Ferrari 550 MaranelloAs the most powerful car in the Ferrari line, the 478-horse 550 Maranello upholds a grand and colorful heritage. It also causes a persistent ache in the chests of true sports car enthusiasts who know they'll never have the means to afford such a vehicle. How could it not? With a classic profile and a DOHC V-12 engine positioned up front as the great Ferraris of yore, the 550 is a legend incarnate. Based on the same platform as the four-passenger 456M, the 550 carries two in its snug cockpit. With one of the best-sounding engines in the history of autodom, the 550 devours tarmac at an alarming rate, reaching a claimed 199 mph flat-out. No changes are anticipated for '99.
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Drivetrain: | Front engine, rear drive |
| Airbag: | Driver/passenger |
| Base curb weight, lb: | 3726 |
| Base engine: | 5.5-liter V-12, DOHC, 478 hp |
| Opt. engine: | None |
| Brakes, f/r: | Disc/disc, ABS std. |
| Price range: | $204,000 (est.) |
| Fuel economy, city/hwy., mpg: | 7/15 |
Ford ContourFord's entry in the highly competitive not-really-big family sedan fracas is the Contour. A little smaller inside (particularly in the back seat) than some of its rivals, the Contour blends a fun-to-drive nature with good feature content and an appealing price. For '99, the base-level 2.0-liter/125-horsepower inline-four is quieter and more economical. We recommend the upgrade to the 2.5-liter/170-horsepower V-6 (the kids don't really need braces anyway), or even better, the jump to the SVT Contour with its hot 200-horsepower V-6 (maybe Dad can drop out of the Beer of the Month Club). Other changes: a new driver's seat armrest and a low-profile center console.
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Drivetrain: | Front engine, front drive |
| Airbag: | Driver/passenger |
| Base curb weight, lb: | 2774 |
| Base engine: | 2.0-liter I-4, DOHC, 125 hp |
| Opt. engine: | 2.5-liter V-6, DOHC, 170 hp; |
| 2.5-liter V-6 DOHC, 200 hp |
| Brakes, f/r: | Disc/drum, ABS opt. |
| Price range: | $14,500-$23,000 |
| Fuel economy, city/hwy., mpg: | 24/35 |
Ford Crown VictoriaFord's big, traditional rear-drive Crown Vic offers Eisenhower-era family sedan values with Clinton-era smoothness. For '99, anti-lock brakes are now standard, and there are a new luxury sound insulation package and a Securilock anti-theft system. The Crown Vic comes in two trim levels, both powered by 4.6-liter V-8s. In regular trim, you'll enjoy 190 horsepower; move up to the handling and performance package, and a freer-flowing exhaust will push that total to 210 horses. Fleet buyers (and Birkenstock wearers) are drawn to the Compressed Natural Gas version that makes less horsepower (175 to be precise) but puts smiles on the faces of the tiny creatures of the forest.
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