Mercury News?

[saintlaz1]

this forum has been dead... any new mercury focus news?

[2b2]

hope my post didn't get your hopes up, Saintlaz1, cuz I'm in the same boat

so

 

Dear Fomoco

 

in respecting your timelines and schedules,

I won't ask for news about upcoming MERCs (just now )

but

I am asking for a favor anyway...

 

PLEASE bring a Milan and Mariner to Frankfurt B)

 

imho taking Lincolns could be (correctly)mis-interpreted and jump the gun before the Star&Wings is ready to dazzle the Yurps

but

a little Mercury exposure, even with truthful disclaimers about "Feedback, Only Feedback", could do a lot for OUR (Merc Fans') spirits :D

 

 

 

ps

if *Jill* can't make it due to scheduling conflicts, remember

slinky brunette spokesmodels in that original "little blue top"+slacks+stilettos ARE a sufficient substitute

re- re-B) re-:D

[saintlaz1]

hope my post didn't get your hopes up, Saintlaz1, cuz I'm in the same boat

so

 

Dear Fomoco

 

in respecting your timelines and schedules,

I won't ask for news about upcoming MERCs (just now )

but

I am asking for a favor anyway...

 

PLEASE bring a Milan and Mariner to Frankfurt B)

 

imho taking Lincolns could be (correctly)mis-interpreted and jump the gun before the Star&Wings is ready to dazzle the Yurps

but

a little Mercury exposure, even with truthful disclaimers about "Feedback, Only Feedback", could do a lot for OUR (Merc Fans') spirits :D

 

 

 

ps

if *Jill* can't make it due to scheduling conflicts, remember

slinky brunette spokesmodels in that original "little blue top"+slacks+stilettos ARE a sufficient substitute

re- re-B) re-:D

 

no it didnt, you and I are always fighting for this brand so if you had news im sure you would share it. I am just pist at the attention Buick is getting, maybe Ford should sell Mercuries in China too since they love Buick so much the will most def like Mercury. I am just hoping i see the Mercury concept or production Focus variant.

[2b2]

I bet MERC could put Buick out of business in China, Saintlaz1!!!!! :D

It'd need a couple more models (which we know are coming)...

 

look at what Buick has - a mishmash of Opel, Holden, & Daewoo

NOT saying anything against the cars but

THERE IS NO BUICK in China - NEVER WAS!

 

 

hmmm

I wonder if a Chinese company buys Volvo

if a side partnership for building Asian Mercurys & Lincolns will be part of thedeal?

 

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Edited July 21, 2009 by 2b2

[T'Cal]

My Mercury showroom floor would consist of the following:

 

Milan - a five passenger four door sedan powered by an I4, an I4 hybrid, a 3.0L V6, and 3.5L V6

Cougar - a five passenger midsized FWD/AWD coupe based on the Milan sedan powered by an I4, an I4 hybrid, a 3.0L V6, and 3.5L V6

Grand Marquis - a luxury version of the new FWD/AWD, full sized Taurus sedan with distinctive sheet metal and interior appointments powered by a 3.5L DI V6

Marauder - a large five passenger coupe with the AWD drivetrain of the Taurus SHO sedan with distinctive sheet metal and interior appointments powered by a TT 3.5L DI V6

Mariner - a luxury version of the compact FWD/AWD four door Escape powered by an I4, an I4 hybrid, and a 3.0L V6 with distinctive sheet metal and interior appointments

Mountaineer - a luxury version of the 2009 Taurus-X CUV with distinctive sheet metal and interior appointments powered by a 3.5L DI V6

Edited July 22, 2009 by T'Cal

[saintlaz1]

My Mercury showroom floor would consist of the following:

 

Milan - a five passenger four door sedan powered by an I4, an I4 hybrid, a 3.0L V6, and 3.5L V6

Cougar - a five passenger midsized FWD/AWD coupe based on the Milan sedan powered by an I4, an I4 hybrid, a 3.0L V6, and 3.5L V6

Grand Marquis - a luxury version of the new FWD/AWD, full sized Taurus sedan with distinctive sheet metal and interior appointments powered by a 3.5L DI V6

Marauder - a large five passenger coupe with the AWD drivetrain of the Taurus SHO sedan with distinctive sheet metal and interior appointments powered by a TT 3.5L DI V6

Mariner - a luxury version of the compact FWD/AWD four door Escape powered by an I4, an I4 hybrid, and a 3.0L V6 with distinctive sheet metal and interior appointments

Mountaineer - a luxury version of the 2009 Taurus-X CUV with distinctive sheet metal and interior appointments powered by a 3.5L DI V6

 

Cougar [/b]- a five passenger midsized FWD/AWD coupe based on the Milan sedan powered by an I4, an I4 hybrid, a 3.0L V6, and 3.5L V6

I am sick of saying this!! this vechicle could be out now!

