Ford Probe
| Ford Probe | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Production | 1989–1997 |
| Assembly | Flat Rock, Michigan, U.S. (AAI) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related |
Mazda MX-6 Mazda 626 |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor |
Ford Capri (Europe) Ford EXP (North America) |
| Successor |
Ford Cougar (Europe) Ford ZX2 (North America) |
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1989–1993 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door liftback |
| Platform | Mazda GD platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.2 L 110 hp (82 kW) Mazda F2 I4 2.2 L Turbo 145 hp (108 kW) Mazda F2T I4 3.0 L 140 hp (104 kW) Vulcan V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed Mazda G4A-EL automatic 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 99 in (2,515 mm) |
| Length | 177 in (4,496 mm) |
| Width | 67.9 in (1,725 mm) 1989–1991 GT: 68.5 in (1,740 mm) 1991–93 GT: 68.3 in (1,735 mm) |
| Height | 51.8 in (1,316 mm) 1991–93 LX: 51.9 in (1,318 mm) 1991–93 GT: 52.0 in (1,321 mm) |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1993–1997 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door liftback |
| Platform | Mazda GE platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L 118 hp (88 kW) I4 2.5 L 164 hp (122 kW) V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed G5M manual Optional 4-speed F-4EAT automatic (1993 only, I4 engine) 4-speed CD4E automatic (1994–1997, I4 engine) 4-speed F-4EAT automatic (V6 engine) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1993–94: 102.9 in (2,614 mm) 1994–97: 102.8 in (2,611 mm) |
| Length | 1993–94: 178.9 in (4,544 mm) 1994–97 Base: 178.7 in (4,539 mm) 1994–97 GT: 179.5 in (4,559 mm) |
| Width | 69.8 in (1,773 mm) |
| Height | 51.6 in (1,311 mm) 1993–94 GT: 51.8 in (1,316 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,894 lb (1,313 kg) |
The Ford Probe is a liftback coupé produced by Ford, introduced in 1989 which replaced the Ford EXP as the company's sport compact car.
The Probe was fully based on the Mazda G-platform using unique sheet metal and interior. The instrument cluster and pop-up headlight mechanisms are borrowed from the FC RX-7.
Based on the Mazda MX-6 as a sport compact coupe, the Probe was intended to fill the market niche formerly occupied by the Capri in Europe, and it was originally intended to be the fourth generation Ford Mustang in the North American market as a direct competitor with the Acura Integra, Nissan 200SX, and the Toyota Celica. During that time, Ford's marketing team had deemed that a front-wheel drive platform (borrowed Mazda GD and GE platforms) would have lower costs for production, and also because the platform had been gaining popularity with consumers.
Mustang fans objected to the front-wheel drive configuration, Japanese engineering, and lack of a V8, so Ford began work on a new design for the Mustang instead. On March 17, 1997, Ford announced the discontinuation of the Probe.
Starting in the late 1970s, Ford and Ghia started exploring a series of futuristic designs with the "Probe" series of concept vehicles. The Probe I, first shown in 1979, was a wedge-shaped design that incorporated a number of drag-reducing features like covered rear wheels and pop-up headlights. This was followed the next year by a much more conventional looking Probe II, whose hatchback styling was also reminiscent of the pony cars. The 1981 Probe III was an advanced demonstrator with covered wheels, but its bodywork evolved into the more conventional Ford Sierra (or Merkur XR4Ti) and styling notes that were used on the Ford Taurus. The 1982 Probe IV was a more radical concept car with a low Cd (drag coefficient), and evolved into the equally radical 1984 Probe V.
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