The second generation Mercury Capri was introduced for the 1979 model year. The second generation Capri was based on the Third Generation Ford Mustang, and was marketed as a more upscale muscle car than the Mustang. This new generation of Capri was offered as a hatchback, and was fitted with a range of inline four, V6, and V8 engines. The most notable second generation variants were the ASC McLarens. ASC was a specialist in convertible conversions, and they created restyled open top versions of the Capri as well as their own coupe version. Although the name McLaren features in the name, these cars had nothing to do with the famed English manufacturer. Production of the second generation Capri ended in 1986, and it would not be until 1991 when the Third Generation Mercury Capri was introduced.