CAPRI European and North American autonotive philosophies and technolo- gies have often diverged in the past. Now, in a unique blending of the creativity of two continents', a new automobile debuts featuring the best of the two worlds. The result is the 1979 Capri, a North American-built car. that combines European and domestic influences in its styling, handling, expanded power teams and option availability. The new Capri retains the versatile three-door configuration of its German-made predeces- sor, but features new body styling incorporating a new rear door/deck treatment and "soft" color-keyed front and rear bumper coverings that carry into side moldings that continue the styling ines around the car. weight materials aluminum, high-strength/ low-alloy steel and plastics - the 1979 base level Capri weighs less than the comparable 1978 model, despite the new car's larger exterior dimensions. The Capri heritage of quality and performance, established by the reputa- tion of the car since its introduction in 1970, lives in the 1979 car. Performance comes from both the handling and the engine out put aspect. An expanded power-team line-up provides the widest engine choice ever offered in Capri: a standard 2.3-litre overhead-cam four cylinder engine is joined by three optional engines. Returning for 1979 is the 2.8-litre overhead-valve V-6, and added are the proven Ford 5.0-litre V-8 and a new, turbocharged version of the 2.3-litre powerplant. The turbocharged engine is a story in itself. Utilizing the otherwise wasted exhuast gases to drive a turbine-like compressor which, on demand, can pack air/fuel mixture into- the engine for V-8-like WHITBY FREE PRESS, NEW CAR SUPPLEMENT, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1978, PAGE 5 performance requirements while meeting ever-more- stringent fuel economy and exhaust emission standards. Still other aspects of Capri reflect the marriage of the two automotive cultures. Gains have been made in the car's interior dimensions (primarily width and hip room) and cargo capacity. Full instrumentation is standard equipment and an optional console with a graphic display warning light system for various exterior lights and fluid levels is just one of the long list of attractive and functional options. MERCURY MARQUIS The 40th anniversary of the first Mercury model is marked by the introduction of a brand new family-size Mercury, the Marquis for 1979. Designed as a totally new automobile, the 1979 Marquis represents a state- of-the-art achievement in passenger space efficiency riding comfort and fuel- efficiency in a family-size car. From the aerodynam- ic effects of the body, through its full-fram construction, new "A" arm coil spring front and four- link coil spring rear suspension and improved interior space, the 1979 Marquis combines the traditional Mercury attributes of quality ride, passenger comfort and contemporary styling. and engineers set some extremely demanding objectives. The primary goal was to retain those features that have influenced buyers to select a full-size Mercury over the years, while keeping tradi- tional Mercury quality and reliability. Combining these attributes in a slimmer, more efficient package at a reduced weight had the happy effect of improving the car's maneuverability and handling as well as its fuel efficiency. In addition, engineering ingenuity has made the new Marquis more convenient to drive and service. A special effort has been made to retain the outstanding utility features of the station wagon models that still offer over 90 cubic feet of .capacity and the ability to accept a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood. From the thousands of hours in the engineering laboratory and computer testing facility, the stylin'g studio and the wind tunnel, has come a body style with both pleasing lines and aerodynamic efficiency. Though the outer skin betrays Marquis' Mercury heritage, the major structural components are the result of extensive computerized structural analysis and exhaustive prototype testing. new steering wheel, convenient steering column-mounted controls for wiper/washer, head- lamp dimmer and horn, new headliner and instru- ment panel and a long list of popular options mean there will be no lost luxury in this new size of Mercury. Canadian buyers will be pleased to know that an exclusively Canadian version of this Mercury will be available in 1979. The Marquis Meteor, sharing all of the new Marquis designs and technologies but with a lower level of standard trim, will be the value leader of the family- size line.