G-Body Inspiration in a Ford Product...?!

[Derision]

So I just got this 1990 Mercury Cougar (for the purposes of driving whilst my Grand Prix is being fixed) and, as I was driving it home, I couldn't help but notice a distinctly G-Body feel.

Granted, it's not even a General Motors product. But aside from the obvious notchback design, rear-wheel drive and underpowered 3.8L V6, I noticed that the interior was also similar. The way that the dash pops up and out from the rest to face the driver was reminiscene of the big dash on my Grand Prix. Even the way that the grille is placed reminded me of my GP. It's of similar dimensions... even weighs about 600 pounds more than the G-Body.

Is it just me? I've long been searching for the true legacy of the G-Bodies (I refuse to accept the new FWD "Monte Carlos" as the true legacy), but... seen as thought these were built from 1989 to 1997... could this be where the G-Body inspiration went?

Thoughts anyone?

 

[78mali350]

yeah they were big cars. neat still rear wheel drived. as for G-body like reincarnation or whatever. i dunno maybe but yeah definatly a bigger car and feel like a g-body

 

[STLRegal]

nah, they might be similar but in cars things can only be so different. Not nearly as good looking as any g-body either. Its too mushy looking. For a beater though its perfect.

 

[Derision]

I was actually reading about it last night, and it turns out that Ford actually made a concerted effort to mimic GM's products. They had turn the T-Bird and Cougar from pony cars to that "personal luxury" bracket that the G-Bodies inhabited uncomfortably. With the demise of the G-Body, they smoothed down the Cougar's lines to make it look a bit more like the G-Body, to try to usurp that market.

Of course, Ford's "personal luxury" lines also eventually bowed to increased demand for SUVs. Blergh.

On another odd note... I also read that Ford's 3.8L Essex V6 was actually a hasty copy of the Buick 231.

Ah, Ford. Well, at least they've circled the problem. :wink:

 

[andrewmp6]

The g body has a couple things over the fox body cougar/thunder bird the fox body is a unibody and some year cougars are a irs which is only good for a smooth ride does nothing for handling or traction.G body has a frame a straight axle and triangulated 4 bar set up with some money anything can handle good.If that cougar is a 3.8 sell it fast before it starts smoking.