[2b2]

altho this is sorta using 2 threads for one convo -the HOW MERCURY WILL SAVE FORD- thread), Saintlaz1...

 

...I'm really starting to believe that Fomoco is waiting for the GRwdP to do the COUGAR :D

 

& might also have the C3 CAPRI ...out first!

 

think the timing of the DC/D3.2-4 unification might be the reason that the Milan-based sportmodel has been shelved

THO/maybe

MERC will get a 2.5EB Milan with 300hp BEFORE giving SOMEthing like that to the Fusion?

[saintlaz1]

altho this is sorta using 2 threads for one convo -the HOW MERCURY WILL SAVE FORD- thread), Saintlaz1...

 

...I'm really starting to believe that Fomoco is waiting for the GRwdP to do the COUGAR :D

 

& might also have the C3 CAPRI ...out first!

 

think the timing of the DC/D3.2-4 unification might be the reason that the Milan-based sportmodel has been shelved

THO/maybe

MERC will get a 2.5EB Milan with 300hp BEFORE giving SOMEthing like that to the Fusion?

 

Hey, its now me someone else put there 2 cents in on both, so i decided as well. Anyway. i doubt the Milan will see the first ecoboost but who knows. maybe the new Capri will. im calling it capri since it makes the most sense but i would really love to hear whats going on with the Mercury Focus variant. Mercury needs it badly, i hope that Mercury gets the coupe cabriolet version.

 

What country are you in 2B2?

Edited July 22, 2009 by saintlaz1

[2b2]

^ as my location says, I'm in Reno (Nevada)

so

in the U.S. - been moving around the last year...

in Reno for the foreseeable future

(sometimes I list my location as "NNW of Atlantis"

which is a resort/casino here )

[ds91776]

Well, this thread is as good an excuse as any to post my guess/hopes/guesses on Mercury's future. We all know that the next year or two is key for Fo Mo Co as a whole and quietly, same for Mercury as well. So here is what I think/hope could be in Mercury's future.

 

Small Sedan: Mystique? Messenger?: C2-platform. The more "upscale" or "mature" version of the Focus.

 

Milan: CD4/EUCD2: "upscale" or "mature" version of the Fusion/Mondeo. It might (might!) even lead to a 5door or hatchback version.

 

Cougar: C2 based coupe or Hard Top Convertible: Shared with Europe Ford Capri: Power trains should include I.6 I4 EcoBoost 180-200 HP. The XRS should be powered by the EcoBoost 2.0 I4 good for 230-250 hp.

 

Mariner: C2 based small 5-seat CUV. "Upscale" and more "mature" version of the Escape/Kuga.

 

Monitor: North American version of the European Ford C-MAX, 6-seat Mini-Minivan

 

Monterey: North American version of the European Ford S-MAX. EcoBoost 2.0 or 2.5 I4 good for 230-275 hp. Midsize Minivan/ 6-7 seat CUV.

 

Anyway, that is what I hope Mercury will be in a few years...by 2014 at the latest. We will at least see the Mercury "Focus" at an Auto show near us within 6 months. We may even see a Mercury version of the C-MAX at an NA auto show within the year.

[saintlaz1]

Well, this thread is as good an excuse as any to post my guess/hopes/guesses on Mercury's future. We all know that the next year or two is key for Fo Mo Co as a whole and quietly, same for Mercury as well. So here is what I think/hope could be in Mercury's future.

 

Small Sedan: Mystique? Messenger?: C2-platform. The more "upscale" or "mature" version of the Focus.

 

Milan: CD4/EUCD2: "upscale" or "mature" version of the Fusion/Mondeo. It might (might!) even lead to a 5door or hatchback version.

 

Cougar: C2 based coupe or Hard Top Convertible: Shared with Europe Ford Capri: Power trains should include I.6 I4 EcoBoost 180-200 HP. The XRS should be powered by the EcoBoost 2.0 I4 good for 230-250 hp.

