2010 Lincoln MKT

2010 Lincoln MKT
2010 Lincoln MKT
As if it wasn't tough enough to keep Lincoln's product lineup straight, the automaker is throwing a T into the MKS, X, and Z mix.

Ford's luxury division is adding a third SUV to its lineup with the new-for-2010 Lincoln MKT. Loosely based on the concept version that dazzled audiences with its bold styling and swoopy lines at Detroit's 2008 show, MKT returns to the stage in production form. 

Fitting between Lincoln's large Navigator and its midsize MKX, this premium midsize SUV is based on Ford's Flex SUV. Where Flex is square, however, MKT is all curves and angles. Carried over from the concept version are a dramatic, winged grille and full width taillamps. MKT seats seven passengers in three rows of seats and features power fold and tumble second-row bucket seats.

CG Says...
Lincoln hasn't had much luck with its luxury pickups and SUVs. Aviator only lasted three model years and its Mark LT truck won't see model-year 2009. Its current MKX SUV isn't exactly flying off dealer lots, either. Will Ford's new EcoBoost engine make the difference with Lincoln's latest luxury SUV effort? 
Base MKTs get power from a 268 horsepower 3.7-liter V6. As featured in the concept version. Uplevel MKTs upgrade to the new 355 horsepower EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6. EcoBoost is what Ford calls its new turbocharged, direct-injection engines. Ford claims the 3.5 delivers V8 power with V6 fuel economy. According to the automaker, this engine will use 20 percent less gas than a V8 producing the same horsepower. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and available with front- or all-wheel drive.

Optional features include a panoramic sunroof, Ford's Sync voice-activated infotainment system, a navigation system, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a park assist feature similar to Lexus', and the new cross-traffic alert system.

MKT will be built alongside Edge and Flex at Ford's Oakville, Ontario, plant and arrive in showrooms in late 2009.

Lincoln C Concept

Lincoln C Concept
Lincoln C Concept

Lincoln unveiled a surprise concept at the Detroit Auto Show, one which forecasts its plans to enter the compact luxury segment and demonstrates the potential of its Sync infotainment system.

The C Concept is based on Lincoln's global small car platform and uses a new 178 horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, part of Ford's suite of turbocharged direct injection EcoBoost engines. Lincoln claims this engine is capable of 43 mpg highway fuel economy. 

C's futuristic Human Machine Interface (HMI) is meant to show the next possible phase of Ford's Sync technology: Surfing the Internet, dialoging with the vehicle, creating schedules via an interactive calendar...etc. While the automaker doesn't plan to build the C Concept, Lincoln did indicate the brand's interest in the premium compact car segment.

In other engine news, the automaker also announced that the 2010 MKS sedan will be available with MKT's 355-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, the first production Lincoln to use this engine. Lincoln expects the MKS with EcoBoost to deliver 10 percent better fuel economy than its V8 competitors and forecasts a combined 25 city/highway mpg. The current MKS has a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 275 horsepower when using premium-grade gas and 273 on regular.

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