Autoblog

First Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKX

Zach Bowman — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Lincoln, First Drives, Luxury

Lincoln Follows Ford and Takes the Refresh to a New Level

2011 Lincoln MKX - Click above for high-res image gallery

If there's a sales star of the Lincoln lineup, it's the MKX. Ford's luxury arm has managed to move over 100,000 of the leather-lined crossovers since 2006, and that pace doesn't look to be slowing anytime soon. Lincoln says the crossover market here in the U.S. is bound to swell considerably in the coming years, and since it already represents nearly four percent of the automotive industry as a whole, everyone seems to know that this is no place to cut corners. Fortunately, the MKX is set to enjoy its second refresh since hitting the market four years ago.

Given the vehicle's significance, it should come as no surprise that Lincoln is using the 2011 MKX as a springboard for its vision of the company's future. The refreshed MKX benefits from a raft of updates that include many of the changes we saw hit the crossover's Blue Oval clone, the 2011 Ford Edge. With more power, a quieter cabin and an interior that's finally becoming of a true luxury brand, the MKX has the makings of a sales winner. We're just not sure the Lincoln high-rider is far enough away from its kissing-cousin.

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKX

First Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford begins using WiFi to install Sync on assembly lines

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Crossover, Ford

In case you thought installing SYNC into Ford vehicles was a ho-hum-whatever affair, that's not the case - Ford puts a lot of thought into it. The Blue Oval's latest assembly line advance is to have SYNC's infotainment software installed into the 2011 Ford Edge via WiFi. Made possible by the the latest version of SYNC with WiFi access, the new process allows Ford to save money on parts and inventory by using a common module among vehicles in different cars and made in different plants. After the Edge, the Lincoln MKX and 2011 Explorer will gain the same systems. Follow the jump for the press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford begins using WiFi to install Sync on assembly lines

Ford begins using WiFi to install Sync on assembly lines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX configurators up and running

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, Luxury

The 2011 Ford Edge and 2011 Lincoln MKX configurators have gone live for your shopping - or time-wasting - enjoyment. The Edge SE starts at $27,220 for the 3.5-liter V6, but you can hit it out of the park before even leaving the first page by selecting the Edge Sport all-wheel drive for $38,070. That'll get you a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 canvas to play with. There isn't much more you can add to it, but after stuffing it like a turkey we got it up to $45,171. For those with a mind to be a kinder on wallets and Mother Earth, there are SEL and Limited trims on offer, as well as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine (...eventually).

The Lincoln MKX puts less on the table when it comes to varieties: the front-wheel drive starts at $39,145, the AWD at $40,995. Both get that 3.7-liter V6, six-speed SelectShift transmission and SYNC as standard fit. If you go the package route, your work is just about finished, because they cement quite a few exterior and interior choices. But don't take our words for it - click the links and get to configuratin'. Hot tips, Drew and Tony!

Gallery: First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX at Detroit Auto Show

[Source: Ford, Lincoln]

2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX configurators up and running originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class

Chris Shunk — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

2011 Lincoln MKX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Lincoln MKX delivers 15 percent more horsepower (305 ponies in all) and 12 percent more torque (280 pound-feet) than the outgoing model, and that added power comes with the added bonus of improved efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency has rated the 2011 MKX at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg around the highway, besting the Lexus RX350 by one mpg in the city and on the highway. That's a combined 21 mpg, which Ford says is enough to best its nine closest competitors.

Ford was able to crank up ponies while also ratcheting up efficiency by adding twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to its 3.7-liter V6 engine. TI-VCT enables a larger torque-curve while also improving power by 10 percent and efficiency by 4.5 percent versus an engine without the technology. The 3.7-liter engine, which is also available on the 2011 Mustang and the 2011 Edge Sport, also utilizes aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff to further increase efficiency. Basically, the engine shuts down whenever the driver doesn't need engine torque.

The EPA has also rated the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which scores 36 mpg on the highway and 41 mpg in the city. That's the same numbers as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which shares a common powertrain, and six mpg better than the smaller Lexus HS250h. Hit the jump to read over the Ford presser.

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class

2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Ford could take Lincoln global (one day)

Chris Shunk — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Lincoln, Luxury

2011 Lincoln MKX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just a few years ago, Ford had so many luxury brands in its then considerable suite of marques that there were upscale offerings for just about any taste in every region of the world. Aston Martin, Land Rover and Jaguar are now in the hands of other owners and Volvo is on the outs, so how will Ford deliver luxury goods to other regions of the world? How about Lincoln?

The idea has been kicked around to no avail in the past, but with a growing luxury market in emerging markets like China, the Blue Oval may need a new global plan for its lone luxury marquee. Automotive News reports that Ford will only discuss expanding Lincoln globally when its North American operation gets turned around. Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields told AN, "We don't have any plans at this point to take it global. That doesn't mean in the future we wouldn't look at that, but it's very important for us to focus on North America."

If Ford waits for Lincoln to turn around in North America before looking at other markets, the process could take a while. Lincoln sales were down 23 percent in 2009, with sales dipping to a 28-year low of 82,847 units. Many of Lincolns newer models have arrived with a luke-warm reception from both journalists and the car-buying public, though there are high hopes for the recently introduced 2011 Lincoln MKX and its trick MyLincoln Touch interface. Another Lincoln that could help spur sales overseas is a smaller model based off of the Concept C from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX at Detroit Auto Show

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Ford could take Lincoln global (one day) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Etc.

We love auto show season, mostly for the chance to see all the coolest new cars and concepts that the world's best automakers have to offer. This year at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, though, there weren't nearly as many new models to point our DSLR lenses at... for rather obvious reasons.

As such, we've cut the typical Top 10 in half and compiled a list of the Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Keep in mind that there are a number of reasons why a vehicle might be interesting or important, and we've run the gamut to represent all different types on our list.

Interestingly, you'll only see Detroit-based automakers in our Top Five. That conclusion wasn't reached on purpose, we simply judged each new model on its own merits and this is how our musings turned out. For an added bonus, each of us in attendance picked our own personal favorite. So, without further ado, click here to see our Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

[Image: Bryan Mitchell/Getty]

Continue reading AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2010: Lincoln MKX smiles for the camera

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln, Luxury

2011 Lincoln MKX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first major unveiling on day two of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show has come and gone, and we managed to sneak out of the room with a slew of live photos of the newly refreshed 2011 MKX. We already got the details that make the 2011 model a considerable improvement over its previous incarnation, and you can refresh your memory by clicking here or reading the press release after the break. Of special note is the new 3.7-liter V6 engine with 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

After touching, feeling and prodding the reborn MKX ourselves, we can confidently say that the quality of its materials and craftsmanship are top notch. We're also pretty intrigued by the new MyLincoln Touch - nee MyFord Touch - system, which combines an eight-inch touchscreen display in the center stack, two 4.2-inch LCD screens to the right and left of an analog speedometer (the exact same screens you'll find in the Fusion Hybrid) and two steering wheel-mounted five-way button controllers.

Tie it all together with Ford's award-winning HMI (Human-Machine Interface) setup and you're able to control all that newfangled technology using either your voice or your fingers on the touch-sensitive console or the aforementioned wheel-mounted controllers. Pretty cool stuff, and you can read all about it here. Be sure to check out our live photos in the gallery below and make the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX at Detroit Auto Show

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Lincoln MKX smiles for the camera

Detroit 2010: Lincoln MKX smiles for the camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2010: Lincoln MKX gets facelift, MyLincoln Touch

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln, Luxury

2011 Lincoln MKX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The final piece of the Lincoln puzzle is here. Meet the new 2011 MKX. And yes, it does look quite a bit like the MKT. Depending on where you stand vis-a-vis the current MKX, the visual difference is either just a change, or a much needed improvement. Most of us are siding with the latter, though we fully realize that many folks simply don't like the MKT. Bottom line, it is what is.

The really story is not the exterior - it's the interior. Specifically, the MKX is the first vehicle getting Ford's all new Minority Report-inspired (no, really) MyFord Touch system. Although in this application the futuristic navigation, entertainment, climate and phone system is called MyLincoln Touch. Hey, what's in a name.

There's more inside to greet you than just MyLincoln Touch, as the MKX features vastly improved materials than not only the previous car, but all other Lincolns. We touched, we felt and please trust us - the MKX is an nice, upscale place to be. Also, they've banished buttons. Literally, there aren't any on the center stack. Instead you're treated to a series of touch sensitive sliders. George Takei would be stoked. The best part: all this inner goodness will soon be making its way across the Lincoln lineup.

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Lincoln MKX gets facelift, MyLincoln Touch

Detroit 2010: Lincoln MKX gets facelift, MyLincoln Touch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments