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(my) Mercury: Changing the Bounds of Versatility

6 January 1999

(my) Mercury: Changing the Bounds of Versatility

The (my) Mercury Concept was revealed by J Mays (left), Ford vice president of design, and Jim Rogers, Lincoln-Mercury general marketing manager at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

DETROIT, Jan. 5 -- Designed with maximum versatility combined with style, the new (my) mercury concept demonstrates one vision for a multi- activity vehicle that blurs the boundaries between a car, a truck and a sports utility vehicle.

The five-door, five-passenger (my) is designed as a "go anywhere, do anything" vehicle. It is ready for any adventure, from mountain climbing to snow boarding, but is also just as at home at the theater or nightclub.

"Mercury design is heading in a new direction, and the (my) is a step in that transformation," says J Mays, Ford vice president of Design. "It is a very modern, progressive design that incorporates simple shapes and unique materials to give it a precise yet adventurous look and feel."

(my) builds on the design direction already established for Mercury by other recent concept and production vehicles -- such as the MC2 and MC4 concepts and the highly successful Mercury Cougar. (my)'s silhouette is formed with an arching roof and hard-edged rear hatch line, accented by precise, flared wheel houses to create a bold, solid, grounded stance and a distinctly Mercury style. Amber-tinted glass gives a warm feel to an otherwise technical, highly machined look.

The five-door configuration makes the (my) extremely versatile. The front doors open in a conventional manner, while the rear doors open to the back, giving complete access to the interior. The top of the rear hatch opens upward, and the lower portion extends out -- increasing usable cargo space.

(MY) Mercury Concept.

The aggressive-looking front bumper features two large round driving lamps and a simple rectangular grille. The headlamps are trapezoidal in shape and sit high on the front end to maximize headlight "throw." The rear of the vehicle features four round taillamps and exposed exhaust ports.

The 18-inch, six-spoke aluminum wheels feature P235R55-18 on- and off- highway tires that are ready for any challenge.

The roof is made up of one panel of amber glass over the passenger area and one panel of glass over the cargo area, that give the (my) an open air feeling without exposing its passengers to the harsh elements of the outdoors. The glass serves as a shield to the sun without completely shutting it out -- like a pair of sunglasses.

Inside, (my) builds on the machined look outside by carrying the exterior aluminum-like finish through to interior accents and exposed framework.

The roof line begins at the base of the A-pillar and arches back to the base of the C-pillar like a half moon. The exposed sheet metal on the C-pillar demonstrates a solid quality and adds to the sense of safety and security of the vehicle.

The four uniquely designed bucket seats are mounted on machined aluminum structural members that create open space under the seat for increased leg room or storage space. The seats are wrapped with two shades of sage leather.

The front center console features an amber-colored mouse-like ball that functions as the control for the radio, climate control and global positioning system -- displayed on a screen mounted in the center of the dash. Just above the screen are the tachometer, speedometer and fuel gauge. Having the gauges mounted to the center of the dash allows extra flexibility and simplicity for right-hand and left-hand drive versions of the vehicle.

The floor of (my) is covered by sage-colored mats that feature a diamond like pattern. The mats are easily washed off after a day out in the mud or snow.

The rear bucket seats fold down, and the floor of the cargo area extends over the back of the seats for a flat, expanded cargo space. Coupled with the extended portion of the rear hatch, give (my) over 6 feet in the rear to haul necessary adventure gear.