The all-new 2008 Mercury Sable combines smart features with a new sophisticated design. Beneath the hood is a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine, winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, coupled with a class-exclusive, standard six-speed automatic transmission. And inside are many clever technologies, including the exclusive voice-controlled Sync communications and entertainment system.

The 3.5-liter, V-6 Duratec 35 engine produces 263 horsepower (an increase of nearly 30 percent over the outgoing Duratec 30) and 245 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is improved nearly 10 percent as well, thanks in part to Sable's six-speed automatic transmission. The available all-wheel-drive system - similar to the system used on the new Mercury Mariner - features an electronically controlled center coupling that can distribute exact amounts of torque from front to rear, up to 100 percent to either axle.

Sable's distinctive and modern look builds on the design themes featured in the Mercury Milan and Mercury Mariner. Sable's integrated front-end centers round Mercury's signature satin-aluminum waterfall grille, flanked by exquisitely detailed jeweled projector beam headlamps that sweep up over the front fenders. A core attribute of Mercury's design is the modern, airy interior, which complements the clean exterior. With Sable, this design direction comes to life in a two-tone interior trim with unique accents.

Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system; dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags; seat-deployed side air bags for driver and front passenger; Ford's safety canopy side curtain air bags for both rows of seats; Latch; SecuriLock passive anti-theft system; and more. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded Sable its Top Safety Pick designation for large family cars. Sable has also earned the maximum five-star rating in all crash test categories from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).