New Mercury With a Not-so-new Name

The 2008 version of Montego will no longer be called by its original name because it will now be using Mercury Sable, a familiar old name in the past. Mercury Sable is set to invade showrooms with a new level of style sophistication and with greater power.

The 2008 Mercury Sable, unveiled at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, offers aficionados a more confident ride and handling with its new set of remarkable features. Aside from unique design, refined features and improved power, its overall appeal could set it apart in the market.

When asked about the use of an old name as replacement, Mark Fields, Ford’s President of the Americas said, “[Consumer] awareness of Sable is triple that of Montego.” The Sable’s new grille digs a little deeper into the brands new DNA, drawing cues from its redesigned sibling - Mercury Mariner, an SUV. The bumper beneath the grille is dug in. Said design contributed in the enhancement of the character of Sable. Its unique nose gives it a more prominent face.

The Sable’s interior is modernized in a unique way with distinct trim options and two-tone seating surfaces with contrast stitching. It is also equipped with convenience and entertainment features which include DVD navigation, SIRIUS satellite radio, fully-integrated mobile phones and digital media players, and Ford Sync to boost the driving experience. Said power is generated by the standard Duratec 35 V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission. The powerplant produces an estimated 260 horsepower 30 percent more than that of the Montego and 245 pound-feet of torque. The standard electronic stability control and all-wheel drive provide easy driving in varied weather conditions.

Mercury Sable’s tail-end is also an eye candy. New taillights are largely white, with a red strip at the bottom. This design technique is essentially exchanging the red and white color treatment found on the current car. In addition, the trunk lid has been changed, moving the license plate down onto the vehicle’s modified rear bumper. Other enthusiasts expect that Sable could use Apexi Cold Air Intake and other significant auto accessories and systems. They are also expecting that customization could be had to personalize the performance of the Sable.

“Mercury products are aimed at winning over new customers who value distinct touches, and this new Sable is sure to impress with a more refined interior design and jewel-like details throughout,” said Cisco Codina, Ford’s group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. “Mercury has a great deal of momentum right now, with a fresh lineup including the redesigned Mariner small SUV and popular Milan sedan. The new Sable will help continue this momentum.”

The Sable’s modern, clean and distinctive look radiates a dash of finesse and elegance. These design philosophy are also imbibed in the Mercury Mountaineer, Milan and Mariner. “Mercury customers tend to have a more unique sense of style,” said Moray Callum, director, Ford Car Design. “They have come to expect a different level of sophistication and refinement in the surface development, paint finishes and details like satin aluminum.”

To match its stylish exterior, the interior of the vehicle is made comfortable, elegant and airy. The two-tone interior trim with unique accents gives customers the preference over technical appearance of their Sable. In view of the safety features of Sable, Mercury equip it with AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system, complete lineup of air bags for driver and front passenger, and Ford’s Safety Canopy side curtain air bags for both rows of seats. All-new Sable will return to showrooms this coming summer.