Despite its status as the second-largest US automaker and ranking third in overall sales, the Blue Oval Company has significantly shifted its focus away from passenger cars, now prioritizing crossovers, SUVs, and trucks.
Within both Ford and Lincoln divisions, the S650 seventh-generation 2024 Ford Mustang stands alone as the sole remaining passenger car nameplate. Available in EcoBoost, GT, Dark Horse, and GTD versions, the Mustang retains its title as the best-selling sports car in the region.
However, this shift away from passenger cars has left some traditionalists yearning for more diversity in Ford’s lineup. In contrast, Dodge has made waves with the introduction of the eighth-generation Dodge Charger.
This new iteration is offered as both a four-door sedan and a traditional two-door fastback coupe, boasting a range of EV and ICE powertrains.
While still classified as a muscle car, the Charger’s larger dimensions align it more closely with a land yacht or personal luxury vehicle, especially with the inclusion of potent 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engines capable of delivering up to 550 horsepower.
Amidst these developments, a digital automotive enthusiast known as jlord8 has taken matters into their own hands by conceptualizing a modern-day revival of the Mercury Cougar.
Originating from a reimagination of the Lincoln Mark IX, this ninth-generation Mercury Cougar project pays homage to the iconic 1990s-era cars, featuring a formal roofline that resonates with fans of classic automobiles.
However, it’s essential to recognize that both the Mercury brand and its Cougar lineage have been discontinued, with the last model rolling off the production line in 2002. Despite the nostalgia and excitement surrounding this digital project, it remains purely speculative, as there are no official plans for a revival of the Mercury Cougar brand.