2010 MERCURY MILAN Hybrid Unveiled at LA 2008, Pics

2010 MERCURY MILAN: NEW HYBRID MODEL, CLASS- LEADING FUEL ECONOMY, SOPHISTICATED DESIGN

+1. 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 5 mpg in the city; innovative new SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide coaches hybrid drivers to maximum fuel efficiency

+2. 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

+3. 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

+4. 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,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.

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.

Door sill plates mirror the satin-aluminum look as well. Drivers also are greeted with contrasting stitching on the steering wheel. Ice Blue lighting now illuminates the cluster and instrument panel display.



All-new hybrid model

For the 2010 model year, the Mercury Milan adds an all-new hybrid model. The Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids join the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, doubling both the size and volume of Ford's hybrid lineup.

"Offering consumers more fuel-efficient vehicle choices, including improving and increasing our hybrid vehicle offerings, is part of Ford's broad plan to deliver technology solutions for affordable fuel economy for millions," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president for Global Product Development.

"With the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, we are now able to offer even better range of travel on battery power at a greater speed, thanks to a more efficient, seamless transition between the battery-powered motor and gasoline-driven engine," he said. "These new hybrids will exceed expectations on all fronts – fuel efficiency, comfort, convenience and drivability."



The Ford Hybrid team has developed a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy.

Additionally, the propulsion system for the Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids transitions between gas and electric power and back more efficiently and seamlessly.

The overall system upgrade allows the Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids to operate longer at higher speeds in electric mode. The hybrid vehicles can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. Plus, the city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.



More powertrain options, more horsepower, better fuel economy

Both the inline four-cylinder and V-6 engines are upgraded, with the four-cylinder engine increased to 2.5 liters and the 3-liter V-6 increasing its horsepower rating from 221 to 240. Each engine improves fuel economy as well, up to 4 or 5 mpg depending on the model.

The 2.5-liter I-4 engine, which improved its 0-60 mph time by more than 1 second to achieve best-in-class performance, is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, up from five speeds.

"The gear ratios and the overall span of the transmissions allow us to have a more-efficient shift schedule," said Matt Hettenhouse, powertrain team leader for the Milan. The first gear can be made a little deeper, which provides smoother acceleration. At the top end, a higher gear allows the engine to run slower in highway conditions, which also aids fuel economy.



The innovative Easy Fuel™ capless fuel filler system also is standard. This industry-exclusive feature helps to reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed, and the fuel pump nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.

+ 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Unveiled at LA 2008, Pics
+ LA 2008: Toyota Camry Hybrid Concept by CNG
+ 2010 Mustang Official Releasing, pics
+ 2009 Ford Fusion,Mercury Hybrid Versions



Better handling in a quieter, more-comfortable ride

Bringing a premium driving experience to the Mercury Milan was one of the goals for the team. For the 2010 model, strides were made in steering and handling, turning circle (better by about 1 foot) and an improved brake pedal feel. Upgraded 17-inch painted aluminum wheels are another performance and appearance enhancement standard on the Premier.

The 2010 Mercury Milan team also took a look at how to improve the comfort of the car. "We made a major improvement on interior quietness," said Chief Engineer J.D. Shanahan. Hood insulators, inner and outer dash absorbers, new carpet, revised ceiling baffles, additional sound deadening in the trunk, new interior material and new headliner material are among the improvements made.

In addition, improved body and door sealing defends and improves upon Milan's best-in-class standing in wind noise. Reductions in wind noise and road noise gives Mercury Milan drivers the level of quiet luxury they demand.

With design refinements to the exterior creating a sportier look as well as upgraded technology and materials inside, the 2010 Mercury Milan expands on the value package that makes it a leader in the mid-size car segment.

The video image is displayed in the optional navigation screen on Milans equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rearview mirror vehicles without navigation.

All Mercury Milan models will be built alongside the Ford Fusion at Ford's Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and will be in dealers in spring 2009.

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