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Detroit 2009: 2010 Lincoln MKT adds flexibility to the lineup
by Frank Filipponio on Jan 12th 2009 at 10:58AM 
Click above for live, high-res images of the new 2010 Lincoln MKT
We already gave you details about the new 2010 Lincoln MKT this morning, but Lincoln just wrapped up its press conference and now we have live impressions and photos to share. After showing us the MKT concept here last year, the production version is a more realistic interpretation of the 7-passenger CUV. While it resembles everything from a GM Lambda to an Audi Q7 in profile, the nose and tail are all Lincoln. It's a tasteful vehicle that looks classy and upscale, as it should for Ford's premium brand. Unfortunately, it's being launched at a time when this class of vehicle seems in remission.
Built on the same D4 platform that underpins the Ford Flex, this new suit of clothes suits the Lincoln well. The interior, in particular, is rather handsome with excellent materials and fit and finish that was exemplary for a show car. Good quality leather, wood used sparingly but effectively and elegant satin-finish metal accents abound. The seats are comfy and the cargo hold looks like they've made good use of that extra length compared to the Flex. The MKT will also feature Ford's twin-turbocharged, direct-inject EcoBoost 3.5L V6 as an option, giving it the best horsepower (355) and fuel economy in its class. The standard engine will be a 3.7-liter V6 with 268 hp and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. That should keep it in the hunt with the Acura MDX and Audi Q7, which Lincoln have tabbed as the MKT's major competition.
Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Lincoln MKT live
Live photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
jamie 11:01AM (1/12/2009)
No way!
Back to the drawing board guys. This one ain't ready yet.
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Chance 3:27PM (1/12/2009)
The outside is awful, the new Lincolns are horrible! And what's with all the overhangs on the inside? The top of the dash hangs over the wood trim, the back of the front center armrest hangs over the back seat controls?!
tbyron 12:54PM (1/12/2009)
You know, the first thing I saw was a modern interpretation of the 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser we had when I was a kid. Not a bad thing, IMO. The split grill, the kickup at the rear fender, an evolution of the glass roof and the Flame Orange color. I am speaking only from the right 3/4 view at the headline of the article. But, FWIW, it triggered a positive reaction inside me.
Shawn 4:20PM (1/12/2009)
Since I find that cars often resemble their owners, and vice versa, I know who's going to buy this by looking at it. It will be people in the 350-450 lb. weight bracket who happen to know how to trade stocks, or inherit money. This vehicle will be seen most often outside of a Burger King (because it's somehow higher class than McDonalds), waiting for the people with the keys to wrestle their bulk out the door with one fist clutching two full paper bags, and the other a 32 oz. cup of diet. This will make the most-likely-standard keyless entry feature most convenient. For us, not them. The sooner they drive their diabetic-mobile away from the scene, the sooner we can swallow back down the bile in the back of our throats and throw the rest of the meal away.
Mazda FTW! 11:07AM (1/12/2009)
My first instinct was - Taurus X with a Lincoln grille. it has none of the lithe but powerful presence that the new Cadillac has.
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IowaSuby 11:08AM (1/12/2009)
"adds flexibility" and more UGLY to the lineup
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Brent 11:08AM (1/12/2009)
UGLY!
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esteva03 11:14AM (1/12/2009)
i never liked suv's but this really sucks. its really bad and boring.
vote autoblog
http://2008.weblogawards.org/polls/best-major-blog/
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jv2k 3:53PM (1/12/2009)
You can call it ugly and busy but this design is certainly not boring.
allaman 11:14AM (1/12/2009)
I assume that Ford did a lot of market research before deciding to give this the go ahead, but I want to know what kind of drugs were passed around in these research groups.
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Mental Issues 11:14AM (1/12/2009)
Looks like it got hit with the ugly stick more times than the Pontiac Aztek and pre-refresh Subaru Tribeca combined. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but I don't see how anyone could find this vehicle attractive. Every visual element looks bloated and warped.
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big j 11:17AM (1/12/2009)
I'd rather take Acura's shield grill over these Lincoln million tooth grills
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Rogue_G 11:18AM (1/12/2009)
It's a van. Not even the Ecoboost can change that fact. And Ford was basically hitting on all cylinders with everything up until this point!
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k.w.a 11:30AM (1/12/2009)
-Van,
Now that's a word no one has used in a long time! And it describes the MKT so well! I was trying to find words to describe the appalling overhang, ginormous grille, bloated panels, but i just couldn't put my finger on it.... I was gonna say bus. lol
IMO this van doesnt look good at all, but since it's competing with the MB R-Class it might have a fighting chance. The R-Class looks alot better in my eyes but they both have that bloated look, so im sure most people who like the R will like this
dan spalinger 11:26AM (1/12/2009)
Profoundly ugly...no one (relatively speaking) will buy this...should be #1 on the cancelation board over at Ford/Lincoln...don't waste your time and OUR money on this POS...
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Epyx 11:45AM (1/12/2009)
I agree I don't really like this effort but by "our" money do you mean tax dollars? Ford has not received any bailout funds. Of course this funky truck aint helping the bottom line.
Too bad really. Very nice interior and I can live with the grill. The back end is horrible though. Cant see any reason to buy this over a Buick CUV or even the Flex.
garlinski 11:26AM (1/12/2009)
Dear MKT,
It didn't work for me either. Sorry you were beaten with the ugly stick too.
Your Friend, Aztek
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Joe 11:29AM (1/12/2009)
Good thing that Ford didn't get any of those auto loans from the government, so, you know...they're not wasting any of YOUR money, buddy.
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bigbuck17 11:34AM (1/12/2009)
I dont know why everyone is saying its ugly,it looks sweet and bold.I like this color much better on it.
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Serge 11:43AM (1/12/2009)
Wow, there are some serious haters at Autoblog...
I think this car look pretty good for an SUV/Wagon thing. If or when I need an SUV, I'll be giving this with the EcoBoost a serious look.
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