 

Mariner: C2 based small 5-seat CUV. "Upscale" and more "mature" version of the Escape/Kuga.

 

Monitor: North American version of the European Ford C-MAX, 6-seat Mini-Minivan

 

Monterey: North American version of the European Ford S-MAX. EcoBoost 2.0 or 2.5 I4 good for 230-275 hp. Midsize Minivan/ 6-7 seat CUV.

 

Anyway, that is what I hope Mercury will be in a few years...by 2014 at the latest. We will at least see the Mercury "Focus" at an Auto show near us within 6 months. We may even see a Mercury version of the C-MAX at an NA auto show within the year.

 

Like your ideas except for the C/S max, i just hate those cars and i dont want that family image for Mercury. Also i rather see the Cougar be Milan based.

[ds91776]

I think you are wrong about the C/S-MAX (not knocking your taste) but the C-MAX in particular has HUGE potential. So many 3-row vehicles are SOOOO expensive. 3-Row CUVs and minivans typically run up into near-luxury or luxury territory. So I think there is "ignored volume" out there looking for a cheaper 3-row vehicle just like the next-gen C-MAX. People say, well Kia and Mazda have entries. That is true, but those not major brands by major carmakers...Hyundai-Kia is approaching that territory, but it is not there yet. Ford (or Mercury) would be the first of the major carmakers to sell one of these things in the US. In my view, Saturn should always have been selling the Opel Zafaria in the US...but that is an aside.

 

As for a Milan/ CD4/EUCD2 based Cougar, that would okay, but in size and price it would crowd the Mustang, and we don't want that. True, Fo Mo Co does not have a proper competitor to the Accord and Altima coupes...but that market is some what covered by Mustang and is small to begin with. With the demise of the Focus coupe however, Fo Mo Co will not have a small I4 powered sporty car. The Cougar would compete against the Civic coupe and Scion Tc as well as the Kia Forte coupe, among others. I think there is a real opportunity for Mercury to sell a few models that Ford NA does not sell or could sell but would crowd their showrooms (mini-minivan, B-CUV , mid-van, and small I4 powered coupe/HT-convt.).

[saintlaz1]

I think you are wrong about the C/S-MAX (not knocking your taste) but the C-MAX in particular has HUGE potential. So many 3-row vehicles are SOOOO expensive. 3-Row CUVs and minivans typically run up into near-luxury or luxury territory. So I think there is "ignored volume" out there looking for a cheaper 3-row vehicle just like the next-gen C-MAX. People say, well Kia and Mazda have entries. That is true, but those not major brands by major carmakers...Hyundai-Kia is approaching that territory, but it is not there yet. Ford (or Mercury) would be the first of the major carmakers to sell one of these things in the US. In my view, Saturn should always have been selling the Opel Zafaria in the US...but that is an aside.

 

As for a Milan/ CD4/EUCD2 based Cougar, that would okay, but in size and price it would crowd the Mustang, and we don't want that. True, Fo Mo Co does not have a proper competitor to the Accord and Altima coupes...but that market is some what covered by Mustang and is small to begin with. With the demise of the Focus coupe however, Fo Mo Co will not have a small I4 powered sporty car. The Cougar would compete against the Civic coupe and Scion Tc as well as the Kia Forte coupe, among others. I think there is a real opportunity for Mercury to sell a few models that Ford NA does not sell or could sell but would crowd their showrooms (mini-minivan, B-CUV , mid-van, and small I4 powered coupe/HT-convt.).

 

I see your point on the C/S max but again thats a mercury image i do not want, i want Mercury to offer entry level lux sport vehicles.

 

I dont think a Cougar EUCD/CD3 or4 would crowd mustang at all. it is a completly different market that woudl appeal to a RWD sports coupe to a FWD lux/sport coupe.

 

I think if Cougar went C1 like the Focus there might be an uproar.

