Forgotten Concept: Mercury Messenger | The Daily Drive | Consumer Guide® The Daily Drive

Mercury Messenger Idea

That is an installment in a sequence of posts trying again on present vehicles that we really feel deserved just a little extra consideration than they obtained. In case you have a suggestion for a Forgotten Idea matter, please shoot us a line or go away a remark under.

Mercury Messenger Idea

First Seen: 2003 Detroit Auto Present

Description: Sporty 2-door fastback

Gross sales Pitch: “Design that may lead Mercury’s rejuvenation”

Extra Forgotten Ideas

Mercury Messenger

Particulars:

First seen on the 2003 Detroit Auto Present, the Messenger was a sporty fastback that includes a clear design and V8 energy. Per Mercury’s press supplies, the rear-drive idea was powered by an all-aluminum 4.6-liter engine mated to a 6-speed automated transmission. In actuality, the idea car didn’t have an engine or transmission–solely an electrical motor to energy it on and off the auto-show stage. Nevertheless, the Messenger was outfitted with a full inside, and its aluminum monocoque body would have helped to maintain its weight down. The Messenger additionally boasted 4-wheel unbiased suspension and Brembo-brand 4-piston brakes in any respect 4 corners.

In response to Gerry McGovern, Mercury’s design chief on the time, the aptly named Messenger was created to herald an period of recent design for Mercury, yet another unbiased of Ford than the model had turn out to be.

Forgotten Idea: Mercury Meta One

Mercury Messenger

CG Says:

The promise of the Messenger was that the automotive’s design language would assist the Mercury model seem extra unbiased of the Ford model. This was a bit ironic, as a result of discussions surrounding a manufacturing model predictably had the car sharing a lot mechanically with the Mustang.

Mercury wouldn’t go on to promote something just like the Messenger, nor would the model undertake any facets of the idea’s styling. It is a disgrace, because the Messenger Idea is a good trying automotive. The Mercury model was shut down after the 2011 mannequin 12 months, and in August 2010–proper across the time Mercury itself was winding down–the Messenger Idea was auctioned off, discovering its manner into the Bortz Auto Assortment. A number of Bortz-owned autos have appeared in our sister publication Collectible Vehicle.

Forgotten Idea: Cadillac Steinmetz Catera