1998 Mercury Grand Marquis Rolls Out With Attractive New Features and Price
26 September 1997
1998 Mercury Grand Marquis Rolls Out With Attractive New Features and Price
DALLAS, Sept. 26 -- Mercury pulled the covers off the 1998
Grand Marquis today revealing upgrades including new styling, more horsepower
and responsive steering combined with a smoother ride for its best-selling
car.
Mercury also announced manufacturer suggested retail prices that, together
with new packages, are designed to enhance owner loyalty and expand customer
appeal.
Manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the GS model will start at
$22,495, up $255 from the 1997 model price and at $24,395 for the LS model,
down $60 from the 1997 model price (including destination charges of $605).
Both models offer new exterior styling and functional improvements, along with
higher levels of standard equipment, including several high-want features that
formerly required customers to select an optional equipment package.
On the GS model, standard equipment includes power locks, remote decklid
release, speed control, Securilock anti-theft system, higher amperage battery,
front and rear floor mats, illuminated entry system, cornering lamps, 16"
wheels and chrome, cross-spoke locking wheel covers.
The LS model offers these features plus bodyside paint stripe, luxury
light group, keyless entry system and luxury chrome wheels. Both models offer
buyers the federal governments highest crash test rating - five stars for
driver and front passenger sides (based on 1997 model testing).
New For 1998
New standard features include increased engine horsepower, larger wheels
and brakes, power locks, and a new "PrecisionTrac" suspension system for
improved ride and handling.
An optional Handling Package, with a suggested retail price of $855,
offers a rear air suspension system that automatically adjusts ride height to
suit heavier loads.
New Styling
A new front fascia, grille, headlamps and bumper lend a more contemporary
appearance to the 1998 Grand Marquis. The front also features a new hood,
fenders, park/turn lamps and cornering lamps, now standard.
Prominent new taillamps and a restyled decklid accented with chrome,
enliven Grand Marquis from the rear.
More Horsepower
Grand Marquis is powered by 200-horsepower 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 engine that
delivers 265 foot- pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm. Grand Marquis equipped with
the optional handling package including dual exhaust gain 15 extra horsepower
and 10 more foot-pounds of torque.
Securilock, an anti-theft system, which prevents the vehicle from being
started unless the correct key is used, is standard on the Grand Marquis.
PrecisionTrac Suspension
The PrecisionTrac suspension system includes a new Watt's linkage rear
suspension, modified front suspension, new 16-inch wheels and tires, larger
brakes and optional all-speed traction control.
More Stopping Power
Dual piston brake calipers along with larger rotors larger linings make
Grand Marquis brakes better than ever.
Optional all-speed traction control is packaged with anti-lock brakes and
replaces low-speed traction assist providing improved traction under adverse
conditions regardless of speed.
The North American public introduction of the 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
is December 26, 1997. Pre-sales of the Grand Marquis begin on November 26,
1997.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
