Contour SVT

STORY

The Contour was Ford's American counterpart of the European Mondeo, sold for the 1995 to 2000 model years after its late-1994 arrival to replace the Tempo. Ford's US ratings were 125 hp for the 2.0-litre Zetec four and 170 hp for the 2.5-litre V6. The SVT Contour, sold for the 1998 to 2000 model years, carried a tuned 2.5 V6 rated at 195 hp and 165 lb-ft in 1998 and 200 hp and 169 lb-ft in 1999 and 2000, with a five-speed manual as the only gearbox, and was sold through SVT-certified dealers. An estimated 11,445 SVT cars were built. Despite the world-car billing, the Contour shared little with its European cousin.