Official press release added after the jump

click above image for more pics of the 2008 Mercury Milan VOGA

The Detroit News is reporting that Mercury will debut a new a upper-level trim line called VOGA today at the South Florida International Auto Show. Debuting on the 2008 Mercury Mariner, the VOGA trim will have its own color scheme, an embroidered leather interior (we wonder how it compares to Cadillac's "Cut and Sew" leather interiors), new five-spoke wheels with "VOGA" center caps and other design cues that take inspiration from the fashion industry.

Last year Mercury unveiled the Milan VOGA Concept at the South Florida International Auto Show. That car was designed by Camilo Pardo, who also designed the Ford GT. It featured a stainless steel roof, tasteful body kit, 20-inch wheels and a gorgeous stainless blue metallic paint job. At the time we remarked that these additions would make a terrific trim package for the Milan, and while Mercury appears to agree, the actual VOGA trim debuting on the Mariner sounds as if it will be much more subdued, which is a shame.

The VOGA trim will be available on the 2008 Mercury Mariner early next year according to The Detroit News. We'll bring you more info and official pics from Ford as soon as they're released, but for now we wonder if you think the VOGA trim is a sign of health for Mercury or a quick and inexpensive way for Ford to capitalize on Mercury's success this year.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Gallery: 2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA

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Mercury to debut high-end VOGA trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.