Ford Topaz and the Ford Ghia. The cars were built in Ford's Cuautitlán Assembly plant. The lower level of automation at that plant translated into higher assembly costs, making a Mexican-built Ford Topaz retail for about US$400 more than a more well equipped US model with more effective pollution controls. The first to hit the Mexican market was the Ford Topaz, debuting in 1984. This car was based on the American Tempo, and was offered in both two door and four door sedan versions. Like the US model, the Ford Topaz was restyled in 1988. The Ford Ghia debuted in 1992. Based on the American Mercury Topaz, this model was more luxuriously trimmed. A 5-speed manual transmission and V6 engine were available. T-Drive Tempo In or around 1990, a modified Tempo was used as a rolling testbed for a new powertrain configuration that Ford called "T-Drive". This system used transverse inline engines with the drive for the transmission taken off the center of the crankshaft, rather than the end. The test Tempo's original transverse straight four engine and transaxle were replaced with a transversely mounted DOHC straight-eight engine and a center-mounted longitudinal transaxle. The T-Drive specification allowed for engines of 4, 6, and 8 cylinders of 2.0 L, 3.2 L, and 4.0 L respectively, and the Tempo received the largest engine. Power output was estimated to have been in the range of . In 1991 the T-Drive technology was unveiled to the public as part of two concept cars; the Contour sedan and the Mystique minivan. It did not go into production. References Further reading Car and Driver, March 1983, Volume 28, Number 9 Motor Trend, March 1983 Road & Track, April 1983 Road & Track, November 1983, Volume 35, Number 3 External links Tempo Front-wheel-drive vehicles All-wheel-drive vehicles Compact cars Coupés Sedans Cars introduced in 1983 1990s cars Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States Goods manufactured in Canada Cars discontinued in 1994