Despite reports that Mercury will not get a version of the Ford Freestyle, several Mercury badged versions have been spotted on the roads around Detroit. Since Ford has decided not to cancel the Freestyle despite poor sales, a Mercury version based on the Meta One Concept makes financial sense and likely would boost production at least slightly.

While we can’t see it from these images, the folks at Winding Road say this prototype has a Mercury waterfall grille, and have seen other prototypes before. Expect the Mercury version, which may be named the Magellan or the Monticello, to feature Ford’s new 3.5L V6 — the Freestyle will also get it — and come with 18 inch wheels standard.

It makes sense for Ford to keep producing the Freestyle, its only seven seat crossover, at least until the Fairlane concept comes out. But production of the Mercury version only give Mercury another badge-engineered Ford in its lineup. Expect the Freestyle to get the axe after the Fairlane reaches production and for Ford to keep producing the Mercury badged version.

## Source: Winding Road ##

Posted in: Ford, Mercury, Spy Shots, Crossovers, Future Vehicles
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