Burlington, WI. Being among some of the enthusiasts of the first Mercury Marauder, it was clear the 2003 Marauder has an audience. Members of the Mercury Club of America joined the press at the MGA Proving Grounds and Crash Test Center in Burlington, Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago to test the likes of the 2003 Mercury Marauder. Returning after 30-some years, the Marauder’s were all dressed in black; most fitting for its moniker.

The press had the opportunity to drive a sixties Marauder back-to-back with a ’03 model. Quite a difference; however, much of the old spirit remains. Stirring up images of James Dean behind the wheel of a de-chromed Mercury Series 9CM (1949), Marauders of the past–and present–are rich in tradition.

Retaining its heritage, the Mercury Marauder possesses a strong brand name. In the hopes it will provide inspiration for the future, Mercury is bringing back the past, conjuring up images of 1963-64 when the first Marauder was introduced. Performance versions of Mercury’s Montclair and Monterey sedans, the Marauder debuted during the muscle-car era. Production Marauders capitalized on the success of the Bill Stroppe-prepared Marauder stock cars.

First introduced at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, the ’03 Mercury Marauder and Marauder Convertible concept are designed to deliver 1960s American muscle car flavor, coupled with modern driving dynamics, comfort, safety and low emissions. On sale this summer, the ’03 Marauder will be priced at $34,495, including $705 destination and delivery. The only options available are a trunk organizer ($200) and a trunk-mounted six-disc CD changer ($350). The Convertible is only a concept for now, but has received thumbs-up from most who have seen it. Should it go into production, the Marauder Convertible will hopefully appeal to the family man who wants performance. A comfortable, roomy sedan, Marauder will capitalize on the vast sedan market.

The ’03 Marauder sports a 4.6-liter DOHC V-8 engine, with four valves per cylinder producing 302 horsepower at 5,750 rpm. Marauder’s V-8 engine, for those who crave performance, the V-8 engine operates on premium unleaded fuel, with an EPA fuel economy of 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway. A rear-wheel-drive car, Marauder’s chassis is a full-perimeter frame with several enhancements. Compared to the Mercury Marquis, Marauder’s frame torsional rigidity has been increased 24 percent. The frame resists twisting and bending, while limiting noise, vibration and harshness from the transmission.

The power steering system is rack-and-pinion with speed-sensitive variable assist. With an improved steering feel and precision, this system weighs 22.5 pounds less than the conventional recirculating ball steering systems. A cast aluminum steering knuckle also saves weight.

Marauder rides on 18-inch by 8-inch, 10-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels and ultra-high-performance BF Goodrich g-Force T/A tires. P245/55WR18 rear tires have a higher aspect ratio than the front that gives the car a "muscle car rake." Maximum traction is assured by a slightly larger contact patch on the rear tires. The transmission is a 4-speed automatic with overdrive

There are so many enhancements and modifications on this vehicle, it makes your head spin. Only the die-hard Mercury Club member could possibly understand it all. The design especially appeals to Mercury Marauder fans. Finished in black gloss paint, the non-functional areas of the headlamp units are blacked out and the taillamp bezels are tinted dark to give a "understated" appearance. Available only in black/black (a Henry Ford dream) for 2003, Marauder may be available in a couple of other colors later; namely, dark blue.

The Marauder comes with only three options: traction control (later in ’02); moonroof and heated seats. Also available later in ’02 will be a lighter interior.

As one would expect, Marauder’s sound system is nothing short of spectacular: a 140-watt Alpine AM/FM/CD/Cassette player 6-CD changer optional), with four 100-amp speakers and a rear subwoofer. Controls are also mounted on the steering wheel, as are climate controls. For the large and tall, Marauder’s interior is way spacious: front seat/head/legroom is 42.5 inches (39.4 on the convertible). Rear seat/head/legroom is 39.4 inches.

The trunk is 21.6 cubic feet, roomy and complete with cargo-carrying paraphernalia, such as golf clubs.

Marauder sedan offers advanced safety technology, including four-wheel antilock brakes, side-impact airbags and the Personal Safety System (dual-stage front airbags that deploy based on crash severity, sensors to detect if front-seat occupants are wearing belts, a driver’s seat position sensor, and safety-belt pretensioners and load-limiting retractors. A chime rings to remind front seat driver and passenger to buckle up, and the vehicle is equipped with three compatible child safety seat anchors. All Marauders come with Securilock, a passive anti-theft system.

The Convertible, should it be built, will have a supercharged 335-horsepower V-8 (more than any other full-size convertible under $85,000), seat five, offer 38 inches of rear seat legroom and heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Passenger space is the same as the sedan, with 39.4 inches of front and rear seat/head/legroom. If produced, Marauder Convertible’s top would be a fully-lined power-folding unit, stored under a hard tonneau cover.

As of July 1, the all-new 2003 Mercury Marauder is off to a high-speed start, selling more than 5,200 units to customers and dealers prior to the first vehicle being delivered to the showroom. July 1 marked the official first day of sales for the car.

Body Style: 4-door, 5-passenger sedan
EPA Class: Large
Engine Type: All-aluminum 4.6-liter DOHC V-8; Supercharged 4.6-liter SOHC V-8
Fuel Mileage: 17/23
Transmission: 4-speed automatic with overdrive
Wheelbase: 114.7 in.
Length: 211.9 in.
Width: 78.2 in.
Height: 56.8 in.
Weight: 4,165 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 19 gallons
Warranty: 3 years/36,000-miles, bumper-to-bumper
3 years/36,000-miles Roadside Assistance