1985 Cougar

The 1985 Mercury Cougar was all about one thing: refinement.

For its third year of the aero body style, the 1985 Mercury Cougar finally received an all-new interior, with a more modern dashboard and thicker carpeting for better sound insulation. In order to allow for a U.S. government-approved 5 passenger rating, the front seats were 60/40 split with a “consolette” and padded armrest attached to the driver’s seat (the full console was still an option, although it dropped the passenger rating to 4). New instrument clusters finally gave solid information to the driver, and there were now more choices for the radios. The exterior was slightly tweaked toward refinement and smoothness with all Cougar models receiving flat, smoked taillights and a new Mercedes-style crosshair grille. Engine and drivetrain choices were carried over from 1984 with minimal changes.

Cougar XR-7

Following the launch of the turbocharged 4-cylinder XR-7 model in 1984, the big news for 1985 was an upgraded interior, one that was more properly suited to the XR-7’s sporty nature. An all-new analog gauge cluster was much more informational, with the tachometer and speedometer larger than the surrounding gauges (oil pressure, water temp, ammeter and fuel level). On the outside the XR-7 gained a new front bumper with integrated fog lamps, as well as wide bodyside molding with new XR-7 nomenclature. Retained were body colored mirrors, charcoal window trim, and the tri-band lower striping. Performance-wise the 1985 Cougar XR-7 was tweaked slightly in the engine department, with manual-equipped cars gaining 10hp, now up to 155hp, while the automatic cars remained at 145hp. New 15″ aluminum rims were now standard on the XR-7, with Goodyear Gatorback 225/60VR15 performance tires providing relatively sticky contact patches for the nimble Cat.

The 2.3L turbo-4 engine, relatively the same as the previous year. Automatic-equipped cars got the standard 145-hp version while 5-speed cars gained 10hp, up to 155hp.

The new aluminum 15″ wheels were a big step up in both size and performance tire capability. Identical to the same rims used on Mustangs and Capris, the now infamous “10-hole” wheels looked great and almost supplanted the notorious TRX wheel (although that was still an option). Also note the new XR-7 molding in front of the wheelwell opening. The tri-band striping is also noticeable here.

The new interior brought in much-needed ergonomics with European flair. The design was slightly canted toward the driver without any hint of claustrophobics and all controls were within relatively easy reach. Also note a new 2-spoke sport steering wheel, optional on the XR-7.

The standard leather-wrapped A-frame steering wheel, which was standard on the XR-7.

The XR-7’s analog gauges set the standard for Cougar—and, really, Fox-chassis—design. All gauges were in perfect view relative to the steering wheel. Note the integrated boost gauge inside the tachometer.

Once again a two-tone grey interior was the only choice for the XR-7. The seat materials were actually the same colors as the previous year; shown here are standard cloth articulated seats with the automatic shifter.

This XR-7’s leather seats were monochromatic Charcoal in color; note the 5-speed manual shifter. Lumbar control was power this year, a big upgrade from the previous year’s hand squeeze bulb control.

Rear seats in the XR-7 and LS gained integrated head rests.

An all new premium “high series” door panel was standard on the XR-7 and LS models. Featuring a multi-part assembly, carpeted lower sections and luxury upper inserts, these door panels more fluidly enhanced the Cougar and its all new interior than previous high line panels.