rear bumper systems are complemented by new gloss-black rear door sail panels, a drip railing around the roof and rear-mounted power radio antenna.

The Mystique has a direct-glazed, gradient-tinted windshield, with door windows of semi-flush green-tinted glass and a direct-glazed backlight. The remote-control door mirrors are sail-mounted and manually adjustable. Exterior door handles are color-keyed, and a high-level stoplamp is located in the backlight header. Several wheel packages are available. The LS series features a distinctive, machine-polished 15 x 6-inch, six-spoke alloy design. Unique 14-inch wheel covers are standard on the GS model.

Interior Comfort

Inside, the mission was to improve Mystique's overall package, ergonomics, functionality and appearance. To reduce cabin noise, dozens of adjustments have been made, including revised seals to reduce wind and road noise. The updated interior includes a driver's seat with folding armrest and lighter colors and trim. The console includes three cup holders -- two in front and one in back, and a storage bin for audiocassettes. Front seats have improved head restraints, and the rear 60/40 split-fold seat design incorporates three-point lap and shoulder belts. A built-in rear child seat is available with the 60/40 seat. Front-seat backrest adjustments are controlled by a lever, rather than the previous hand-wheel. Teardrop-shaped head restraints for the front seats and outer rear seats offer four-way adjustments. To make the back seat more comfortable, the rear seats have been adjusted to add a half inch of legroom -- which gives Mystique 2 inches more than the original design. For increased style, the instrument panel features a wood-grain finish. New power window switches are mounted on the doors, with a one-touch-down feature for the driver, and the air vents have easy-to-use controls. All instruments are illuminated with a soft green glow, enhancing night visibility in the cabin.

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