Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, Lincoln
Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT caught in the cold
by John Neff on Dec 23rd 2008 at 12:27PM 
Click above for high-res image gallery of 2010 Lincoln MKT spy shots
Just a year after the MKT Concept debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Lincoln will be unveiling the production version of its new three-row CUV next month at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Fortunately, our spy photographers have snapped the most revealing views yet of this new Lincoln being driven out on the snowy streets of Dearborn. As you can see, the production MKT holds true to the design direction set by the concept with the largest version yet of Lincoln's signature split-wing grille and that conspicuous kink at the base of the C-pillar. In profile, the MKT seems to share a roofline with the Audi Q7 that creates a soft arch from front to back, and the rear gate is also tilted far forward to avoid the upright, boxy look of a traditional SUV or CUV.
Though the MKT is based on the same platform and shares many components with the Ford Flex, you could never tell by looking at it. There's no badge engineering going on here, and one could argue whereas the Flex design focuses on slab sides and accentuates the horizontal, the MKT is soft and organic with a focus on being sinewy rather than blocky.
Our spy photographers also snapped the dash, which continues a trend at Lincoln of upgrading the materials and incorporating the latest technology. That's real wood stretching across the instrument panel, and you'd be hard pressed to find a larger navigation screen in any other production vehicle (other than another Ford or Lincoln).
Finally, we also noticed that this particular prototype is wearing all of its badging, including an EcoBoost badge that confirms at least one engine choice will be an EcoBoost V6 that features turbocharging and direct injection. Keep your eyes on Autoblog in early January for our coverage of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show where we'll finally see Lincoln's future in person.
Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKT - spy shots
[Photos: KGP Photography]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Kumail 12:30PM (12/23/2008)
i am liking the design of taillights on the lincoln suv's....
the grill is confusing though, it looks a little evil...
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Flashpoint 12:46PM (12/23/2008)
Lincoln designs stand on their own. The new MKZ and this MKT look fantastic and very upscale.
But what they need to do is hurry the Ecoboost TT engine and either get rid of or downsize Mercury. No one wants Mercury. Its Ford or Lincoln.
Maybe Mercury should be a group of coupes like a new Cougar, a 4-dr Sable,etc
Richard 1:45PM (12/23/2008)
What is it with these American designers?
They come up with a great design theme - which, IMO, Lincoln has done. Then, they stretch it, enlarge it, bastardize it and turn it into a caricature of itself. Why? This thing is fugly and it didn't need to be. Why?
Chris Bangle - American too - is just as guilty in this area.
happy_penguin 3:32PM (12/23/2008)
Paint and trim make a big difference. You can't tell with this pre-production paint scheme how the final product will look for sure. However, even having said that, the grille is quite massive and I think it should have been toned down a bit. The styling cues are right and are very Lincoln but perhaps too massive. I'll take a "wait and see" stance.
Silver 5:52PM (12/23/2008)
Wow, they should have gone with the *big* grille...
Sergey 12:36PM (12/23/2008)
I think it will look very elegant. And I like the interior!!!
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sbessette91 12:36PM (12/23/2008)
I didn't think I would like it, but I do. Especially the view of the front and the interior looks good, too.
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sbessette91 12:39PM (12/23/2008)
Oh, and I forgot to mention, just based on what I see here, I would rather have the MKT than the Q7.
revaholic 12:47PM (12/23/2008)
I am so not cool with Lincoln's new corporate grille. I think it looks goond on the MKS and might look good on this, but on the updated MKZ it just looks awful.
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Mazda FTW! 12:54PM (12/23/2008)
The names need more differentiation. MKS, MKT, MKR...
It's a real pity American carmakers gave up 'naming' cars to join the boring Germans and Japanese with the alphabets and numericals. I'd rather drive a "Corvette" than a 'S-GT"
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jv2k 1:00PM (12/23/2008)
I agree. With such memorable names as the pontiac G1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, the Cadillac cts/xlr/sts/dts, and the Lincoln ABCDEFG, I really miss a car being called something.
allaman 9:29PM (12/23/2008)
lol @ JV2K and his "Lincoln ABCDEFG"...that was the first smile on my face this week!
tarheelsxl 4:42AM (12/25/2008)
Mmm... right because the Accord, Civic, Pilot, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Legacy, Impreza, Altima, Maxima, Titan are examples of the "Japanese with the alphabets and numericals"
GoBlue 7:01AM (1/06/2009)
tarheelsxl,
Well, you see, Lincoln doesn't compete with the low end brands you mentioned, they compete with luxury brands, who have names like: IS250, IS350, GS400, RX400h, RSX, TSX, RL, TL, MDX, RDX, FX35, QX56,
Well, do any of them have names?!?
I miss cars that had names too. Mine doesn't have "all those alphabets and numbers." It's just a 6.
Gregg 1:00PM (12/23/2008)
Compared to the concept, this is much more conventional and conservative. It is good looking enough--and judging by the screams from autoblog posts, many people prefer cars that are more plain than daring. Still, I wonder if it will stand out enough to help Lincoln out much. At least the concept got noticed. This MKT blends in more.
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Foose1397 1:08PM (12/23/2008)
Nice job Ford/Lincoln. THe interior looks top notch and that is important for these cars.
side note, agree with revaholic the grill does work on everything except the after thought MKZ
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Andrew 1:13PM (12/23/2008)
I like it. I assume it will have more power than the Flex?
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Craig 1:23PM (12/23/2008)
what's the point of camouflage if there are cutouts for the make AND model? it seems to me they just want attention.
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Jim 1:40PM (12/23/2008)
I'm guessing by the look that this is from the second prototype build, those usually don't get full camouflage.
And I'd wager that Ford is deliberately allowing things like this and the Taurus to be photographed; probably in an effort to prove to people that they are indeed making relevant products.
RockStoneSteel 1:25PM (12/23/2008)
A total Acadia/Outlook knockoff. Instead of investing ridiculous sums of money in yet another huge SUV, how about offering the most basic of features, such as four wheel disc brakes, on the Focus or Escape? How about offering an independent suspension on the Mustang or the upcoming Fiesta for the US? Seriously Ford, your logic totally escapes me here. By far, most of the miles driven in the US are with just one person in the car, so why not focus on transforming your CHEAP small cars into PREMIUM small cars. The continued wildly successful sales of vehicles like the Honda Civic coupe, BMW Mini, and even the new Nissan Altima coupe prove the strong market, regardless of fuel prices or even the economy at times.
I for one don't know of anyone in the market for a 3 row SUV, but I know of many people who would love a premium 2 door hatch or coupe as an economical commuter vehicle. But drum brakes and torsion beams just don't cut it.
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