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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
limoman 6:01AM (2/26/2008)
Amazing interior. Exterior needs some work.
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limoman 6:08AM (2/26/2008)
I currently drive a Cadillac in NYC and have learned to hate it! This MK-T interior, as I stated earlier, is simply amazing! Do they ever say who was incharge of the interior?
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justnorm 5:27PM (3/28/2008)
Exterior looks a bit sad, specially the front. It looks like it ran into a wall!
But more exciting are the rumors being spread by my "Design friends" at GM.
According to the rumor mill, the interior, which is spectacular, is being promoted by ford media as a CHIC DESIGNED INTERIOR! And the 3 woman designers in question admit to never having designed an interior. OK.
Apparently this interior was designed by some guy they sent off to Europe (Germany I think) immediately after the car was completed to allow these 3 amazing designers (or better yet imposters) who had NOTHING or very little to do with this interior!!!!!!!
Ford, if you think the people would not find out, then your every bit as stupid as the 3 ditze's you are trying to pass as designers! They more like admistrative assistants hearing them interviewed!!!!!!
FORD MOTOR COMPANY YOUR SAD!!!!!! The true designer/s should quite immediately!
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datthang 2:01PM (3/31/2008)
justnorm,
I work at Chrysler and heard the same, only that the true designer wanted to travel to Germany and the women from ford media pushed it through! I also heard they are all 3 color and material girls were promoted to designer position when the design was 3/4 completed. And all 3 are VERY high maintenance!
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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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Rick 3:01PM (1/15/2008)
Ick, not liking it at all.
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Rick 3:01PM (1/15/2008)
Ick, not liking it at all.
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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.
mr.ed 1:49PM (1/14/2008)
It's a rebodied CX-9, right?
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Mike Botros 2:48PM (1/14/2008)
nope... CX-9 is on CD3 platform with Edge and MKX
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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