Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Lincoln
Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT Concept is bold and bedazzled
by Damon Lavrinc on Jan 14th 2008 at 9:08AM 
click above for more high-res live shots of the Lincoln MKT
Lincoln's next iteration of its "Bow-wave" grille comes in the form of the MKT concept; essentially a low riding CUV that might hint at an MKX replacement. What Peter Horbury is describing as a new take on the Grand Tourer, the MKT aims to be a long-distance cruiser with enough amenities to keep four urban adults comfortable and isolated from the world around them.
The MKT's styling picks up a few of MKZ-inspired cues, particularly the krill grille and sharp crease in the hood. The few elements that stand out (there aren't many) are the Lincoln emblem embedded behind the front wheels that strafes off into a character line, the chunky C-pillar and the steep slope of the hatch. The MKT carries some of the exterior's swoop inside, along with the unfortunate addition of Bedazzled sill plates and door handles. Power comes courtesy of Ford's EcoBoost 3.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injected V6, producing 415 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
Viewed next to the Edge-based MKX, the MKT makes Lincoln's current CUV look staid and antiquated in comparison. It might not be the best application of the new line of Lincoln design cues, but it's combination of power and cruising capabilities might be exactly what's need next in the Lincoln lineup. Video of the live MKT concept reveal is available after the jump.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Taylor 9:16AM (1/14/2008)
Eh, I don't think this will grow on me. Somethings the grille works on, this is not one of them.
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John P. 9:25AM (1/14/2008)
Beautiful, now if Lincoln brings this DNA to the rest of the line-up they'll have plenty of reasons for people to come into the showrooms.
Finally, there are a couple Lincoln's worthy of the name. The MKS, now this.
And that Motor?!!! Maybe Lincoln should do a light-ish weight 2dr RWD with some of this DNA. I'd buy.
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doug 9:25AM (1/14/2008)
This is supposed to be a preview of the new 7 passenger Lincoln crossover based off the Flex platform - which will make it one huge crossover, considering the Flex is bigger than the Taurus X. I assume it will be expensive - high $30s to high $40s.
I would rather see a Lincoln version of the next Explorer, more of an SUV look. But maybe we'll get one of those too.
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geo.stewart 2:50PM (1/14/2008)
I dont think this is the lincoln flex. It mentions carrying 4 adults, not 7. It doesnt look big enough to be the flex counterpart.
I think it looks good though. would be happy to see this on the road...
DJ 9:26AM (1/14/2008)
Hmmmm, didn't we see this last year on the Chysler stand
http://www.chrysler.com/en/autoshow/concept_vehicles/nassau/
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yaroukh 9:45AM (1/14/2008)
yes, it has four wheels too
Vik 10:21AM (1/14/2008)
We did, yes. When we forgot to wear our glasses and take our meds.
DDL 9:28AM (1/14/2008)
Nice job distingishing this from the Flex and doing away with the cliche design cues of the MKX.
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John 9:28AM (1/14/2008)
My guess is this is the rumored vehicle based on the Flex underpinnings, not a replacement for the Edge-based MKX. The front end looks similar to the one on that Taurus X Frankenstein mule that was running around.
It looks like it might eat somebody (or something - my vote goes for the Honda Pilot to be the first meal), but I think it's pretty cool. Interesting to see how the menu of design elements talked about in last year's MKR concept have been utilized here, but somewhat differently: the upkick to the beltline, beveled edges, etc.
Certainly distinctive - bold statement that is also very different from Cadillac's origami stuff.
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John 9:34AM (1/14/2008)
I'm just blown away by it. Can't wait to see it at the Toronto show and at my Ford dealership. This one's for me.
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Daniel 1:07PM (1/14/2008)
Yes - build it now!!!!
My only suggestions are to change the name of the new V6 back to "TwinForce - with EcoBoost Technology." Also - offer this in a Hybrid form to allow the rich folks to make an Eco statement. This high end segment of the market is ripe for high class hybrids - big $$$ there.
John 9:37AM (1/14/2008)
Same here. This is what I have been waiting for from Ford.
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david damn 9:37AM (1/14/2008)
The bulge in the belt-line above the rear wheels is awful. The concept has potential, but it's not there yet.
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Vik 10:24AM (1/14/2008)
Looks like a modern take on the '61 Lincoln beltline, and I think it's a good thing.
chrisdavis 12:12PM (1/14/2008)
It looks really good except between the b- and c-pillars. It looks like they just couldn't figure out how to connect the front half to the back. The way the belt line changes from an angle to flat makes it look broken and the lack of surface detail is very plain compared to the front half. They should have continued the contours off the fender logos at least half way through the back doors.
Daniel 3:52PM (1/14/2008)
It is very good that this does not have the same sheet metal as the Ford Flex upon which it is based (D2 architectrue). Just making Lincolns "Fords with more chrome" has been killing a once great marque.
I for one really think this vehicle is great - now FoMoCo just bring the thing to market ASAP.
Yaroukh 9:44AM (1/14/2008)
yes, it has four wheels too
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Shawn 9:48AM (1/14/2008)
This is not a replacement for the MKX. MKX is on the CD3 platform...This is on the bigger D3 platform like Flex.
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FThorn 10:04AM (1/14/2008)
Very nicely done. But, I personally wont' bite.
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robert bell 10:04AM (1/14/2008)
Lincoln has been criticized for derivative and badge engineering styling as the primary reason it cannot compete with Cadillac in the luxury category vs. BMW, Lexus, et al. While I find a few things about this particulary design a bit off putting, I don't think you can call it derivative. If this is the Lincoln version of the Flex platform they have done a marvelous job of differentiating this car from its cheaper sibling.
The nose is a bit radical, but, overally, this "look" is exactly what Lincoln needs to make a statement that we stand for new American luxury and design. Going this far out may be a bit of a risk, but given the situationa Ford is in, a bit of a risk is worth taking vs. the alternative of producing another "me too" upmarket Ford.
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