Mission2020: The RETURN of MERCURY!

[2b2]

posting in the Mercury Section instead of the Design Center since I don't anticipate doing believable 2020 chops in the near future

Mission2020: The RETURN of MERCURY!

as a boutique Brand of small(er) Luxury vehicles that imho the Lincoln name cannot effectively offer,
fulfilling the Small Mercs Theorem as the *FUN* side of Lincoln:

2 sport'coupe'/hatchbacks------------------.......wlb-----ovl----width
-------"C3, Coupe3, Capri" 3-door-----104¼---173----72½
-------"C5, Coupe5, or ......" 5-door --110.2---182----75
3 'sportback' Cuvs
-------"microSport"----------..------------99.6....166----70
-------"miniSport"------------------------108-.----179----73
-------"metaSport" 3 row* -------------112.2....194----76
3 saloon bodystyles**
-------"Micro"---------------------------....99.6....169----70
-------"Cortina"-----------------------....105.9....176----72½
-------"Milan"-------------------------.....110.2....186----75
* not positive about metaSport since it's relatively larger than "small" ... altho there's a possible RANGER tie-in
** all 'saloons' (& possibly coupe-hatches) have a dual-back structure: a hatch with a separate inset trunklid (see Skoda Superb)

• Ideally all Mercury models are about the width of the next size category up in Ford vehicles...like the MKC Concept is significantly wider than the Escape.
• All drivetrains for Lincoln-Mercury vehicles will be electrically assisted to various degrees
• initially: 1.0EB3, 1.5EB3*, & 2.0EB4 (all gen2) as "M"(pg) light-hybrids (44-66kW);
and "R" sporty models, with approx. 22-44 kW depending on size & role.
Micro & microSport = 160hp,.------225hp
Micro & -----------& 230-250hp,..280-300hp for the rest
* see revised drivetrains' graphic below
• followed by
"H", full-hybrid versions utilizing Atkinson-mode + more electrics...
(small models have less battery space & support lower total HP even with same petrol engine. see Cortina/miniSport & Milan/metaSport, or C3/Milan)
-------Micro------------.125hp = 1.0 Atkinson + 88½hp(66kW)
-------microSport----_.125hp----------"
-------C3--------------..190hp = 2.0 Atkinson + 103hp(77kW)
-------Cortina--------_.160hp = 1.5 Atkinson + 103hp(77kW)
-------miniSport.-------170hp = 1.5 Atkinson + 118hp(88kW)
-------C5---------------.220hp = 2.3 Atkinson + 118hp(88kW)
-------Milan------------.200hp = 2.0 Atkinson + 118hp(88kW)
-------metaSport------.210hp = 2.0 Atkinson + 132¾hp(99kW)
• And
a couple high-performance models adding the 2.3EB4*("R23") and 2.7EB6**("XR") but with less electrification (batteries &or capacitors), just enough for anti-slip & 'JATO'
-------C3--------------- 325hp*
-------C5---------------.400hp**

** wonder if the C5-XR could be RWD (+ front electrics)?
actually, if FLincMoCo does the CD4+rwd for the Continental, imho they could be capable of Rwd'ing JUST the XR - related chassis afterall. Then again... maybe the 2.0EB "R" with 290hp ought to be RWD too? ...plus
Would it be good/remarkable to offer a RWD "H" hybrid even though it only has 220hp?
Could the C5 be called (dare I say it...) "COUGAR"?
Would it make a difference if all C5's are RWD?
And
should the C3 be called "Capri" whether C5 gets a Name or not? ...btw, 325hp IS a lot for the basically FWD Capri but some of that is rear-wheel electrics & thinking they could be programmed to help control torque-steering.


revised drivetrains:

note:
Malibu Eco has ~20hp(15kW) electrics, 2007 Mariner/Escape had 22hp,
C-Max/Fusion/MKZ Hybrids have 118hp(88kW), Volt has 149hp(111kW)
&
a new type of hybrid electric add-on from the University of Tennessee

[2b2]

Many of these models we may never otherwise get in N.A.
No matter how often "forum-favorite" variants are ranted for
Models too small, sporty or 'casually adventurous' for Lincoln
With an Oval badge they'd over-crowd the Ford lineup anyway
so
Mercury's "heritage" of leftovers & hand-me-downs is taken to a global level:

"C5, Coupe5, Cougar"______$35 — 44.5k
a "production neo-Evos", instead of a Fusion coupe
"Milan"___________________$34 — 41k
a neo-Evos-sedan (& FALCON?) 8" shorter than the MKZ
"metaSport"______________$35.5 - 42.5k
3-row Edge-MKX/Mondeo-wagon/S-Max cross
"C3, Coupe3, Capri"________$30 — 38k
new name or not, supplants a Focus coupe, 3-door, cabrio, RS
"Cortina"_________________$29.5 - 36.5k
Lux alternatives to a never-was Focus Hybrid
"miniSport"_______________$30.5 - 37.5k
MKC-size but based on the Focus Estate & the C-Maxes
"Micro"___________________$26 — 33k
no-compromises B-segment Lux-runabout, Fiesta based
"microSport"______________$26 — 33k
a high margin, roomier EcoSport/B-Max blend
note: prices are not quite in synch with the revised drivetrains

Comments are extra welcome! Think I really need help/input with pricing...
...for features at a pricepoint & vice versa!

Since all drivetrains are variously electrified, there is no price difference between the lowest-powered, greenest full Hybrids and the less-electrified, turbo-powered "M" drivetrains; but there are moderate price increases for each step up of the sport models.

Features/Options/Packages are *identical* on every type of model, producing a uniform +$5500 MSRP spread from each base vehicle to its fully loaded version.
another unintended benefit of this compressed price range could be that Mercury would more easily fit between Ford and Lincoln
Here's what's included in the experimental 'trim' levels ... collapsed into just 2 packages & 2 options (though electronic gizmos that can be made snap'n'lock dealer-installable could alter this plan).

standard features:
• 'R', 'R23', and 'XR' models include Active Aero-fX
• sportbacks get Terrain Mgmt, also all 3 have a separately opening rear window in their powered, foot-activated hatches
• all models are equipped with DriveControl "by Lincoln";
and • adjusting height suspension • undercarriage airflow panels as well as grille shutters • Adaptive (turning) headlights • Adaptive Cruise Control • programmable driver/car interface • docking station for bring-along tech gizmos** • Intelligent Access • Remote Start • Ambient Lighting • wiper/HL co-ordination • Heated Steering Wheel & seats • power/memory driver seat & side mirrors & • power slide/recline front passenger seat • automatic climate with rear vents • power doorlocks/windows all 1-touch up/down • side window shades (rear doors) • basic Head-Up display (speed only?) • upholstery: alcantara with Leather bolsters & armrests; all 'natural' or black/silver

((questions:
Push Button Start?
Electronic Parking Brake?
heated & heated/cooled seats by region?))
((Push Button Shift NOT included: Lincoln-only
also NO MyMercTouch**))

paint (6 colors)
silverIce.-------Steel.---------blackPearl
uraniumRed-...copperIce----Stealth(dk.coolgray)



standalone options:
XL moonroof Opt______($750?)
((w/ fixed glass rear roof-panel?))

Leather Opt___________($750?)
seat surfaces & panel inserts ((& trimming?))
Adobe (reddish tan)
Parchment (offwhite)
Ebony (with paint co-ordinated piping or accents?)


packages:
tech1 pkg____________($2000?)
• full Head-Up display • Rear View Camera • Auto Headlites & Highbeams • Rain-Sensing Wipers • Blind Spot Information System w/Cross Traffic Alert • sound system 2 (w/ noise cancelling?) • power rear window shade • full power front passenger seat (+Tilt/Ht/Lumbar/Headrest)
((cooled seats?))
additional paint: ultraBlue & whitePearl (8 colors)


tech2 pkg ___________($4000? SPecialOrder only)
techPlus_____________($5500? inclds Leather & moonroof)
• 'nightvision' • surround cameras • Active Park Assist with Forward&Rear Sensing System • Lane Keeping System • sound system 3 • Multi-Contour Front Seats with Active Motion™?
• auto-fold power rear headrests?
((Navigation?))
additional paint: Patina & ForeverGreen (10 colors)




Imho it's very important to have as few 'from-the-factory' versions as possible.
The idea for features is that everything 'you' can't live without is Standard
and the packages add 2 levels of "wants/wishes".
Since none of these Mercury vehicles are duplicated by Lincoln (or Ford) the highest package, 'techPlus' must include EVERYthing 'you' desire - let me know if I forgot anything.

some background:
Mission: MERCURY!
new 'Heresy'/Riddle

[All-Or-Nothing]

Mercury is NEVER coming back....and for good reasons.


You guys kill me with this.

[Logans Run]

Mercury is NEVER coming back....and for good reasons.


You guys kill me with this.

If you don't like it, don't read it.

[Andrew L]

Mercury is NEVER coming back....and for good reasons.


You guys kill me with this.

While I agree that I don't think Mercury will come back, you dont need to post stuff like this.


@2b2 I noticed that your Cougar is FWD based... are you sure you want another FWD based Cougar? A lot argue that the last gen Cougar was a sin upon the brand

[scford58]

I agree with Andrew, I don't think Mercury has a chance, but what if...........

Ford could use it as a trim level for top of the line models with lux features above Titanium? While a "Mercury" trim level doesn't exactly role off the tongue maybe use "XR7" instead?

[TurboS40]

Is Buick a success at GM to justify needing Mercury? Bringing Mercury back could allow Lincoln to reach higher again and be the bridge between Ford and Lincoln as the original plan back in 1939. But this time around no Lincoln-Mercury Division. Each is separate. I still like the Merkur name....has a more euro ring to it. But then, Merkur was as successful as the Edsel and PAG.

Why no Comet, Meteor or Monarch?

What are the target vehicles for this New Mercury Brand?

[saintl1]

I'm pretty sure Mercury is never coming back, with what it cost to shut down it wouldn't make sense to bring back. I still would like to see a Cougar made sold in the Lincoln brand as a special edition vehicle in limited numbers, no Lincoln badge again im sure it wont happen, especially since Americans have ruined the COUGAR name in pop culture.I could only imagine the ridicule of a 50 year old woman with a 20 year old male in the car but I digress.

Ford needs to focus on bringing back the Thunderbird if even as a 4 door RWD car. I dont understand how that nameplate went away.

[2b2]

While I agree that I don't think Mercury will come back...

I agree with Andrew, I don't think Mercury has a chance, but what if...........

Exactly
the premise of the thread is HOW could Merc come back.
Negatoids, Muggles, or those hung up on IF?, Why? & Should? just won't have anything worthwhile to contribute
because they haven't done the homework to pass that "intro course" yet (see Mission:Mercury)(or maybe the Heresy/Riddle thread could serve as a form of remedial Summer School? )

Looking to recruit upper-class scholars (double meaning intended) to examine the proposal;
also critique & improve its methods & details!!

@2b2 I noticed that your Cougar is FWD based... are you sure you want another FWD based Cougar? A lot argue that the last gen Cougar was a sin upon the brand

Why no Comet, Meteor or Monarch?

I started to leave out the Cougar name & almost did. Feel free to white-out all names or suggest others.
Even tho the CD-platform models DO have a chance of being Rwd *or* Fwd, actually ALL these vehicles are AWD - really MORE than any Haldex-equipped one (which only activates at a loss of primary traction - these are intended to be propelled by every wheel even when conditions are ideal) ...which I did touch on ... there will be a QUIZ!
Bringing back heritage model Names is not the point. Even the Mercury Name is secondary to reviving the spirit/character/DNA (see Mission:Mercury) which no other Brand in the world possesses.

so

Ford could use it as a trim level for top of the line models with lux features above ? While a "Mercury" trim level doesn't exactly role off the tongue maybe use "XR7" instead?

Nope
not in N.A. ...perhaps in a few global markets? esp as small LINCOLNS;
a 'Ford' will never be a Mercury. They just don't have "it" in them. (red hair IS a recessive gene) Titanium proves this imho (a Muggle imitation that loses most of the transmutating-iosis alchemy/magic).


Maybe the "initial conditions" for the development of this proposal could help?
in no particular order
• Mercurys as sportING vehicles (a broader term than 'performance')
• Luxury that's not overt or in-your-face ...yet:
• features that are more 'generously' offered - as opposed to Lincoln's (Z) trim upon trims plus packages plus options that basically say you CAN'T have it 'your way' (a Fordish trait)
• the Small Mercs Theorem, ie smaller than Lincolns (no matter how the offices are arranged, Mercs by-&-large Will be sold With Lincolns)&(ARE related to Lincoln, Fords are more distant cousins)
• there ARE things both Lincoln & Ford just aren't suited to (ex/imho: "magicians")
• no bespoke platforms, All bespoke tophats
• an informal compilation of models/variants that have been asked/ranted for on various forums that, so far, show no sign of EVER being available
^these^
provided the framework and the niches-to-be-filled.

After each vehicle's basic specifications were created,
*while* the descriptions were being written;
the existing global vehicles that are not offered in N.A. just started "falling" into the waiting slots (Even pointing at profligate hair-splitting segmentation where 2 or MORE existing models could be merged into one - imho).

...Bringing Mercury back could allow Lincoln to reach higher again and be the bridge between Ford and Lincoln as the original plan back in 1939...

...What are the target vehicles for this New Mercury Brand?

now ^that^ is a worthwhile question, TurboS40, you go to head of the class
hopefully what I just typed provides some clues?
&
you guys tell me which vehicles hit which targets the best

[2b2]

I'm pretty sure Mercury is never coming back, with what it cost to shut down it wouldn't make sense to bring back. I still would like to see a Cougar made sold in the Lincoln brand as a special edition vehicle in limited numbers, no Lincoln badge again im sure it wont happen, especially since Americans have ruined the COUGAR name in pop culture.I could only imagine the ridicule of a 50 year old woman with a 20 year old male in the car but I digress.

Ford needs to focus on bringing back the Thunderbird if even as a 4 door RWD car. I dont understand how that nameplate went away.

hey, saintl1, THANKS for stopping by!

re: Thunderbird, you might check out the CD4+r.w.d. Poll thread for a FalconThunderTaurusBird idea