Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Ford, Mercury
Spy Shots: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid completely uncovered
Ford's world debuts at the LA Auto Show will include the new Mustang, Fusion, MKZ, and Milan. Of all the vehicles scheduled for a debut, the Milan will likely garner the least amount of press, because the Mustang is an icon, the Fusion carries the bulk of Ford's mid-size volume, and the MKZ competes in the hotly contested entry luxury market. After looking at a completely uncovered spy photo from Automobile of a Milan Hybrid testing in Michigan, though, we'd say any attention the new Milan receives will be well-deserved.
Past Ford refreshes like the Taurus or Taurus X have been little more than reworked fenders, lights, and grilles, but the Milan goes farther. The roofline and side panels return largely untouched, but the front fascia has undergone a most extensive overhaul. The most noticeable revision is to the waterfall grille, which is far larger and carries a prominent upper brow that meets the updated hood. The bonnet now has a pronounced power dome with accents all the way around that grille, giving the Milan a much more 'look at me' presence. Headlights are equipped with LEDs and more vertical than the current model, stretching up above the hood line. The lower fascia and bumper now appears to be at one with the rest of the front end, as apposed to three separate pieces of the current model. The overall look of the front and rear are more rounded than the angular Milan available now, giving the revamped Mercury a more contemporary appearance.
We've always favored the Milan's rump over that of its blue collar Ford sibling, and it looks even better for 2010. Changes are far more subtle than the front end with the main change being LED tail lamps that appear larger than the existing lights. The rear is also more rounded at the edges, and the trunk has a bit of convex-ness to it as well. We're looking forward to seeing the Milan and it's Ford and Lincoln siblings when we hit LA later in November, and we'll pass the pics and info to you as soon as we get them.
[Source: Automobile]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
vlspower 2:04PM (10/29/2008)
cool Altima.
oh wait.
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John R 2:07PM (10/29/2008)
+1
Matt 2:06PM (10/29/2008)
UGLY!
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waiownsyou 2:08PM (10/29/2008)
Looks like a really old Toyota Avalon or something.
When will the US have crazy and outlandish designs that captures the eyes? That's what makes their cars iconic and drives sales! FOOLS!
I mean, gas consumption is one thing, but do you really think people buy BMWs and such for their fuel savings and hybrid technology (as in the LS460)? Yes, they're crazy performance and luxury-oriented vehicles, but cheap(er) cars doesn't mean you have to skimp on looks and force some generic and overworked streamlined 80's design!
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That One Person 10:02PM (10/29/2008)
Is that how the Camry and Corolla sell? No. Toyota just took a Mazda6 and made it look bloated and pretty much recycled the last Corolla's looks.
Polly Prissy Pants 2:12PM (10/29/2008)
Wow, I actually kinda liked the old version but this new front end is just plain offensive. Who green-lights this stuff anyway??
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Xcountryflyer 2:13PM (10/29/2008)
I thought Altima too.
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jgp 2:15PM (10/29/2008)
That grill is fugly.
The Milan is no longer better-looking than the Fusion :(
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Ed 2:15PM (10/29/2008)
Ugly mouth...
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Torrent 2:16PM (10/29/2008)
Hope it looks better in sunlight.
But I'm almost sure it will look best in pitch dark.
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Toyota SUCKS 2:18PM (10/29/2008)
This a a great looking vehicles
Please haters stop hating
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Torrent 2:21PM (10/29/2008)
More headlight
less grille
grille looks like a wild bass
tankd0g 2:21PM (10/29/2008)
Nice Buick grill on that Nissan.
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Mi key 2:24PM (10/29/2008)
Interesting.
Like someone said maybe it looks better in sunlight.
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P.V. 5:25PM (10/29/2008)
I agree. I like it, but someone put it out in the sun!
Matt 2:26PM (10/29/2008)
The headlights are Nissan - that front sinking character line is B7 A4,and the roofline and c-pillar are unmistakably American pork. A perfect car for John McCain. If he didn't already have like 20 of them.
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Chris 2:28PM (10/29/2008)
"When will the US have crazy and outlandish designs that captures the eyes? That's what makes their cars iconic and drives sales! FOOLS!"-waiownsyou
You have got to be out of your mind if you actually believe that. Just look at what happened when Ford went "new edge" with the Taurus and sales plummeted because Americans love bland looking cars- which is why Honda does so well in the US.
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Rich 2:41PM (10/29/2008)
Not sure if this press release has already been posted or not, but it discusses the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion-Hybrid.
http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=29307
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RL 2:45PM (10/29/2008)
Thanks, never saw that before, interesting pic
Menice 2:55PM (10/29/2008)
dude, they still list jaguar and Land Rover as brands inthe top corner. if you click on them, it takes you to "brand" and doesnt list though.
as for Milan, thats nasty, I like the current model, this is just uninspiring, lacks any mercury up-classness.
looks bland and thrown together.