2003 - 2004 Mercury Marauder

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Ford produced the Marauder as a high-performance version of the Mercury Grand Marquis sedan. The Marauder built in 2003–2004 targeted the 1994–1996 Chevrolet impala SS in being a contemporary full-size "muscle sedan."
The Mercury Marauder had a naturally aspirated 4.6 L V8 producing 302 hp and 318 ft·lbf of torque; this engine had many parts — including heads, cams, block and rotating assembly — in common with the 2003–2004 Mustang Mach 1. The Marauder featured a dual exhaust system with unique tailpipe tips, with custom designed chassis and suspension modifications – such as moving the rear shocks outboard of the frame-rails, which were later made available for the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis. The Marauder was fitted with the 4R70W 4-speed automatic in 2003 and received the upgraded 4R75W 4-speed automatic for 2004. The limited slip differential with a 3.55 rear axle ratio was borrowed from the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, as well as the aluminum drive shaft.
The 2003–2004 Marauder sales fell short of corporate forecasts, and after a production run of just 11,052 vehicles, the Marauder was discontinued at the end of 2004. However the Ford Performance Group began offering certificates verifing the Mercury Marauder as a Limited Production Vehicle.
Total production for the 2003–2004 Mercury Marauder was 11,052:
2003 – Total: 7839 (328 Dark Pearl Blue, 417 Silver Birch, 7094 Black)
2004 – Total: 3213 (981 Dark Toreador Red

- Mike Castiglione