Car Reviews
The 2008 Mercury Mariner Opts For Sophistication and Style
By Helmut Gertjegerdes
The 2008 Mercury Mariner is opting for a new brand of sophistication and style for the upcoming year. This midsize SUV is packing a powerful punch against its competitors in nearly all categories to include handling and eye appeal.
The new 2008 Mercury Mariner builds on a strong foundation of offering more for the small SUV customer. It’s enhanced style and refinement is a look that will define the Mercury brand moving forward.
Introduced in 2005 as Mercury’s entry-level, small SUV, Mariner is built on the style and success of the mid-size four-door Mountaineer. The original Mariner delivered a high level of design sophistication, more standard features, premium interior materials and unique content in a smartly packaged, fuel-efficient model. Now, the 2008 Mariner is completely redesigned inside and out. In addition to fresh sheet metal with new Mercury design cues and a remade interior, Mariner is updated with a comprehensive safety package, a quieter ride and more refined driving dynamics. What has not changed is the overall package: Mariner retains the fuel efficiency, maneuverability and fun-to-drive nature that is a core characteristic of the small SUV package.
On the outside, the 2008 Mariner’s all-new sheet metal includes significant design changes to the front/rear fascias, liftgate, headlamps and taillamps, a raised beltline, new hood and B-pillar blackout molding. There’s also a unique satin signature waterfall grille.
One striking visual statement on the 2008 Mariner is the new grille that’s larger, with bigger openings between the bars. The Mercury badge in the middle of the waterfall grille is larger, too. More brightwork front and rear gives 2008 Mariner an unmistakable Mercury presence on the road. The previous model’s body-color molding and lower body cladding are removed, giving Mariner a cleaner, more seamless profile.
Head and taillamps have a unique “eyebrow” design running around the lenses, bringing together the front and rear ends of the vehicle. Look closely: The headlamps are accentuated with a Mercury badge subtly integrated inside the housing. Taillamps have four inner lenses and a clear lamp with a red inner lens. The “powerdome” hood has a unique reverse crease that draws the eye from the grille toward the windshield.
On top of the vehicle, a new roof panel helps reduce NVH. The recessed channels on top of the vehicle are designed to improve air flow over the vehicle and reduce noise inside the cabin. Horizontal ribs in the roof also strengthen body structure and help reduce boom from wind noise.
Three new 2008 Mariner colors include Kiwi Green Clearcoat Metallic, Light Ice
Blue Clearcoat Metallic and Black Pearl Slate.
Inside, Satin Pewter finishes and chrome accents give the 2008 Mariner an
upscale look. There are new seats, door trim panels, A- and B-pillar trims,
center console and a new floor-mounted shifter. The seats are monochromatic or
two-tone with Alcantara ® Suede inserts.
A “top of dash” display positioned at eye level on the dashboard shows inside
and outside temperature, radio functions and climate control readouts. When the
driver or front passenger adjusts a knob or button on the instrument panel, the
change is reflected in the eye-level display instead of lower down on the
dashboard where information is typically located. This simple, efficient design
puts much of the vehicle’s information in one place at the top of the dashboard,
making it easier to read while driving.
Ice Blue Lighting replaces green on the instrument cluster, on the center console, on the door lock and window switches and on the steering wheel. Ice Blue presents a cool, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes light for night driving and enhances the overall quality feel of the interior.
Replacing the traditional “brick” design for the radio and heating/air conditioning controls, Mariner features dials and buttons that “poke-through” the center console. The instrument panel houses audio and climate controls, a standard MP3/iPod ® jack, controls for the heated seats and an available in-dash navigation system.
In addition to these features, Mariner’s center console has innovative space and storage solutions. The console features best-in-class volume and two removable bins with dovetail mounting points on the front passenger side or rear of the console. The medium-sized bins can be used as a trash receptacle, an extra place to put a music player, or an additional storage space for keys, sunglasses and more.
The center console in the new Mariner is large enough to hold a laptop computer, and there are three levels of storage space. The bottom storage level features a secret compartment that goes nearly to the floor of the vehicle so Mariner owners can hide valuables like a digital camera or purse. The rear part of the console has molded-in rear-seat cupholders that are higher, sturdier and easier to reach than in the previous model.
The storage area behind the second row of seats has a newly available rear cargo management system. Lifting the rear cargo area carpet reveals a hidden, lockable place to store items – it’s a second “wet” trunk to keep snorkeling gear or wet beach towels away from dry bags or clothes. The rear cargo area carpet is also reversible – flip it over and there’s an easy-to-clean rubber surface. Mariner is one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to feature One-Touch Integrated Start. This feature lets the driver put the key in the ignition, turn it once and then let go – like electronic “start” buttons that are becoming common on luxury cars.
New Steering and Chassis Upgrades Improve Mariner’s Ride and Handling -- the 2008 Mercury Mariner is one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to use speed-sensitive Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), a sophisticated system that improves overall steering feel and is more efficient than conventional systems.
Conventional power steering systems use a hydraulic gear that gets power from a belt turned by the engine; this draws power and efficiency from the engine. The 2008 Mariner has seamless electric-power-assisted steering that draws power from an electric motor instead of drawing power directly from the engine accessory drive. This new system helps improve fuel economy and eliminates the hydraulic noises typical of conventional hydraulic power-assisted steering systems. Because there are no hydraulic lines or fluid, maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle are reduced, too.
A retuned suspension reinforces Mariner’s confident on-road ride. For 2008, Mariner’s car-like feel is further improved with a reduction in the rear spring rates from prior models and a front stabilizer bar that grows from 20 to 21 mm.
To achieve lower NVH levels, a new acoustic windshield laminate is sandwiched between two glass panels in the front windshield. In addition to preventing the windshield from breaking apart in a collision, the new laminate material reduces the sound level of wind noise experienced in the vehicle.
Mariner’s Proven Chassis and Powertrain Reinforce Its Car-Like Ride -- Mariner is tuned for the urban environment to deliver a comfortable and controlled ride. Unibody construction contributes to its light weight, nimble maneuverability, and a low stance makes it easy to get in and out of the vehicle. Responsive architecture – with four-wheel independent suspension – gives Mariner precise steering and handling and enables each wheel to react separately to road imperfections.
New 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Makes Headlines
By Helmut Gertjegerdes
Columbus, Ga. —The new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado is making headlines. And well it should. The Silverado has a reputation to uphold and the 2007 model is doing an excellent job in protecting the line. One has only to slide behind the wheel and hit the ignition key to find the true story of this beautiful automobile. Whether you are driving in the city or taking a trip off road, the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado is the right truck for you.
The ’07 Silverado lineup is built on an all-new platform that supports a smoother ride and responsive, confident handling while delivering segment-leading capability and power. A lineup of six powerful, Gen IV small-block V-8 engines complements the stronger chassis to deliver the light-duty segment’s highest-rated towing capacity (10,500 pounds / 4,763 kg), horsepower (367 hp / 274 kW) and fuel economy, with a maximum payload capacity of 2,160 pounds (980 kg).
The all-new Silverado’s exterior design delivers on its reputation, as the industry’s strongest, most dependable and longest-lasting pickup truck. It has a broad, chiseled face, which accents a broad-shouldered stance and gives the Silverado a powerful, muscular presence. The front-end appearance is unique to Silverado, including the front fenders, grille, headlamps, bumpers, power dome hood, tail lamps, box design and flared rear fenders.
A large grille, wider and taller than previous models and a prominent gold bow tie are flanked by premium-look, reflector-optics headlamps. The power dome hood rises from the front end, alluding to the workhorse power plant beneath it, and the fast, 57-degree sloped windshield conveys improved fuel economy due to enhanced aerodynamics. The large, vertically stacked headlamps are pushed to the outer edges of the body and have a detailed, jeweled appearance that reinforces the trucks’ refinement.
