Lincoln Mercury Ford Twins Get Big Updates for 2010

The Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ are what they call in the auto world ‘twinned models’. They differ with styling details on the exterior, and varying features in the cabin, but the three vehicles share aplatform. Furthermore, twinned vehicles often use the same powertrain lineup. Ford first released the trio of entries in 2006.  At the most recent LA Auto Show Ford rolled out three redesigns for the 2010 Ford Fusion, 2010 Mercury Milan and the 2010 Lincoln MKZ. All three cars retain the old Mazda 6-derived CD3 platform, so how have they changed?

The most noticeable changes to the 2010 Fusion happen in the front fascia.  The headlights have lost both the squircles and the vertical design from the previous model, replaced by an aggressive horizontal set encompassing a pair of projector lamps.The hood has now been completely reshaped. The lower fascia is now comprised of a large central opening flanked by chrome detailing wrapping around the outer edge, giving visual continuity with the upcoming Fiesta small car. The outer surround features an aggressive trapezoidal form diving into the lower fascia opening while housing two small projector fog lamps. The chrome detailing here represents Ford’s attempt at heightening the perceived quality of its new mid-size contender.

The 2010 Milan takes a subtle approach to its front end sheet metal changes. The waterfall grille is now wider and takes on a trapezoidal form with a large chrome strip on its top edge. An upward facing bevel runs around the lower edge and rises to meet the hood, running rearward to the outer edge of the windshield. The headlights lose their horizontal form from the previous model and now feature an attractive vertical layout flowing downward from the hood. The peak of the front fender runs down to the edge of the lower fascia and wraps rearward to create a small light catcher just before the front wheel arch. The front reflector has moved from the fascia cutline of the previous car to the flat edge of the wheel arch, following in line with the revised vertical headlight design. The lower opening of the fascia is now lower and wider and has two projector fog lamps neatly tucked within.

The 2010 MKZ carries on with horizontal LED tail lights that are now much wider, prominent and better detailed, almost touching in the center of the trunk surface. The top edge of the bumper surface wraps upward toward the front of the car and ties in with the rear forward swept surface of the MKR concept while the lower edge features two blackout sections for the dual exhaust and reflectors. Overall the rear design appears taller, wider and more elegant than the 06-09 MKZ. Looking for more details? Read our complete 2010 Linoln MKZ review for a closer look at this model. For consumers interested in the Ford twin, read more about the 2010 Ford Fusion at a Ford Dealership.