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February 09, 2005
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This Week:

• Toyota Moves Forward With Unveiling of All-New FJ Cruiser Sport Utility Vehicle at 2005 Chicago Auto Show

• GM Unveils Industry-First Dual Depth Frontal Air Bag

• Mazda Shows Off RX-8 "SHINKA" Special Edition In Chicago

• Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT: The most powerful natural-gas-driven saloon ever

• Porsche 911 Carrera / Carrera S Cabriolet - Driving Pleasure Times Two

• Dodge Introduces the Largest Pickup Cab Ever

• 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Has It All: Style, Handling, Versatility, Eco-Friendly Powertrain

• Nissan Announces Pricing on All-New Second Generation 2005 Xterra SUV

• Saab Announces 9-7X SUV Pricing

• MG TF Continues To Be UK's best-selling sports car

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2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Has It All: Style, Handling, Versatility, Eco-Friendly Powertrain

"Mariner Hybrid is the smart, sophisticated solution to environmental responsibility," says Darryl Hazel, president of Lincoln Mercury. "It's the perfect vehicle for Mercury customers, many of whom are looking for a distinctive design, the versatility of a sport-utility, and advanced technology capable of bettering both their lives and the environment."

• Mercury Mariner Hybrid advances Ford Motor Company's commitment to sustainable mobility.

• Production begins a year ahead of schedule

Initially planned as a 2007 model, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid was pulled ahead one year in response to growing customer interest in hybrid gasoline-electric propulsion. Mariner Hybrid is one of four additional hybrid vehicles Ford Motor Company will introduce in three calendar years. When it arrives in showrooms in the fall of 2005, Mariner Hybrid will be one of the most fuel-efficient and cleanest sport-utility vehicles on the road. It shares the same advanced technology that earned Escape Hybrid the 2005 North American Truck of the Year Award from a panel of 50 distinguished automotive journalists.

The 2005 Mariner blends modern Mercury design with refined driving dynamics in a small, stylish sport-utility vehicle, and will be joined by the 2006 Mariner Hybrid this fall.

Optional Hybrid Energy display screen tracks the flow of energy between the powertrain subsystems.

The Mariner Hybrid's exterior design follows Mercury's brand themes - clean lines and contemporary proportions inspired by modern urban architecture. Complex refractor headlamps are stacked over inset foglamps. The satin-aluminum-finished waterfall grille establishes a vertical theme surrounding a prominent Mercury emblem. Satin-aluminum finish also adorns the taillamps, a design cue shared with the Mountaineer and Monterey minivan. Bumpers, door handles, and protective side cladding are smoothly integrated and color-keyed, for a clean, tailored appearance.

Photos: Ford

A key engineering goal for the interior was to impose no sacrifices in style, passenger comfort and cargo-hauling capacity even with the hybrid technology. The instrument cluster features a multifunction message center, which reports trip statistics, mileage information and remaining oil life. A battery indicator dial is provided to inform the driver which way electrical current is flowing - to the battery during regenerative braking or from the battery to the electric motor when engaged to assist Mariner Hybrid's gasoline engine.

The available Hybrid Energy Audio & Navigation System features a four-inch screen that displays the energy flowing from the gasoline engine, the electric motors, the battery pack and the wheels. The graphics include idle state, electric drive, gas-engine drive, hybrid drive and regenerative braking.

The Premium Package also includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seat and side mirrors, a reverse sensing system, and safety package (side curtain air bags with rollover sensors and front side air bags.)

POWER PLAY: Full-hybrid gasoline and electric powertrain

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid powertrain blends the best features of a gasoline engine and an electric motor to achieve nearly 50 percent higher driving efficiency and lower emissions with no loss of the conventional Mariner's functionality or performance. This remarkable feat is accomplished by six powertrain components that work in perfect unison. Ford Motor Company has received more than 40 patents, and has another 70 patents pending, on these technologies shared with the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Ford Motor Company has received more than 40 patents on technology developed for the hybrid powertrain program.

The core powertrain components are a 2.3-liter DOHC Duratec four-cylinder engine with an Atkinson operating cycle, two AC electric motors that provide both motor and generator functions, an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), and 250 D-size nickel-metal hydride batteries in a compact, rear-mounted, sealed package.

Configured as a full hybrid, this powertrain is able to propel the Mariner to 25 miles per hour (mph) solely with clean electric power. When its 133 horsepower isn't required - during coasting, at stoplights, or crawling at low speeds through traffic - the gasoline engine automatically shuts down to conserve fuel and curb emissions.

Both the gasoline engine and the AC traction motor team up when needed for passing acceleration, climbing steep grades, or towing a 1,000-pound trailer. With a combined output equivalent to 155 horsepower and the continuously variable transmission's immediate ratio-changing capability, passing acceleration is comparable to the conventional Mariner powered by a 3.0-liter Duratec V-6.

Mariner Hybrid delivers impressive fuel economy, with estimated ratings of 33 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Unlike conventional vehicles, Mariner Hybrid gets greater fuel economy in the city, where its electric motor can propel the vehicle up to 25 mph without assistance from the gasoline engine. In addition, Mariner Hybrid takes advantage of frequent stops for regenerative braking. The stop and go of the urban commute is where Mariner Hybrid shines. Certified to California emissions standards, Mariner Hybrid is expected to meet the rigorous Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) emissions standard in California, and other states that have adopted California's emissions standards.

The planetary CVT integrates and manages the power delivered from the gasoline engine and electric motor.

Mariner Hybrid's Intelligent four-wheel-drive system monitors throttle position and individual wheel speeds to supplement front-wheel drive with four-wheel drive before slippage and loss of mobility occurs.

(Feb 8, 2005)