2010 MERCURY MILAN: NEW HYBRID MODEL
* For the 2010 model year, the Mercury
Milan lineup expands to include
an all-new hybrid that offers class-leading fuel economy, besting the
Toyota Camry hybrid by at least 6 mpg in the city; innovative new
SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel
efficiency
* Milan will offer two fuel-efficient
gasoline engine options for the
2010 model – Ford’s all-new Duratec 2.5-liter I-4, producing 175
horsepower as well as an enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 with 19 more horsepower
than its predecessor; Milans equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are
expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda
Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry
* Milan features sophisticated style
inside and out with
class-exclusive features and technology, including SYNC, SIRIUS® with
Travel Link™ and Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert
* The 2010 Mercury Milan will be available in dealer showrooms in
spring 2009
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 19, 2008 – The
Mercury Milan builds on a
strong foundation of quality and reliability, adding to the mix for the
2010 model year an all-new hybrid model, more fuel-efficient gasoline
powertrain options, class-exclusive technologies and a more refined,
sophisticated design.
“The Milan has been a strong part of the Mercury lineup since its
initial launch and has helped attract more consumers to dealer
showrooms,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford, Lincoln Mercury
Marketing. “For sophisticated consumers looking for a stylish hybrid,
the Milan now offers them the most fuel-efficient hybrid sedan in its
class.”
Chief designer Darrell Behmer and his team had the advantage of working
from a vehicle that’s been lauded by consumers and consumer groups.
“Our approach was to build upon the Milan’s strengths – to improve
rather than reinvent,” Behmer said. “From a design standpoint, we
wanted to clarify the design, making it cleaner and more modern.”
The changes to the exterior design
were focused on the grille,
fenders, hood, and front and rear fascias. The chin was pulled forward
and the fascia was pulled down to give the 2010 Mercury Milan a wider,
sportier look. Those changes as well as substantial underbody work made
for a cleaner, more aerodynamic car.
With all models, the interior design team created a more contemporary,
technical look with metallic new finishes on the instrument panel that
carry through on the center console, doors and steering wheel. The all
new instrument panel is finished with a soft upper and lower skin and
has much less hard plastic than Japanese competitors. A redesigned
leather wrapped steering wheel with form fitting palm swells, and new
shifter, and wrapped and padded armrests have been added, increasing
the Milan’s sportiness and comfort at all key driver touch points.
The seats received a makeover, as well. The seat contour has been
revised, with more side support and overall a more comfortable seat
with smoother bolsters and more-textural inserts. The seats also
feature contrasting stitching and leather inserts to give the Milan
even more attitude, befitting this mid-size sedan.
The gauge cluster has been designed
with day time backlighting,
a black lens, and 3-D elements to create a high tech jewel-like
appearance, similar to a fine watch. Drivers will be greeted by a new
“welcome” sequence that makes the Milan seem as if it’s coming to life.
Gauge needles sweep back and forth as the lighting and new chimes come
on. The ambient lighting system offers the option of illuminating the
front and rear footwells and front cup holders.
The two-tone look on the interior continues as a Milan signature, with
satin-aluminum accents and a wood finish around the center stack. The
Milan features Dark Charcoal Black, Medium Light Stone and Camel as
interior choices through the Premier Series, which includes embossed
leather.
An improved seat design with a new perforation pattern has been added
as well. The seat contour itself was revised, with more side support to
help create a softer seat overall.
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