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Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT stops to rest in Pennsylvania
by Sam Abuelsamid on Oct 22nd 2008 at 11:01AM 
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In the old days we relied on people like Jim Dunne and Hans Lehman to hide in the bushes near automotive test sites in order to get previews of upcoming vehicles. Now, thanks to camera phones and tiny point-and-shoot digital cameras, our very own readers are able to snap spy pics and let us know in minutes. Such was the case for Autoblog reader Mike, who recently spotted a partially camouflaged crossover sitting at a Pennsylvania rest stop. The vehicle in question is the upcoming Lincoln MKT. We first saw the MKT as a concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show and the production model will appear next January in Detroit. The MKT shares its underpinnings with the Ford Flex and should come with power provided by the same 3.7L V6 used in the MKS sedan as well as the new twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Unlike the concept, which had its interior packaged as a luxury four-seater, the production model is expected to get three rows of seats with room for up to seven passengers. What's not known at this point is whether the truck-based Navigator will live on after the MKT debuts. We're betting it won't for very long. Thanks to Mike for the tip and photos!
Gallery: Lincoln MKT - spy shots
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[Source: Mike]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TJ 11:07AM (10/22/2008)
That looks huge.
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moyoi 4:07PM (10/22/2008)
that's what she said
bigbuck17 11:09AM (10/22/2008)
Now this is looking sweet,Lincoln is on the right track with there new cars.
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Flashpoint 1:06PM (10/22/2008)
I'm sure this will look good in person but I think Lincoln is actually on the WRONG TRACK.
The MKS for example was released severely underpowered with a regular V6 instead of the Twin Turbo V6 Ford had been promising it would be released with for the past 2 years. The MKS also has a terrible transmission that makes a lackluster engine even worse. Compare that to Hyundai's Genesis with a V8 and a V6 that blow the MKS away.
The MKX is not selling well anymore because of the credit crisis and because the Edge (and other Crossovers) offer what the MKX offers at lower prices and with more powerful engines. Right now, the Flex is outselling both the MKZ and Edge.
The Navigator is on its deathbed. I think the days of large underperforming trucks are over - but, also - the styling of the Navigator SUCKS when compared to the Escalade. The only thing Navigators have over Escalade's is higher towing capacity and a larger fold-flat 3rd row.
The MKT looks to me like playing catchup with the SRX. The MKX is not a decent comparison to the SRX because of the size inequalities.
The prices of Lincon's are TOO HIGH to justify themselves. Lincoln needs to decrease its prices on every one of its line by $5000.
I personaly think Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will always remain together but I feel Ford may end up dropping Volvo. Ford needs to ensure each of its vehicles is doing something important and makes sense for the future.
psu48187 5:37PM (10/22/2008)
@Flashpoint:
Where and what press release did you read specifically calling for the TT V-6 to be introduced anytime before the launch in 2009? Nevermind, there isn't one. And if you think the D37 is not powerful enough, I strongly suggest you don't drive a 528i or an E350. I'm guessing you have had some serious seat time in the MKS to deem the transmission what you have?
The MKX doesn't sell well partially because of the lack of tech and overall differentiation over the the Edge.
Why would anyone play catch up with the SRX? How many of them have you seen in the past few weeks (I'll wait for that answer)? This is simply Ford's attempt to plug the holes in Lincoln's lineup that has been lacking.
And this price reduction of 5K, it doesn't make much sense at all. What are you using as the justification for it? If that's the case BMW, MB and Audi should all look into cutting their prices as well because IMO they are all overpriced in a lot of areas. It's a luxury brand it isn't all about thrift my friend, it's about coddling and having the latest and greatest. Areas where Lincoln lagged, but appear to be catching if not surpassing the competition.
That One Person 8:11PM (10/22/2008)
Wrong track? Lincoln is doing better than it was just a few years ago because of these supposed craptastic products.
MKS? Severely underpowered? Not so much. A tad underpowered? Kinda. But some people don't understand that it isn't a sports car. And if I am not mistaken, the six speed auto in the MKS is the same unit used in all of Ford's FWD applications...a transmission that has been praised many times. I have test driven an MKS and can tell you it's a nice unit.
MKX? I sort of agree.
Navi? It is a heck of a lot cheaper than the Escalade and I believe it outsells it. So that's a third thing it has over the Caddy.
As for the rest? No one is playing catch up to the SRX.
And the prices are a matter of opinion. I think the MKS is priced fine. Same with the rest of their vehicles.
Hamud 11:10AM (10/22/2008)
The interior looks nice.
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Jei 1:55PM (10/22/2008)
I agree. The interior is a definite step up. If I didn't know it was a Lincoln, I'd assume it was some other luxury brand's work. Good job.
fixitfixitstop 11:14AM (10/22/2008)
I am still finding the new Lincoln naming convention confusing as all hell, and I'm a car nut! Imagine what Joe Plumber would be doing shopping for one.
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TKOsoccer03 5:22PM (10/22/2008)
Huh!! How does it differ from STS/CTS/DTS .. or C/Cl/CLK/M/G/etc...
It's really not confusing at all .. I think you're not very smart. Even my mom, a 51 year old teacher, knows the difference.
Anyway .. this is going to be a very good looking car. The interior is nothing short of amazing, just like any other Lincoln interior.
Polly Prissy Pants 12:23PM (10/22/2008)
Ditto that. I thought the MKT was a pickup truck? WTH?
C.W. 11:22AM (10/22/2008)
wow, what a pleasant surprise! it looks so much better than initial spy shots!
it looks very smooth and sexy and that center stack in the interior looks sweet!
way to go Lincoln! hurry!
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John P. 11:24AM (10/22/2008)
The Interior looks beautifully done and the grille looks more bold than the sedan (MKS?) which is a VERY good thing. Both a great move by Lincoln. Keep it up Lincoln and you might have a future.
I'm with fixit on the naming convention. Confusing.
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Tagg 11:55AM (10/22/2008)
That definately does NOT look like it platform mate the Ford Flex. It looks like Ford is sticking to their word (a new thing lately) when they said they were no longer going to make a Lincoln a Ford trim level.
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John P. 11:25AM (10/22/2008)
Hey, did you guys notice the big red "panic button" on the dash! That's funny.
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Hamud 12:43PM (10/22/2008)
I see that panic button in every test car posted here on Autoblog.
Sam Abuelsamid 1:33PM (10/22/2008)
The kill switch is standard in all prototype vehicles. It's typically used to disable the abs/stability control system in the event of a software bug to allow the vehicle to be stopped
John P. 2:11PM (10/22/2008)
Thanks guys. It's just so huge, how did I miss it? probably more interested in looking at the car instead of panic buttons.
Thanks again for the heads up.
Yaroukh 11:26AM (10/22/2008)
I'm quite afraid they watered down the side-view profile, I'm speaking about the bottom edge of side-windows... I really do hope I'm wrong, but if it is true then "that is the FoMoCo as we know it"...
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John P. 11:30AM (10/22/2008)
Yeah, that profile made the vehicle stand apart in the crowd. I hope they kept that, but you may be right that it's watered down at the least.