Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost has soul of a sports sedan, controversial looks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/2010-lincoln-mkt-ecoboost-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/2010-lincoln-mkt-ecoboost-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/2010-lincoln-mkt-ecoboost-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Lincoln MKT - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 1998, Lincoln's overall sales made it the number one luxury brand in America. The Navigator, Continental and Town Car weren't exactly world beaters - let alone an enthusiast's cup of Darjeeling, but the typical Lincoln buyer was getting precisely what he or she expected: soft, cozy, squishy cruisers for soft, squishy old people. In the decade that followed, Ford's U.S. luxury arm has seen about as much success as a modern day typewriter salesman. Mistakes have been made. The Blackwood. The Aviator. The LS. All big-time blunders - tragically so with the Romulan cloak-inspired design of the LS, as it was a pretty good car under that anonymous sheetmetal - and all consigned to history.

It's easier than ever to tell a Lincoln from 100 yards out.
Fast forward to 2009, and yesterday's gaffes have been replaced with a group of indecipherably-named vehicles that don't seem to be catching the eye of the car-buying public. The MKS, MKZ and MKX are nice enough, with tons of tech and luxury amenities, but America's buying public doesn't seem impressed.

Admittedly, the biggest reason Lincoln was kicking ass on the luxury sales charts last decade was the Navigator. It was big, it could haul heavy loads and it had an over-the-top style that affluent Americans were looking for at the time. Today's Lincoln lineup continues to feature the Navi, but the hefty SUV is no long the toast of the town and its massive girth and lousy fuel economy are borderline synonymous with PR losers like global warming and dependence on foreign oil. The 2010 Lincoln MKT is sized to replace the Navigator, but with the improved packaging, comfort and efficiency of a car-based crossover. We exercised a pair of EcoBoost-powered luxury barges through the twists and turns of Ann Arbor, Michigan to answer one simple question: does the 2010 Lincoln MKT have what it takes to become the spiritual successor to the Navigator and help shake the Lincoln brand of its decade-long sales slump? Hit the jump to find out.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost has soul of a sports sedan, controversial looks

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost has soul of a sports sedan, controversial looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lincoln mkt2010 mkt2010LincolnMkt2010Mktfeaturedfirst drivefirst drive lincoln mktFirstDriveFirstDriveLincolnMktfordford motor companyFordMotorCompanylincolnlincoln first drivelincoln mktLincolnFirstDriveLincolnMktluxury crossoverLuxuryCrossovermktmkt crossoverMktCrossoverWed, 28 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Lincoln and Mercury's new direction involves downsizing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/report-lincoln-and-mercurys-new-direction-involves-downsizing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/report-lincoln-and-mercurys-new-direction-involves-downsizing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/report-lincoln-and-mercurys-new-direction-involves-downsizing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Lincoln Concept C - Click above for high-res image gallery

If The Blue Oval boys intend to keep buyers filing into Lincoln and Mercury showrooms over the next few years, each brand's product portfolios are going to need a bit more than a simple nick-and-tuck to compete with the best from around the world. To that end, expect Lincoln to continue making the switch from large, rear-wheel drive SUVs and old-tech luxury barges to smaller, more nimble premium models akin to the next-gen Focus-based compact Concept C that was introduced earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show. Around the same time, the very last Lincoln Town Car will roll ingloriously down the assembly line, replaced as it's already been in most buyer's minds by the newer MKS.

Don't expect to see a replacement for the aging Lincoln Navigator SUV any time soon, but joining the MKX and MKT mid-size crossovers may well be a new compact 'ute based on the underpinnings of the next-gen Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Ford Kuga (for Europe, at least). Speaking of Ford's interplanetary brand, it's reportedly finally confirmed Mercury has a future products in the pipeline. Starting small - which seems to be a definite theme for Mercury and Lincoln - Mercury should get its own version of the next Focus, probably as a 2012 model.

A year later in 2013, the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ are all scheduled to get a new front-drive mid-size platform that will thankfully share its guts with the European Ford Mondeo. The Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape twins along with the expected Lincoln crossover should show up late in 2011. Finally, the body-on-frame Grand Marquis and Mountaineer will make the long, cold walk to the automotive graveyard within the next few years. Somehow, we doubt many will miss their absence.


Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lincoln C Concept Live


Gallery: Lincoln Concept C


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Lincoln and Mercury's new direction involves downsizing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lincoln mks2010 lincoln mkt2010 lincoln mkx2010 lincoln mkz2010LincolnMks2010LincolnMkt2010LincolnMkx2010LincolnMkzlincoln clincoln compactlincoln concept clincoln mkslincoln mktlincoln mkxlincoln mkzLincolnCLincolnCompactLincolnConceptCLincolnMksLincolnMktLincolnMkxLincolnMkzmercury compactmercury marinermercury milanMercuryCompactMercuryMarinerMercuryMilanMon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost and MKS EcoBoost]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkt-ecoboost-and-mks-ecoboost/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkt-ecoboost-and-mks-ecoboost/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkt-ecoboost-and-mks-ecoboost/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the last year and a half, Ford has repeatedly discussed EcoBoost as its high volume, mainstream technology for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. While Ford is putting a lot of effort into developing hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles, the high cost of those technologies will keep volumes low for the near term. Meanwhile, engine downsizing combined with turbocharging and direct fuel injection (GTDI) can cut consumption for a much lower cost. The technology arrives this summer, and while it has a green sheen to it, there's plenty of excitement for gearheads, as we've just learned.

Ford's first GTDI engine is the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that is set to debut in the Lincoln MKS, MKT, Ford Flex and Taurus SHO. Over the last eight months, Ford has conducted a number of background preview drives with EcoBoost equipped vehicles that we haven't been allowed to discuss. With production starting in the next few weeks, however, Ford allowed us to drive some pilot production examples of the two Lincolns powered by EcoBoost engines at its Romeo Proving Ground in Michigan. This time, we can finally tell you about it and give you a preview of the new MKT.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost


Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost - First Drive


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost and MKS EcoBoost

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost and MKS EcoBoost originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lincoln mks2010 lincoln mks ecoboost2010 lincoln mkt2010 lincoln mkt ecoboost2010LincolnMks2010LincolnMksEcoboost2010LincolnMkt2010LincolnMktEcoboostecoboostfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivelincolnlincoln mkslincoln mktlincoln mkt ecoboostLincolnMksLincolnMktLincolnMktEcoboostmksmktFri, 15 May 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: 2010 Lincoln MKT adds flexibility to the lineup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-2010-lincoln-mkt-adds-flexibility-to-the-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-2010-lincoln-mkt-adds-flexibility-to-the-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-2010-lincoln-mkt-adds-flexibility-to-the-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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 (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Detroit 2009: 2010 Lincoln MKT adds flexibility to the lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lincoln mkt2010LincolnMktdetroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowlincolnlincoln mktLincolnMktmktnaiasnaias 2009Naias2009Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT caught in the cold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/spy-shots-2010-lincoln-mkt-caught-in-the-cold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/spy-shots-2010-lincoln-mkt-caught-in-the-cold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/spy-shots-2010-lincoln-mkt-caught-in-the-cold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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]

Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT caught in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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