2000 Mercury Sable: Performance

The 2000 Mercury Sable's key powertrain objectives were to increase midrange torque, improve the feeling of performance and lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

A number of engine enhancements have allowed these objectives to be met to deliver a vehicle with the added performance benefits customers desire.

Vulcan 3.0-liter V-6

• 153 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm eight more horsepower than 1999.
• 182 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm 12 lb.-ft. more torque than 1999.

Duratec 3.0-liter V-6

• 200 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm.
• 200 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,500 rpm.

The Duratec engine is 30 pounds lighter thanks to composite cam covers and intake manifold, fabricated steel exhaust manifold and a single exhaust system that maintains the same back-flow pressure as the former dual exhaust system.

Other refinements to the Duratec engine include:

• A tumble port combustion system for improved spark delivery, reliability and durability.
• A modified exhaust gas recirculation system for improved flow control.
• A new air pickup that provides colder air for cooling and reduced powertrain noise.

Both the Vulcan and Duratec engines meet Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards in California and the 14 northeastern "green" states. Sable also meets or exceeds standards for both federal and California Air Resource Board emissions compliance in:

• Tailpipe emissions
• Evaporative emissions
• On-board refueling vapor recovery
• On-board diagnostics compliance
• Cold carbon monoxide (CO) tailpipe emissions
• Fuel tank temperature profile

A new, low backpressure, single-exhaust system is used for both engines. This system is designed to create less backpressure than the single and optional dual exhaust systems for enhanced durability.

Numerous transmission enhancements, including adaptive shift control programming and a new digital transmission range selector switch, combine to provide smoother shifts across a wide range of driving conditions.

Steering, suspension and brake system refinements for the 2000 Sable help improve ride smoothness and vehicle dynamics, while providing a quieter interior environment.

Steering is enhanced through a revised boost curve and steering pump valving to improve on-center feel, while a new pulse suppresser for the power steering hoses helps quiet steering when moving off of full left or right lock.

An adjustment to the 2000 Sable's front alignment enhances highway directional stability and helps reduce wind wander. Retuned front struts and revised front springs are designed to soften the ride without compromising driving dynamics and handling.

Rear suspension enhancements include revised spring rates to improve ride plushness and comfort. The rear roll center is also raised almost an inch to help reduce body sway while cornering.

To reduce noise, vibration and harshness inside the passenger compartment, a new lightweight instrument panel insulator absorbs sound from the engine compartment instead of simply acting as a sound barrier. The carpet barrier also is twice as heavy, providing an additional 12 pounds of floor pan insulation to reduce road and tire noise entering the passenger compartment. A new rear wheel-well acoustic spray helps reduce road-generated tire noise.