2005 Chicago Auto Show: 2006 Mercury Milan Premium Mid-Size Sedan Debuts

By: Brad Nevin | Ford Communications Network

The 2006 Mercury Milan is an upscale and expressive, yet affordable, five-passenger mid-size sedan. For more information on Mercury, visit mercuryvehicles.com.

CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2005 -- The all-new 2006 Milan, introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, accelerates Mercury's growth plan. Milan is an upscale and expressive, yet affordable, five-passenger mid-size sedan that Mercury hopes will appeal to new, younger customers. It translates Mercury's new identity -- sophisticated design, stylish and functional interiors and rewarding driving traits -- into a spirited sedan entering one of the industry's most hotly contested segments. Milan goes on sale in the United States in the fall of 2005.

"The new Mercury customer wants something that stands apart from the cookie-cutter sedan crowd," said Darryl Hazel, president, Lincoln Mercury. "They don't want something that's also in their neighbor's driveway, but they also don't want a brash or showy sedan."

On the outside, signature Mercury design cues -- the dramatic waterfall grille, clean lines, distinct rear treatments, satin aluminum finishes and attention to detail ? accentuate Milan's long wheelbase and dynamic stance. Wide headlamps wrap up over the sharply creased front fenders. A satin aluminum finish adorns the grille, Mercury badges and lower front fascia trim. In the back, Milan features standard light-emitting diode (LED) taillamps.

"Design is a key differentiator in the marketplace, and it is what separates us from the competition," said Milan chief designer Darrell Behmer. "Mercury is about good designs inspired by modern architecture. With Milan, Mercury again shows it is a design-conscious brand that offers smart design at a good value."

Inside, Milan brings the exterior's modern, clean surfaces to the cabin. Advanced aerodynamic computer modeling, a solid structure and strategic use of sound-deadening materials contributed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Milan uses upgraded materials throughout its interior, such as leather seats and either Satin Metallic or Wales Mahogany wood trim finishes. Available two-tone leather seating surfaces with contrast stitching sets Milan apart from most mid-size sedans.

In addition to carrying people in comfort, Milan has a roomy 15.6-cubic-foot trunk with a flat load floor and low liftover height as well as compact decklid hinges that won't crush boxes or groceries. The rear seats feature a standard 60/40-split and fold-flat function with spring assist, allowing pass-through access to handle extra-long items and provide best-in-class storage space.

Milan offers two engine choices: a 2.3-liter Duratec 23 inline four-cylinder that provides 160 horsepower flowing through either a five-speed manual or automatic. A 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 pumps out 210 horsepower through an advanced six-speed automatic transaxle.

Ford Motor Company is taking a leadership position in six-speed automatic transmissions to simultaneously boost performance, without necessarily going to larger engines, and fuel economy with the wider ratio spreads allowed by the extra gear.

"We believe performance and fuel economy can go hand-in-hand if you invest in the right technologies," says Dave Szczupak, vice president, Powertrain Operations. "That's why Ford is investing in six-speed automatic transmissions, engines with advanced controls like variable cam timing and other advanced powertrain technologies."

Milan rides on a sophisticated short- and long-arm front suspension that features double ball-joint lower control arms and coil-over shocks. The multi-link rear suspension performs like a double-wishbone setup. These sophisticated designs limit lateral forces on springs for increased ride comfort and control to help absorb road imperfections like potholes.

Milan's rack-and-pinion steering system provides quick and confident control to help drivers avoid hazards altogether. Engineers mounted the steering gear on a front sub-frame to isolate any potential noise or vibration. At all four corners, Milan is equipped with large disc brakes tuned for precise, controlled stops.

"The new Milan's driving character was honed for large cities with unpredictable traffic and road conditions," said Kerry Baldori, vehicle engineering manager. "Milan drives the way you expect it to. It's nimble and responsive, with precise steering, yet it always feels solid and secure in and around dicey traffic situations."

Mercury's renaissance hits full stride in 2005 as the brand's design-led transformation spreads across the entire lineup. Milan enters Mercury's burgeoning showroom alongside Montego, Mariner, Mariner Hybrid, Mountaineer and Monterey. By the end of 2005, Mercury will offer its largest lineup in 37 years, with six all-new vehicles within just four years.

"We are re-introducing Mercury to young adults," said Hazel. "We think they'll enjoy driving the Milan as adults much more than they enjoyed riding in the back seat of grandma's Grand Marquis as kids."