[2b2]

think this is a similar viewpoint from a different angle, Ssaintlaz1

 

if a business case (profit) can be made for a Milan-based sport model

then it's be immaterial about the Mustang

cuz the way perception is (imho) only a Mustang-lover will buy them anyway & won't put the Merc on their list at all

 

also agree it'd be fatal to name a Mercuocus 'Cougar'

(& no reason for it either when there's 'Capri')

[ds91776]

I completely disagree. A new Cougar does not need to be RWD. Not at all. That is old thinking. Mustang, yes, Cougar no. Ford Mo Co does not need another RWD coupe/convt ( with the exception of a Lincoln MK9 )

 

And in any case, "Capri" is a terrible name with little brand recognition. "Cougar" however, is a great name, even if you have never heard of a Mercury Cougar before. Any coupe or convertible model made by the Mercury MUST BE named Cougar. It is the only thing that makes any sort of marketing sense.

 

So many enthusiasts are deluded in thinking that every car maker can afford to make ten different coupes, convertibles and high performance models and that the buying public wants and can afford all sorts of coupes, convertibles, and high performance models.

 

Let's get real. The market for convertibles, and especially coupes, is small, very small. And it will be that way for the foreseeable future. It would be super fun to have Ford market a Fiesta 3dr, Focus 3dr, Mustang, and Thunderbird, as well as a RWD Cougar as well as a few Lincoln coupes and convertibles, but there is no market for it and Ford cannot afford to spread itself so thin.

 

So in my opinion Fo Mo Co should market the following coupes and convertibles in the near future.

 

Ford:

 

Focus 3dr

Mustang coupe, glass roof, and convertible

Thunderbird hard-top convertible

 

Mercury:

 

Cougar, shared with Ford of Europe, either as a rebadged Focus CC or Capri coupe.

 

Lincoln:

 

MK9: Luxury hart-top convertible shared platform with Mustang, Thunderbird, MKR, and Austrailian Falcon and Territory.

[2b2]

It's not the Fwd of a Mercuocus that makes recommend "Capri", it's the size or lack of it

and it wouldn't have to be either coupe or convertible. A 4/5 door with a super-duper-BAMR (Vista roof) would be fine.

 

Now for a Cougar - well, I've wondered if there's any car that wouldn't alienate too many people...

my suggestion has been to graft a v6-capable engine compartment to the Mazda RX-8 :D

yeah, it'd be Rwd but I almost go for a Fwd RofW/Euro Mazda6 5 door as a Cougar (not heavily restyled) -- maybe largely cuz it wouldn't be shared with Ford

but

the thing is

I believe in GRwdP ...and believe it'll generate a Mustang, Falcon(Au), Tbird (S/M/L) and HRL & Continental (S/L, the MKZ is Medium)

and

the nextgen, slightly tauter Falcon size could be perfect for a Cougar (with majorly different sheetmetal)

and with THAT in mind, it's just awfully hard to settle for anything else.

...sorry

Edited July 26, 2009 by 2b2

[saintlaz1]

I completely disagree. A new Cougar does not need to be RWD. Not at all. That is old thinking. Mustang, yes, Cougar no. Ford Mo Co does not need another RWD coupe/convt ( with the exception of a Lincoln MK9 )

 

And in any case, "Capri" is a terrible name with little brand recognition. "Cougar" however, is a great name, even if you have never heard of a Mercury Cougar before. Any coupe or convertible model made by the Mercury MUST BE named Cougar. It is the only thing that makes any sort of marketing sense.

 

So many enthusiasts are deluded in thinking that every car maker can afford to make ten different coupes, convertibles and high performance models and that the buying public wants and can afford all sorts of coupes, convertibles, and high performance models.

 

Let's get real. The market for convertibles, and especially coupes, is small, very small. And it will be that way for the foreseeable future. It would be super fun to have Ford market a Fiesta 3dr, Focus 3dr, Mustang, and Thunderbird, as well as a RWD Cougar as well as a few Lincoln coupes and convertibles, but there is no market for it and Ford cannot afford to spread itself so thin.

 

So in my opinion Fo Mo Co should market the following coupes and convertibles in the near future.

 

Ford:

 

Focus 3dr

Mustang coupe, glass roof, and convertible

Thunderbird hard-top convertible

 

Mercury:

 

Cougar, shared with Ford of Europe, either as a rebadged Focus CC or Capri coupe.

 

Lincoln:

 

MK9: Luxury hart-top convertible shared platform with Mustang, Thunderbird, MKR, and Austrailian Falcon and Territory.

 

I dont think a Cougar needs to be RWD either, it would be nice but I can live with a FWD MIlan based car, i loved my FWD Cougars!!! However i dont think a Cougar should be focus sized.

