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Ford Probe

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Ford Probe
Overview
ManufacturerAutoAlliance International
Body and chassis
RelatedMazda MX-6
Mazda 626
First generation
First generation Ford Probe
Overview
Production1989–1992
Powertrain
Engine2.2L Template:Auto hp I4
2.2L Turbo145 hp I4
3.0L Template:Auto hp V6
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthTemplate:Auto in
WidthTemplate:Auto in
HeightTemplate:Auto in
Second generation
Second generation Ford Probe
Overview
Production1993–1997
Powertrain
Engine2.0L 118 hp I4
2.5L Template:Auto hp V6
Transmission5-speed G5M transmission (for the 2.5L engine)
4-speed CD4E transmission
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthTemplate:Auto in
WidthTemplate:Auto in
HeightTemplate:Auto in
Curb weight2894 lb (1313 kg)

The Ford Probe was a coupe produced by Ford, introduced in 1989 to replace the Ford EXP as the company's sport compact car. It was sold in the European, Australian, and North American markets. As sporty coupe, the Probe was intended to fill the market niche formerly occupied by the Capri in Europe, and although it was intended as the replacement to the Ford EXP, it was also considered a possible replacement for the Ford Mustang in the North American market as a direct competitor with the Acura Integra of the time. During that time, Ford's marketing team had deemed that a front-wheel drive platform (shared with the Mazda MX-6) would have lower costs for production, and also because the platform had been gaining popularity with the consumers. Fans objected to the front-wheel drive configuration, Japanese engineering, and lack of a V8, so Ford went to work on a new design for the Mustang instead.

Sales were not up to Ford's expectations, selling only 837,273 units in its eight year production run. The styling, while modern, was not universally accepted. Sales of the Probe were finally discontinued in 1997, selling only 32,505 units.

The Ford Probe is often regarded as the brother to the Mazda MX-6.

Probe

The first generation Probe appeared in 1988 and lasted until 1992 in the United States. In some markets the model years were from 1987 to 1991. It was based on a series of futuristic concept cars of the early 1980s, the likes of which have been seen in films like Judge Dredd, Back to the Future Part II and Total Recall. It was a coupe based on the Mazda GD platform, and was powered by a 2.2 L SOHC I4 cylinder Mazda F2 engine. The base engine produced just 120 hp (82 kW), but a 145 hp (108 kW) with 190 ft lbs of torque with the turbocharged version.

This generation was available in several trim levels, which differ depending on the market the vehicle was sold in. In the United States, the Probe was available in GL, LX, and GT trim levels:

GL was the "bare bones" model, offering the base Template:Auto hp/130 ft·lbf F2 2.2 L engine and few options, but most Probes sold in the U.S. were equipped with air conditioning. LX added power windows, power locks, and power mirrors, as well as an optional manually operated moonroof; starting in 1990 the LX was available with the 3.0L "Vulcan" V6, also used in the Ford Taurus, Ford Ranger, Ford Tempo, and Ford Aerostar. The Probe GT (which was the best Probe built) included all options from the LX, but also stepped up to the F2T 2.2L turbocharged, intercooled engine, which put out Template:Auto hp and a whopping Template:Auto ft.lbf of torque delivering a vast significant performance booster. It also had 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS and 3 way adjustable suspension and a speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering (VAP). VAP provides sharp on-center feel and reassuring feedback as cornering forces increase.

The more energetic GT powerplant adds an IHI RHB5-VJ11 turbocharger and an intercooler to the intake tract, as well as a knock sensor and electronic boost control to the engine-control system. The entire arrangement is calibrated to provide strong midrange output; the maximum boost pressure rises to 9.3 psi in the vicinity of 3500 rpm, tapering down to 7.3 psi elsewhere. The results are Template:Auto hp power peak at a relatively low 4300 rpm and Template:Auto ft.lbf of torque at 3500 rpm.

The Probe GT's chassis and suspension system is based on a Mazda design, but its suspension tuning is the result of extensive Ford testing and calibration to achieve the optimized handling characteristics exclusive to the Probe. Both front and rear struts are nitrogen-gas pressurized, and the stabilizer bar sizes were optimized for hard cornering. The Probe GT also offers a special Automatic Adjusting Suspension, a computer-controlled system utilizing variable damping shocks that adjust to best accommodate acceleration, braking, and cornering forces. A sort of forerunner to active suspension control, the system permits three different shock damping modes-Soft, Normal-Auto and Sport. The Soft mode provides the smoothest ride, while the remaining two modes are used for higher-performance driving. In these modes the microprocessor monitors vehicle speed, acceleration, braking, and steering wheel angle, and automatically adjusts the shock absorbers for better handling while reverting to a comfortable ride on smooth roads. Above 50 mi:h[convert: unknown unit], the front shocks are automatically tightened to "firm" in Normal-Auto and to "extra-firm" in Sport to provide increased high speed stability.

