MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CONCEPT: GLIMPSE OF FUTURE

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6, 2000 S Expressive, innovative and individualistic. Those are the watchwords that drove development of the Mercury Mountaineer concept S a property that gives strong exterior design cues about the next-generation production vehicle.

The Mountaineer concept S being introduced at the 2000 Los Angeles and North American International auto shows S is exact in its execution with a distinct, technical surface language and laser-like attention to detail. The simple body panels and fenders have a machined surface quality designed to set the Mercury Mountaineer concept apart from all other sport utility vehicles.

“The Mountaineer concept is another example of how Mercury design has evolved into a unique visual language that differentiates it from Ford design,” explains J Mays, Ford Motor Company vice president of Design. “The Mountaineer also further illustrates where Mercury vehicles are headed in design language S with individualistic styling accentuated by precise, clean lines and fine detailing. These precise lines and surfaces give Mercury a technical, sophisticated look that appeals to a more mature, independent-minded customer.”

For the Mountaineer, a satin aluminum-finished vertical grille theme establishes a distinct family resemblance to the Mercury Cougar. The trapezoidal shape of the headlamps provides further family resemblance.

“Each element of the exterior design communicates a message to the customer S be it strength and security through the door handle or pride and care in the detail work. All of this is achieved through the use of color, material and texture,” says Mays.

The Mountaineer concept’s proportions are two inches wider than today’s production model, and the front overhang has been shortened, giving the vehicle a more agile appearance. The six-spoke, 17-inch satin aluminum wheels feature 275/55R17 tires that further build road presence.

The step-in area has been improved by mounting the rocker panel behind the lower door ledge, allowing for easier entry and exit.

The Mountaineer’s mineral-gray body color highlights the simple body lines and precise geometric shapes. All exterior detail work S including the roof rack and Mountaineer badging S is the same satin aluminum finish as found on the wheels and grille. The side body cladding and bumpers feature surfaces that are consistent with the machined look of the exterior design.

“Mercury must keep one eye on the future and one eye on today. It must redefine itself to capture the new customers of tomorrow,” explains Mark Hutchins, president of Lincoln and Mercury and vice president of Ford Motor Company. “Mercury stands for something relevant, distinct and, most important, differentiated from all other brands. The Mountaineer concept is just a glimpse at what the future holds.”