Lincoln revival includes production of MKT, killing Mark LT pickup
Click above for high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKT Concept
When Ford previewed the 2009 Ford F-150 ahead of the Detroit Auto Show, it was non-committal when asked how the new top shelf Platinum edition would affect the Lincoln Mark LT luxury pickup. While the Mark LT proved to be more commercially successful than the previous Blackwood, the concept of a Lincoln-branded luxury pickup appears destined for the scrap heap once again. Ford's premium brand will instead expand its crossover lineup by adding the Lincoln MKT that debuted as a concept in Detroit. The full-size MKT is based on the same platform as the Ford Flex, but features all of Lincoln's new design language from the split grille to the belt-line chamfer. While the concept had a four-seat layout, the production version will almost certainly have a third row, as well. Ford is currently finalizing the design with consumer clinics and Job 1 should happen sometime in spring 2009.
Gallery: Lincoln MKT Concept
[Source: Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Avinash machado 10:45AM (3/17/2008)
With Lincoln expanding its lineup I guess poor Mercury will get axed. Hope I am wrong.
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geo.stewart 11:31AM (3/17/2008)
mercury will not get the ax yet. if you look at what they are doing, Mercury will be a brand focused on women. IF that is successful, mercury lives. If not, then we will see.
most of the new designers for mercury are women, Jill has become a strong identity for Mercury. Its not a bad move. Women make up roughly 50% of population so focus on them, see how it goes. they have a brand just lying around.
Jared 11:40AM (3/17/2008)
I hope you are right. There is no brand equity left in Mercury. Ford needs to cut costs. Put the Mercury money into Ford and Lincoln.
Judy Zik 10:52AM (3/17/2008)
From the looks of things Oakville is going to be busy when you add this into the Edge/MKwhatever and the Flex. Ford will probably actually have a modern Flex plant working at full capacity producing profitable vehicles that people want. One down, lord knows how many to go.
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SPG 10:45AM (3/17/2008)
Sorry to all the Mark LT owners, aspiring owners, or fans.
I am happy to hear that this seemingly poorly planned spite to the Lincoln brand is getting cut.
This truck seems to of received the Mercury treatment more then the Lincoln treatment for that matter.
And for those who want a fancy F-150? There's always the King Ranch edition.
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rar 11:21AM (3/17/2008)
Even better than that, they could get a Sierra Denali.
MTU 5.0 10:55AM (6/10/2008)
SPG, the 09' F-150 Platinum will fit the bill for a luxury type truck. It's a pretty good looking rig too.
NOreasonY 10:47AM (3/17/2008)
I really like this new MKT CUV they have there, Def different, Cant wait to see one in person.
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henrykrinkle 10:48AM (3/17/2008)
To Lincoln:
Please keep the trapezoidal exhaust outlets like you should have done with the MKS but didn't. It looks so much cleaner and more finished than the simple, round, under bumper outlets the MKS ended up with. I know it probably costs a little more and some will say it's just copying Lexus, Acura, etc. but it looks good and these new Lincolns deserve that finishing touch.
Thank you,
A current Lincoln owner
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TriShield 11:02AM (3/17/2008)
Not much of a revival.
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That One Person 6:17PM (3/17/2008)
Really? Is that why Lincoln's sales have skyrocketed.
Sure, they are no Caddy but Lincoln is doing just fine.
Now, Mercury on the other hand...
Chris 11:34AM (3/17/2008)
Love this front end more so than any current lincoln/mercury product.
the front end they use on current products is just abysmal
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Cajun_Mike 11:56AM (3/17/2008)
This vehicle could be something special if there is a nice powerplant underneath the hood (which is highly doubtful). Too bad it's not out now so I can consider it. As a current owner of a 2004 Lincoln Aviator, I'm purchasing the new 2009 Infiniti FX50 in June.
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henrykrinkle 12:15PM (3/17/2008)
A nice powerplant is highly probable with the Ecoboost (340hp in the MKS). The Flex is getting it so this certainly will.
Cajun_Mike 1:19PM (3/17/2008)
I have strong doubts that the brass at Ford will put an engine in this thing that will make it competitive with the Infiniti FX and other luxury SUV's. Certainly it is hoped that they dont try and cram a third row of seats in this thing.
Seriously, when was the last time that Ford led any segment as far as horsepower and zero-to-60 times? I'm a Ford man too, just know we won't see paddle shifters, sport options and a zero-to-60 in under 8 seconds. While the new FX50 will be in the 6 second range, the FX35 not far behind and loads of technology. The U.S. automakers have been drilled into submission by CAFE and the environmental alarmists.
That One Person 6:16PM (3/17/2008)
Why is it doubtful? Cuz past CEOs made a ton of mistakes? I wouldn't put it past Ford's new(ish) management to put some power under the hood of this thing. And I am sure Mullaly is smart enough to realize that to keep this competitive, it will need power.
Who else has a bargain muscle car that can hit 60 in five seconds flat? Heck, there are reports that even the Challenger SRT-8 won't be able to do that. And you know it won't be able to do that in any other trim. And Ford does have products that can hit 60 in under 8 seconds.
Acceleration, sport options (which Ford IS doing...the upcoming Edge Sport, the sport package for the Fusion, etc.) and paddle shifters don't sell cars. I doubt many Lincoln customers would like paddle shifters.
psarhjinian 10:01PM (3/17/2008)
It's a pity that people feel the need for Ford to rule all in terms of powertrain performance. Ford makes--by a long shot--the most adroitly tuned chassis of any domestic manufacturer class-by-class, and certainly the best steering racks of any mainstreamer save Mazda (for obvious reasons).
That they don't win horsepower races, and that they lose sales, is a travesty, because most of their cars, from the Focus and Lincoln LS onwards, have been a blast to drive. Sure, GM and Toyota could build something faster, but both companies have, with few exceptions, made cars with less steering feel in their rack then Ford has in the radio's tuning know.
This attitude lost us the Lincoln LS and the SVT Focus. Why make sweet-handling cars when some neanderthal journalist (or buyer) is going to fixate on how much faster some knuckle-dragging torque-monster is.
(can you tell this bugs me?)
Cajun_Mike 11:54PM (3/17/2008)
psarhjinian, I'm a current owner of a 2004 Lincoln Aviator and love the way it drives. I know what you're talking about in regards to steering and driveability. My wife just bought the new Acura MDX and I cannot stand the way that vehicle drives. It is a workout to turn that wheel. I can steer my Aviator with my pinky.
The point I'm trying to make is that there are plenty of CUV's on the market for the budget conscious and those looking for gas mileage. Most luxury buyers, want luxury, power, technology and the best of everything. They might not like the cost of a gallon of gas, but they hate a zero-to-60 in 9-plus seconds more (Enclave, hint hint).
Torrent 12:07PM (3/17/2008)
Good Mark LT Sucked. I hope they carry this MKT's grille into production.
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k.w.a 12:13PM (3/17/2008)
it's a little odd-looking, but that may be just what lincoln needs...a design language that stands out.
The styling won't be for everyone, but it would attract someone, and that's really all that matters. the worst thing lincoln can do is make a bunch of mediocre looking cars; that is, a car that people only buy if they can't yet afford a better one in its class. ( like what most acuras are, and what infiniti used to be). it's better to be last on somebody's list, but first on another's, instead of 3rd or 4th on everybody's list
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