No Surprise: Lincoln green-lights the MKT
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKT concept.
As reported earlier, Lincoln has given the MKT crossover the green-light, with the production version set to debut in Detroit this January and sales beginning sometime next year.
The MKT is built atop the same platform as the Ford Flex, but Lincoln insists that the two models won't share a single body panel. Power will be provided by either a 3.7-liter V6 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, equipped with direct-injection and a turbocharger, however a hybrid drivetrain will not be offered. A six-speed automatic gearbox, complete with paddle shifters, will be standard, along with seven-passenger seating, a power-folding third-row seat, heated and cooled, first- and second-row thrones and the SYNC in-car entertainment system. Options will include a new sat-nav, Sirius Travel Link, an auto-park feature (similar to that found on the Lexus LS460) and a Cross Traffic Alert system that alerts drivers to obstacles when backing out of a parking space.
Make the jump for the press release.
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Gallery: Lincoln MKT Concept
PRESS RELEASE
LINCOLN MKT PRODUCTION CONFIRMED; ALL-NEW THREE-ROW LUXURY CROSSOVER TO LAUNCH IN 2009
- Lincoln continues to expand its portfolio of luxury vehicles with the all-new, three-row Lincoln MKT set to be introduced during calendar year 2009 and redesigned Lincoln MKZ sedan to be shown at 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show
- Lincoln MKT to be available with Ford's EcoBoost™ engine and fuel-efficient six-speed transmission, offering consumers a new way to tour in style
- Based on the Lincoln MKT concept from the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the production version will feature the timeless elegance of Lincoln's signature design cues, industry-leading comfort and convenience technologies like SYNC and comprehensive safety and security features
"The Lincoln MKT reinforces our commitment to further expand America's fastest-growing luxury brand, providing an all-new vehicle to the showroom that's been crafted and honed for a new kind of customer," said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president of The Americas.
"The MKT will offer the comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a crossover and the performance of a sports sedan, courtesy of its EcoBoost engine," he added. "At the same time, this perfect blend of performance and power is elegantly wrapped in the refined design cues that have become synonymous with modern Lincolns."
The Lincoln MKT will build on a string of successful Lincoln products launched in recent years. The Lincoln MKX, a two-row crossover, and the Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan have earned high praise from consumers and continue to gain share in their respective segments.
The flagship Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, introduced earlier this summer, has seen strong early sales, as well. Dynamic and clean-lined, the Lincoln MKS is the first production vehicle to embrace the strong new Lincoln design DNA. New Lincoln products, including the new MKT crossover, will feature this distinctive new Lincoln design language as well as industry-leading technologies.
The Lincoln MKT crossover will join the Lincoln lineup in calendar year 2009, along with an upgraded Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan – plus an additional version of the flagship Lincoln MKS sedan powered by an EcoBoost engine.
In addition to a fuel-efficient 3.7-liter normally aspirated V-6 engine, the Lincoln MKT also will offer an EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 engine that will deliver an estimated 340 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Lincoln MKT will join other vehicles early in the EcoBoost engine technology rollout, including the Lincoln MKS luxury sedan and Ford Flex.
EcoBoost engines feature turbocharged direct injection technology and deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent improved emissions than larger-displacement engines. In the Lincoln MKS and MKT, for instance, the EcoBoost engine delivers the fuel economy of a V-6 engine but the performance feel of a V-8.
Ford is making a significant commitment to EcoBoost engine technology. Within five years, the company plans to produce 750,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles annually – in vehicles ranging from small cars to full-size pickups in markets around the world.
"EcoBoost engine technology is another symbol of what luxury means today," Fields said. "Lincolns should drive as beautifully as they look, delivering as much refinement on the road as their designs do even while standing perfectly still."
Taking cues from its performance sedan sibling and the MKT concept vehicle first shown at the North American International Auto Show in January, the Lincoln MKT will feature the distinctive bow-wave, double-wing grille; clean, uncluttered surfaces; powerful, dynamic beltline; chamfered surface running parallel to the beltline; significant D-pillar that smoothly transitions into the cantilevered roof and a powerful roofrail.
"Embracing the same spirit as the concept, the Lincoln MKT's design represents harmony in motion, balancing sculptured shapes and contours traditionally associated with beautiful cars on a crossover vehicle that offers the luxury of space and efficient, powerful performance," said Peter Horbury, Ford's executive director of Design for The Americas.
The MKT will provide seating for up to seven passengers and all the latest in-car connectivity technologies that customers have come to expect from Lincoln.
This includes a new version of SYNC, the company's industry-leading connectivity technology that fully integrates customers' Bluetooth technologies including mobile phones and MP3 players.
Plus, next-generation navigation system technology and new safety and security features will be available, including the new Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross Traffic Alert System.
Working in conjunction with the blind spot information system, Cross Traffic Alert warns the driver of impending traffic while backing out of a parking spot.
When cross traffic is approaching, an indicator light provides a warning in the corresponding outside mirror, as well as an audible warning.
Cross Traffic Alert utilizes the blind spot system's two multibeam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels – one per side. These modules identify when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone; an indicator light provides a warning in the outside mirror corresponding to the side in which the vehicle is approaching.
The system can pick up an object moving at up to 18 miles per hour within a 65-foot range – or three parking spaces – from either the left or right side of the vehicle.
The Lincoln MKT will be manufactured in Ford Motor Company's Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. Additional product details will be made available closer to the Lincoln MKT's launch.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
tankd0g 3:12PM (8/15/2008)
Fiscker got a job there?
Reply
tankd0g 3:13PM (8/15/2008)
err, Fisker
Randy 3:17PM (8/15/2008)
Fisker?
From this angle... This ride looks SICK (in a good way)
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iCameiSawiConquered 3:22PM (8/15/2008)
Ugly as f*ck. wow...few people will be caught dead driving this........thing.
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Vintage 12:29AM (8/19/2008)
I think it looks badass. I love it. It looks retro, aerodynamic, and fast. I hate SUVs and crossovers, but this thing looks amazing. :D'`'`'`'`
meshies 8:17PM (8/15/2008)
your curazy.... the concept is gorgeous. Though, I can guarantee the production form will be ass.
Volk 10:37PM (8/15/2008)
Sorry buddy, you are tasteless, the car is gorgeous, darn gorgeous. Wow, I'm starting to get back the respect for American designers, there are still some talented people there.
Torrent 10:58PM (8/16/2008)
ugly? are you sure you're looking at that MKT? It's one of the best lincoln designs in like...........25 years
Allan 3:25PM (8/15/2008)
"Lincoln insists that the two models won't share a single body panel"
Looking at the MKT, I can't really decide this is a good thing or a bad think. The Flex is pretty ugly IMO, but I'm just not sure if this is an improvement...
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Volk 10:41PM (8/15/2008)
If your avatar even a slight reflection of you, then don't worry, it is not marketed to that kind of folks
Mike B. 3:32PM (8/15/2008)
oh it'll change slightly i'm sure by the time it launches... i'm really glad to hear that the redesigned MKZ will be out in 2009. My MKX lease ends at the end of 2009. I miss the ride of a car more than the cross over. And i need something more affordable. I'd love an MKS but hopefully in the MKZ redesign all the features launching with the MKS will make it down there, as well as the smoother ride.
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MD Drew 4:12PM (8/15/2008)
The thing I can't see, is how this concept can be a 7-seater. The second row captain's chairs end where the roof line begins to drop (photo 14 of 41). Combine that with the sloping rear window, and there's no room left for a 3rd row.
What that tells me is that Ford has to either
1, make it a lot longer,
2, move the second row up and compromise leg room, or
3, dramatically alter the rear end, pushing the roof back further and increasing the boring, mni-van factor.
ASEVENSEE4 3:35PM (8/15/2008)
If the MKT looks close to the concept, WOW another hit for Ford, even the EDGE sold highly on it's looks. I just hope they do it right with the final styling, and transmission programming. Because IMO they could sharpen the shifts and responsiveness, or give us an S mode. I drove an EDGE for a month and the transmission wasn't quick enough.
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ASEVENSEE4 3:36PM (8/15/2008)
I just wanted to say..
FORD IS COMING BACK!!
Purifoy 3:36PM (8/15/2008)
Owwww! My eyes! This thing is hideous!
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Jared 4:36PM (8/15/2008)
I agree. I really don't like that grill.
Stuka 3:37PM (8/15/2008)
I love the looks of it. I hope the production model keeps most of the looks of the concept. I will be very curious as to what the EPA ratings for the EcoBoost wil be. The 3.7L should give it the same as the Flex (24-25hwy). So maybe the 3.5 will do the same, but with an extra 80hp.
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.josh. 3:42PM (8/15/2008)
Looks like Ford is finally doing there job, some hate the MKT and some love it. Glad their designs are finally polarizing instead of middle of the road.
I for one like it, can't wait to see it on the road.
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Chris 3:52PM (8/15/2008)
Exactly! Every good design people either love or hate. If it just gets a shrug of the shoulders, then you've got another Freestyle on your hands.
That One Person 4:30PM (8/15/2008)
People may dog Lincoln for having FWD vehicles but I really don't care. And I doubt many Lincoln drivers do too.
I think as long as the vehicles have a nice ride, look good, have lots of standard equipment, etc, people will buy them.
And while I have dogged Acura for being FWD, I am starting to give them a break.
I hope to God that the MKT looks like that. It looks good.