SVT Contour power, torque revved for '99

Sophisticated yet aggressive, the successful SVT Contour elevates the sports sedan concept to an even higher level for 1999. Created by Ford's Special Vehicle Team, SVT Contour enters the new model year with more power and torque, refined ride and handling, plus fresh colors inside and out.

The technical focus is on the 2.5-liter Duratec V-6 powertrain. This compact, four-valve-per-cylinder engine boasts chain driven overhead camshafts, aluminum block and heads, and a forged steel crankshaft. For 1999, engineers concentrated on enhancing the airflow through the upper intake manifold by use of a special polishing technology for the runners and ports.

Employing a system known as Extrude Hone Powerflow, the upper intake is polished by forcing a putty-like material containing a fine grit through the runner. The polishing action leaves a mirror-smooth surface and reduces friction, allowing air to flow more swiftly.

By improving the Duratec's breathing characteristics, engine output is boosted to 200 horsepower at 6,700 rpm (up from 195 hp at 6,625 rpm), and torque is increased from 165 foot-pounds at 5,625 rpm to 167 foot-pounds at 5,625 rpm. As a result, SVT Contour delivers one of the highest specific outputs of any six-cylinder engine available in North America. Producing 78.6 hp per liter, SVT Contour's specific output exceeds that of BMW's M3 sedan and is close to much more expensive sports cars, such as the Porsche Boxster. According to Ford's own testing, SVT Contour is capable of a 143-mph top speed and 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds.

Respected for its crisp handling and compliant ride quality, SVT Contour's suspension was improved during the 1998 model year. The shock valving was revised to exert firmer control over body roll during cornering.

For 1999, SVT Contour is equipped with the G-Force T/A KDW, a new radial BF Goodrich performance tire that markedly improves the car's performance in skid and slalom tests. Tire size also is increased from 205/55ZR-16 to 215/50ZR-16.

Exterior color selection is expanded from three to four choices, with the addition of Amazon Green Clearcoat to Black Clearcoat, Silver Frost Clearcoat Metallic and Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic. Inside, the perforated leather seating surfaces are now available in Prairie Tan as well as the original Midnight Blue.