2007 L.A. Auto Show
The 2009 Lincoln MKS goes on sale in early 2008.

Ford Motor Company's luxury brand has scored modestly higher sales during 2007, so executives were pleased to present an expected new sedan, the 2009 Lincoln MKS. It goes on sale in early 2008. Though built on the same basic platform as the Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable--even the wheelbase is the same--MKS has its own styling and suspension tuning, plus available all-wheel drive and a larger, 3.7-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower, 10 more than the related 3.5-liter Taurus/Sable V6. A twin-turbo V6 option will be added for 2010, power to be announced. The only transmission is a six-speed automatic.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
The Lincoln MKS is powered by a 270-horsepower 3.7-liter V6.

Standard wheels are 18-inchers, with 19s and 20s available. Also standard are antilock disc brakes, traction/stability control, curtain side airbags, leather upholstery by Britain's prestigious Bridge of Weir company, and an "Easy Fuel" filler that dispenses with the gas cap. Heated front and rear seats are standard, too. So is the new Ford Sync wireless connection that allows voice-controlled operation of cell phones and digital music players through the car's audio system. Available features include adaptive cruise control, keyless entry/engine start system, rain-sensing wipers, steering-linked xenon headlamps, a twin-panel sunroof, and a voice-activated navigation system with rearview camera.

MKS goes on sale early in 2008 at prices ranging from just under $38,000 base to just over $48,000 loaded. Lincoln says that's a $4000 advantage over a comparably equipped V6 Cadillac STS, one reason it expects 60 percent of MKS buyers to be first-time Lincoln owners. But despite its pricing and many nifty features, the MKS looks to us more like a near-luxury car than the full-fledged "flagship" it's claimed to be. Indeed, in size and price, it effectively replaces the old midrange LS. That doesn't mean MKS won't help Lincoln sales, but it may not be enough to restore this brand's luxury-car credentials.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
Lincoln MKS prices start at $38,000 for the base model to just over $48,000 loaded.

For more information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out: