2008 model year. This was reflected in the fourth generation Grand Marquis' styling shifting over to the more generic look of the third-generation Crown Victoria, combining elements of both vehicles into one model that would serve both customer bases. In 2010, the Grand Marquis marked 35 years of production, overtaking the Cougar as the longest-produced nameplate sold by the Mercury brand. In September 2010, after a short production run, the final versions for retail sale were produced. Slated to end production in December 2010, the production of fleet models was extended due to a parts shortage at the St. Thomas, Ontario factory. On January 4, 2011, the last Grand Marquis was produced in St. Thomas; it was the last Mercury produced by Ford. Chassis While styling changes to the 2003 Grand Marquis were evolutionary, the changes to the Panther platform were far more extensive. To improve chassis rigidity, an all-new frame was introduced with fully boxed and hydroformed frame rails. In an effort to improve handling, the front and rear suspension were redesigned along with the brakes. A quiet EBD brake booster with a mechanical panic assist system was added. The new suspension changes required changing wheel designs to those with a high positive offset. Rack and pinion steering replaced the old recirculating ball system in an effort to increase steering precision and reduce costs. In standard versions of the Grand Marquis, the rear-axle ratio was 2.73:1; in LSE and versions with the handling suspension, a 3.27:1 rear-axle ratio was used. The handling package was standard equipment on LS-trim export models. For 2008, the Handling and Performance Package, as well as the 5-passenger front bucket-seat option, were both discontinued; both were similar to the Crown Victoria's LX Premium Sport and Handling Package. These were the only post-1992 Grand Marquis variants produced for North America to be equipped with dual exhaust. For the 2003 model year, the Grand Marquis retained the version of the Modular V8 introduced in 2001. Single-exhaust versions produced 220 hp, while the dual-exhaust version raised output to 235 hp. During the redesign, a number of changes were made to the engine. The oil pan was enlarged 20% to six quarts and an engine knock sensor was made standard. Other changes included an intake manifold with an aluminum water crossover and an electronic returnless fuel system. The new engine was distinguished by a redesigned engine cover, featuring a