Ford Probe — governance journey edit mqsgfaev
The Probe nameplate originated from a series of futuristic concept vehicles developed by Ford and Ghia starting in the late 1970s. These concepts, ranging from the wedge-shaped Probe I (1979) to the radical Probe V (1985), focused on aerodynamic efficiency and low drag coefficients.
The production Probe was born from the "ST-16" project, an initiative intended to replace the rear-wheel drive Ford Mustang with a modern, front-wheel drive platform sourced from Mazda. Ford had owned a 25% stake in Mazda since 1979, and the ST-16 was designed by Toshi Saito to utilize the Mazda G platform. However, when plans for the front-wheel drive Mustang were leaked in 1987, public outcry from enthusiasts regarding the lack of a V8 engine and the shift to Japanese engineering forced Ford to pivot. While a skunkworks team led by John Coletti was tasked with creating a traditional rear-wheel drive successor for the Mustang, Ford proceeded with the ST-16 under the Probe name to fulfill production contracts at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant.
The first-generation Ford Probe debuted in 1988 for the 1989 model year. Based on the Mazda GD platform, it was positioned as a sport compact competitor to the Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, and Acura Integra. The vehicle was an immediate sales success; demand exceeded supply during its first year, leading some buyers to pay above list price.
The initial lineup featured three trim levels: the base GL, the LX, and the performance-oriented GT. The GL and LX were powered by a 2.2 L SOHC 12-valve 4-cylinder Mazda F2 engine producing 110 hp. In 1990, the LX was upgraded with an optional 3.0 L "Vulcan" V6, a powerplant shared with the Ford Taurus and Ranger.
The second-generation Probe arrived in August 1992 for the 1993 model year, representing a total redesign. While Mazda engineered the chassis and powertrain, Ford handled the body and interior design. This generation was led by design executive Mimi Vandermolen, who focused on ergonomic improvements intended to enhance the driving experience for women.
The new Probe was 2 inches wider and longer than its predecessor but weighed 125 pounds less. The base model utilized a 2.0 L Mazda FS 16-valve engine, while the GT model featured a 2.5 L Mazda K-series 24-valve V6. In a comparative road test by Automobile Magazine, the Probe GT placed third in a search for the best cars in the world, trailing only significantly more expensive models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
In 1994, Ford introduced the Probe to the European market to fill the niche left by the Ford Capri. Despite initial hopes of selling 20,000 units annually in Britain, the model saw limited success, with just over 15,000 units sold over three years.
The most significant event in the Probe's history was the 1987 "ST-16" controversy. After AutoWeek published an artist's rendering of the vehicle as the " '89 Mustang," Ford executives received a deluge of critical letters. This internal conflict pitted the "champagne sipping crowd," who favored the modern Japanese-derived platform, against the "beer drinking crowd," who insisted on a traditional American pony car. The decision by Vice President Alex Trotman to keep the Mustang on a rear-wheel drive platform saved the Mustang nameplate but relegated the ST-16 to its own separate line as the Probe.
Ford announced the discontinuation of the Probe on March 17, 1997. The final unit was manufactured on June 20, 1997. Several factors contributed to its retirement, including the waning popularity of front-wheel drive sport coupes in favor of sport utility vehicles and disappointing sales in the European market.
A proposed third-generation Probe, based on the Ford Mondeo platform, was developed but ultimately rebranded as the 1999 Mercury Cougar in an attempt to bolster the Mercury brand. Following the Probe's exit, the Ford Escort ZX2 was considered its functional successor in the Ford lineup.
The Probe is remembered for its high aerodynamic standards and its role in a pivotal era of Ford-Mazda cooperation. Statistically, the first generation proved more resilient in the market than the second, particularly in export territories. By February 2016, only 718 examples remained in use in Britain. Its most enduring performance benchmark remains the 1990 Daytona record for non-turbo four-cylinder cars, which has not been surpassed.
The Probe was sold internationally, including in Japan through the Autorama sales channel. Because its exterior dimensions and engine displacement exceeded Japanese government regulations, buyers there were subject to additional taxes. In North America, the vehicle saw various appearance packages, such as the 1994 "Wild Orchid Edition" (GT Plus) and the rare 1997 "GTS" package, which featured dual racing stripes and chrome-plated wheels.
Telemetry from 300 laps shows the optimal line through the middle sector is a single late apex, not a double.
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