Mercury Topaz
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mercury Topaz | |
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1984–1994 |
| Assembly | Claycomo, Missouri Oakville, Ontario, Canada |
| Predecessor | Mercury Zephyr |
| Successor | Mercury Mystique |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout/all wheel drive |
| Platform | Ford CE14 platform |
| Related | Ford Escort Ford EXP Ford Tempo Mercury Lynx |
| Similar | Buick Skylark Chrysler LeBaron Mazda 626 |
| Designer | Jack Telnack |
| First generation | |
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| Production | 1984–1987 |
| Engine | 2.0 L Mazda RF diesel I4 2.3 L HSC I4 2.3 L HSO I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed IB4 manual 5-speed MTX-III manual 3-speed ATX/FLC automatic |
| Second generation | |
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| Production | 1988–1994 |
| Engine | 2.3 L HSC I4 2.3 L HSO I4 3.0 L Vulcan V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed MTX-III manual 5-speed MTX-IV manual 3-speed ATX/FLC automatic |
| Wheelbase | 99.9 in |
| Length | 177.0 in (sedan) 176.7 in (coupe) |
| Width | 68.3 in |
| Height | 52.9 in (sedan) 52.8 in (coupe) |
| Fuel capacity | 15.9 US gal |
The Topaz was the Mercury version of the Ford Tempo. Both vehicles replaced the Fox-body Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr.
Both models were introduced in 1983 for the 1984 model year; the compact Topaz and Tempo were early examples of the design philosophy that would bring about the revolutionary 1986 Ford Taurus. The development program for the Tempo and Topaz was codenamed Topaz. The body structure and powertrain design borrowed heavily from the Ford Escort, but due to the larger size of the Topaz there were few common components. The Topaz shared the Tempo's standard 4-speed IB4 manual transmission and optional 3-speed FLC automatic. In late 1985, a 5-speed MTX-III manual became standard and the 4-speed IB4 was gone.
It was facelifted in 1986, with new flush-mounted headlights and a "lightbar" from the new Sable. Unlike the Sable, though, the Topaz version was equipped with a cooling slot but did not illuminate. The Topaz also received Mercury's current "Waterfall M" logo.
It received a major redesign in 1988. This car had an improved interior and more upscale exterior. The car was differentiated from the Tempo by a more formal rear window, waterfall grille, more upscale wheels, solid red tailights and a bigger trunk. the interior featured the tachometer-equipped gauge cluster standard and an armrest. New this year were the sporty XR5 coupe and LTS "Luxury Touring Sedan" models. These came standard with the HSO engine and MTX-III transmission.
The Topaz received a 1992 facelift. The chrome grille was replaced again with a new lightbar, but it still did not illuminate. The Vulcan V6 was now available, bringing with it an optional MTX-IV five-speed manual transmission on the XR5 and LTS models. Unfortunately, slow sales made 1992 the last year for the XR5 and LTS.
The Topaz was replaced for 1995 by the Ford Mondeo-based Mystique.
Engines:
- 2.0 L Mazda RF diesel I4 52 hp (optional 1984-1986 "GS")
- 2.3 L HSC I4, 86-98 hp and 125 ft.lbf GS/LS
- 2.3 L HSO I4, 100 hp and 135 ft.lbf LTS/XR5/AWD
- 3.0 L (2982 cc) Vulcan V6, 130 hp and 150 ft.lbf (1992-1994; optional on GS, LS, and standard on LTS/XR5)
[edit] External links
- FAQ Farm's Mercury Topaz FAQ: wiki question and answer forum
- Tempo Topaz Car Club of America
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