1993-1997 Probe

The second-generation car came out in the United States in late 1992 as a 1993 model. It used the Mazda GE platform, which it shared with the Mazda MX-6 and the Mazda 626. The Probe came with Mazda-designed engines and was available in three trims:

The base version came with a 2.0L FS inline-4 producing 118 hp (88 kW)

The SE, Sports Edition, contained the base engine but was fitted with GT bumpers and side skirts. Many power accessory packages of the GT became optional to SE as well.

The GT version came with a 2.5L KL V6 producing 160 to 164 hp (119 to 122 kW), depending on the year and location. 4 wheel disc brakes and a sport tuned suspension.

In 1994 there was a "special edition" Probe that came in Royal Plum Pearl Metallic Clearcoat (more commonly known as Wild Orchid). While the special edition's features were limited, they included: purple colored material in the center of the seats, "PROBE" stitched in purple on the floormats, and the "PROBE" emblem on the back of the car was outlined also in purple. Wild Orchid Probe Picture

In 1997 (the Probe's last year) a GTS model was offered. It had no more performance than the regular GT, but exterior modifications were distinct. Dual racing stripes available in either white, black or silver started at the top edge of the front bumper and continued on to the back lip of the hatch, terminating just below the center light reflector on the rear bumper. Chrome wheels and a spoiler were also included in the package, as well as having a "blank" center reflector which lacked "GT" lettering that was characteristic to the Australian and European models which were available in either 16V and 24V versus "GT","SE",or base model in North America.

In Japan, the 2.5L V6 was the higher performance KL-ZE, while the 2.0L was a I4 called the FS. In Europe and America, the 2.5L V6 was a lower performance KL-DE (often incorrectly referred to as the KL-03).

Originally, the Probe was only supposed to be on a one-year hiatus, as there were plans to bring it back in 1999 based on the Mondeo chassis. However due to a rationalisation of the coupé models the Probe design was released as the Ford Cougar in Europe and the Mercury Cougar in the USA.

Models

Year Model Engine Power Torque 0–60 mph (97 km/h) .25 mi (0.4 km) Top speed
1988–1992 GL 2.2 L (2184 cc) F2 I4 Template:Auto hp at 4700 rpm Template:Auto ftlbf at 3000 rpm 9.3 17.0 Template:Auto mph*
1988–1992 GT 2.2 L (2184 cc) F2T turbo I4 Template:Auto hp at 4300 rpm Template:Auto ftlbf at 3500 rpm 7.5 15.8 Template:Auto mph
1990–1992 LX 3.0 L (2982 cc) Vulcan V6 140–145 hp (104–108 kW) 160–165 ft·lbf (216–223 N·m) 8.2 16.2 Template:Auto mph*
1993–1997 base/SE 2.0 L (1991 cc) FS I4 115-118 hp (97 kW) Template:Auto ftlbf 10.6 16.8 Template:Auto mph*
1993 GT 2.5 L (2497 cc) KL-DE V6 Template:Auto hp at 5600 rpm Template:Auto ftlbf at 4000 rpm 7.5 16.0 Template:Auto mph
1994–1997 GT & GTS 2.5 L (2497 cc) KL-DE V6 Template:Auto hp) at 5600 rpm Template:Auto ftlbf at 4000 rpm 7.5 16.0 Template:Auto mph
  • *Electronically Limited[1]

Trivia

  • The Probe was originally designed to replace the Mustang. [4]

Awards

The Probe GT was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1993. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1989, 1993, and 1994.

See also

References

  • Kevin Smith. "Ford Probe GT". Car and Driver (August 1992): 32–37.

Notes

  1. ^ "Specifications". performanceprobe.com. Retrieved 2007-07-08.
  2. ^ IMCDb.org: Vehicle details IMCDb.org
  3. ^ IMCDb.org: Vehicle details IMCDb.org
  4. ^ http://probefaq.org/qna.html#1
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