[Loyalbutconcerned]

Think MOCUS. Focus based Mercuries.

[mercurymichael]

I have been a Mercury fan all of life. I have owned 6 different models in my 40 years -- all Mercury. I am looking to trade in the next 12 months and I find no Mercury of interest. I have no use for a SUV, the Sable had been discontinued (not a first choice anyway), the Grand Marquis is beyond dated--almost a characture of its former self. This leave the Milan. Not a bad looking car, but it has a very plain interior and it screams Fusion. It reminds me very much of the Fairmont/Zepher twins. The only other option is a future Focus something or other--again not of interest to me.

 

It makes me sad to say it, something I thought I never would, but I am looking at Buick. The 2010 LaCrosse is absolutely amazing and exactly where Mercury should be. High style, high content. I think it is probably the best looking Buick since the 60's and even seems to have a little bit of Mercury DNA. With rumors of a new Riviera coupe on its way, it looks as though Buick is returning to not only it's own successful, former formula, but one that once made Mercury successful as well.

 

Unless there is a top secret Cougar (larger than the Mustang) or Sable in the works, I think I will be leaving a brand that I have been loyal to for such a long time.

[saintlaz1]

I have been a Mercury fan all of life. I have owned 6 different models in my 40 years -- all Mercury. I am looking to trade in the next 12 months and I find no Mercury of interest. I have no use for a SUV, the Sable had been discontinued (not a first choice anyway), the Grand Marquis is beyond dated--almost a characture of its former self. This leave the Milan. Not a bad looking car, but it has a very plain interior and it screams Fusion. It reminds me very much of the Fairmont/Zepher twins. The only other option is a future Focus something or other--again not of interest to me.

 

It makes me sad to say it, something I thought I never would, but I am looking at Buick. The 2010 LaCrosse is absolutely amazing and exactly where Mercury should be. High style, high content. I think it is probably the best looking Buick since the 60's and even seems to have a little bit of Mercury DNA. With rumors of a new Riviera coupe on its way, it looks as though Buick is returning to not only it's own successful, former formula, but one that once made Mercury successful as well.

 

Unless there is a top secret Cougar (larger than the Mustang) or Sable in the works, I think I will be leaving a brand that I have been loyal to for such a long time.

 

sorry to hear that.i will admit that the lacrosse is vety nice, but i wont cross over again to gm. and i also pray there is a top secret cougar, i think thats what mercury needs right now

[2b2]

I have been a Mercury fan all of life. I have owned 6 different models in my 40 years -- all Mercury. I am looking to trade in the next 12 months and I find no Mercury of interest. I have no use for a SUV, the Sable had been discontinued (not a first choice anyway), the Grand Marquis is beyond dated--almost a characture of its former self. This leave the Milan. Not a bad looking car, but it has a very plain interior and it screams Fusion. It reminds me very much of the Fairmont/Zepher twins. The only other option is a future Focus something or other--again not of interest to me.

 

It makes me sad to say it, something I thought I never would, but I am looking at Buick. The 2010 LaCrosse is absolutely amazing and exactly where Mercury should be. High style, high content. I think it is probably the best looking Buick since the 60's and even seems to have a little bit of Mercury DNA. With rumors of a new Riviera coupe on its way, it looks as though Buick is returning to not only it's own successful, former formula, but one that once made Mercury successful as well.

 

Unless there is a top secret Cougar (larger than the Mustang) or Sable in the works, I think I will be leaving a brand that I have been loyal to for such a long time.

imho

- all we can do is hope for the best

- think some major decisions haven't even been made yet

- believe it's still possible for the nextgen MKS to be a Merc

- & a Cougar or near-Cougar to be not all that far away

but

I've had the feeling lately that the "Forces of Darkness" within Fomoco have been on the rise...

 

...we've got to see the C3 Merc(s) first

 

 

and

see if Mercury keeps outselling Lincoln by such a W I D E margin

the ONLY models that weren't 'in the red' at the Lincoln-Mercury dealers (Aug'09) were

Milan 3,844 +111.7

Mariner 3,921 +50.3

 

which by themselves accounted for Over HALF (51.9%) of ALL L-M sales

 

the Milan and Mariner by themselves OutSold ALL 5 Lincolns together by over 32% more

Edited September 23, 2009 by 2b2