Silverado models are more spacious inside, with increased storage capacity. Spaciousness is enhanced with new, “low and forward” instrument panels. The instrument panel offered as part of the LTZ trim level is 5 inches lower and farther forward than the previous model.
LTZ models feature a luxury-inspired interior with a unique instrument panel, door panels, larger-capacity center console that offers 20.1 liters of undivided storage and other distinct trim. A heated, 12-way, power-adjustable leather driver seat is standard, along with a six-disc CD/MP3-capable audio system, Bose speaker system and heated windshield washer system. Crew cab LTZ models add rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers, a rear-seat audio system and large glove box that offers approximately 5 liters of storage capacity. LTZ interior color schemes include Ebony, Dark Titanium/Light Titanium and Ebony/Light Cashmere combinations.
The rear seats for crew cab and extended cab models are improved with more supportive cushion material, firmer support structures and revised seat back angles. Extended cab models offer more legroom. Standard on crew cab models and available on extended cab models is a new, stadium-style rear seat with a 60/40-split design and folding center armrest. It can be easily folded up with one hand, without using a release handle, to provide an uninterrupted load floor. Or, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger.
Entry to the rear seat/storage area of extended cab models is eased with new rear access doors that open 170 degrees. Power-operated rear side windows lower completely into the 170-degree access doors, providing 100 percent openness on LT and LTZ trim level vehicles. A power sliding rear window is available on extended cab and crew cab configurations with LT and LTZ trim levels.
Built on GM’s new full-size truck platform, the ’07 Silverado incorporates features such as a new, fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. It supports wider front and rear tracks – approximately 3 inches (76.2 mm) wider in front and 1 inch (25.4 mm) wider in the rear – that enhance stability and driving confidence through a more secure road feel.
Responsive ride and handling traits deliver a heightened feeling of control while supporting class-leading capability, including segment-best towing capacity of 10,500 pounds (4,763 kg) and a maximum payload of 2,160 pounds (980 kg).
The front suspension consists of an all-new, coil-over-shock design that delivers linear, solid and unwavering ride-and-handling characteristics on all road surfaces. Also new is a rack-and-pinion steering system that provides precise and responsive control and enhanced on-center feel. A revised Hotchkiss-type rear suspension provides superior isolation and ride with a new, splayed arrangement for the shock absorbers.
Silverado models are powered by an efficient lineup of engines led by the segment’s highest-rated V-8 engine family. Advanced technology, such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) and variable valve timing (VVT), helps Silverado deliver the segment’s best fuel economy. A FlexFuel engine is available – and partnered with fuel-saving AFM – giving customers the choice of powering their truck with E85 ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both fuels. Light-duty engine offerings include: the engines are backed by proven Hydra-Matic electronically controlled automatic transmissions, including the proven 4L60 four-speed automatic and, with the 6.0L engine, a high-capacity 4L70 four-speed automatic.
Silverado delivers 360 degrees of safety protection through a stronger frame and body structure as well as industry- and segment-leading technology. It is also designed to provide increased compatibility with other vehicles. New features include segment-first StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, roof-mounted head curtain side air bags, which are integrated into strengthened chassis and body structures to provide excellent passenger protection, and segment-first safety belt pretensioners that activate during a rear-end crash. The head curtain side air bags are available on LT and LTZ models.
Driver control dynamics are enhanced by wider front and rear tracks, as well as more responsive suspensions – including a new coil-over-shock front suspension design and rack-and-pinion steering. Additional safety features are offered on Silverado, including factory-installed remote vehicle starting (segment exclusive), Autotrac active transfer case to help keep the vehicle sure-footed in slippery driving situations, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and a revised, easier-to-use tire pressure monitoring system.
All retail models come standard with the OnStar Generation 7 system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan. The OnStar service includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor who will check on the occupants or summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar can also assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen and provides remote door-unlocking service (for vehicles equipped with power locks).