Autoblog

Ford EcoBoost Engines see high take rate, customers see higher transaction prices

Chris Shunk — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

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

Ford has been pushing its EcoBoost engines hard since they came out of the gate, with almost as many commercials touting its twin-turbo technology as we've seen all other Blue Oval spots combined. And all that marketing mojo appears to be paying off, as the Ford Motor Company has told The Detroit News that EcoBoost has really taken off on the showroom floor.

Ford just started offering EcoBoost in July, but the early returns show that customers are very interested in Ford's promise of V8 performance with V6 fuel economy. Lincoln MKS sales have been 30 percent EcoBoost, while the Taurus SHO is currently accounting for 20 percent off all sales of Ford's new large sedan. The MKT has only been on the market for a month, but early returns show that over 40 percent of customers want 355 horsepower in their giant crossover. The Ford Flex is seeing a 13 percent EcoBoost take rate, nearly double the expected 8 percent figure.

In fact, Ford says all four EcoBoost-equipped vehicles are exceeding expectations to date, and the engine tech also appears to be bringing in conquest customers at an accelerated rate. For example, an impressive 44 percent of Taurus buyers come from another OEM, while the number jumps to 54 percent with the EcoBoost-equipped Taurus SHO. The MKT has a similar 10 percent conquest boost courtesy of turbo power. And those conquest wins at the dealership also add to Ford's bottom line, as EcoBoost-equipped vehicles carry a $5,000 to $10,000 MSRP bump versus their naturally aspirated counterparts.

While the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine looks like an early success, the real turbo test comes when other, higher volume EcoBoost engines hit the market. Some future boosted Ford engines will come in 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter displacements, and the DetNews is reporting that a much smaller, 1.0-liter three-cylinder version is on the way for applications like the new Fiesta and Focus. Engines as small as 1.0-liter are sure to be an efficiency boon for the Blue Oval, with potential paybacks in the high 40 MPG range in the EPA highway cycle.

The next vehicles to receive EcoBoost will reportedly be the F-150 and Ford Explorer toward the end of next year. Ford is hoping to push the engine tech on 90 percent of its models within the next few years, with up to 1.3M global EcoBoost sales.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford EcoBoost Engines see high take rate, customers see higher transaction prices originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: The rest of the best at the Ford display

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Ford

The rest of the Ford display - Click above for high-res image gallery

SEMA is an interesting show. We go in knowing full well that 60-75% of the cars we'll be walking past and/or covering are just trash. Sorry if this bombshell offends anyone, but your Chrysler 300C doesn't need 26-inch hoops, nor seventy gallons of sparkle orange paint. Or diamonds. But, as Doyle Brunson might say if he covered cars instead of being the Godfather of Texas Hold 'Em, that's SEMA.

We mention this in the "other Fords" post because some of these custom FoMoCos look fantastic, or at least pretty good. But 60-75% of them, well, we're not entirely sold. Let's start with the good. Despite the two-tone paint job, we're pretty darn smitten with the Fusion T4 by MRT above. More cars need big old intercoolers taking up the whole lower fascia. And while they might be an inch (or three) too big, the wheels are nice. And that white Lincoln MKS? Nice.

But then you got the other cars contained in this here gallery, and... um.... we like the Lincoln MKT, because well, we just like MKTs. But we're not sold on the Focus upgrades, especially since Ford saw fit to bring a Euro Focus RS to the show. Game, set, outmatched. And don't even get us started on the Edge they've cooked up here. Specifically, the wing on the back. No really - see for yourself.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: The rest of the Ford display

SEMA 2009: The rest of the best at the Ford display originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal

Dan Roth — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, UAW/Unions, Canada

Ford Motor Company and the leadership of the Canadian Auto Workers union have reached a tentative agreement after a marathon four-day wrap-up to negotiations. Union membership needs to approve the deal, which will guarantee a Great White North presence for Ford until at least 2012. Voting is underway this weekend, and if approved, the CAW will be responsible for building 10 percent of Ford's North American production, down from the current 13 percent, which the union had been trying to hold on to.

Workers did agree to time off reductions, and pledged that new employees will have to pay into their pensions. Ford's given its word that the company will build as many vehicles in Canada as it sells there, and the union deemed the pledge good enough to grant GM- and Chrysler-style concessions to Ford.

The Panther platform has been given its last rites; the St. Thomas Assembly plant is the only Ford location currently building the body-on-frame biggies, and that plant will close in September 2011. The 1,600 people in Ontario who build Town Cars and Grand Marquis are understandably unhappy about word that Ford intends to shutter the plant, but the Panther has cheated death more than once. This time, it may stick.

Better news for CAW members is that Ford's Oakville assembly complex, also in Ontario, has the go-ahead to add a third shift when needed. Ford also says it will manufacture a new vehicle at Oakville, which currently builds the Edge, Flex, MKX, and MKT crossovers, but that will likely come after the current labor agreement expires.

[Source: CBC News, Photo: Ford/CC]

Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Chris Shunk — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Lincoln, First Drive, Luxury

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

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.

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REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, India

Rico Auto Industries in India makes transmission parts for Ford's Flex and Edge, along with its upscale Lincoln MKT and MKX twins. Unfortunately for the Blue Oval, Automotive News is reporting that Rico's operations are in flux because of persistent troubles between labor and management. A few weeks ago, some of the supplier's workers went on strike after members were suspended and fired by management. On October 18, the striking workers marched to the factory and got involved in an altercation with "unidentified men" supposedly "acting at the behest of Rico Auto's management." During the brawl, a 26-year-old worker was killed.

In the meantime, Ford reportedly hasn't got the parts it needs to build the crossovers it makes at its Oakville, Ontario plant and will be forced to idle the key facility next week. Ford is watching the situation in India closely - if production isn't restored soon, the lack of parts could impact other plants in addition to Ontario and its 3,000 workers.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd. | Image: Simon Hayter/Getty]

REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover

Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year nominees - Click above to view high-res gallery

When Motor Trend picks its favorite sport utility vehicle, the winner will have bragging rights for an entire year. And we'll know all about it, because the victorious company behind the winning crossover or SUV will shout it from the rooftops (and in print, TV and web advertisements) about their shiny golden award. We can argue all day long about whether many of the nominees can be legitimately be considered sport/utlility vehicles, but either way, this year, there are 11 vehicles up for consideration, with pedigrees ranging from a single traditional body-on-frame SUV to a brace of competent and efficient family haulers and richly appointed luxury crossovers.

As Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus McKenzie points out on the magazine's blog, there is only one traditional SUV on the list, and it takes the size and shape of the Toyota 4Runner. The rest of the vehicles are crossovers, with seven of the 11 candidates sporting luxury badging, three coming from General Motors and one stablemate to last year's SUV of the year, the Subaru Outback. When choosing the SUV of the year, MT says it looks at packaging, presentation and intended function, along with obvious criteria like aesthetics and performance. Hit the jump to look over the candidates for the award, click below to check out our high-res gallery, or head over to Motor Trend for more details.

Gallery: 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda3, Dodge Journey net IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings

Michael Harley — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named its latest three Top Safety Pick award winners. The models include the 2010 Dodge Journey, 2010 Lincoln MKT, and Mazda's 2010 Mazda3. All three are equipped with standard side airbags. Stability control is standard on the Dodge and Lincoln, but optional on the Mazda.

Unlike the 35 mph head-on barrier crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and its resulting 1- to 5-star ratings, the IIHS frontal test runs the driver's side of a vehicle into a deformable barrier at 40 mph and then assigns one of four ratings (Good, Acceptable, Marginal or Poor) based on occupant injury, vehicle structure integrity, and the movement of the crash dummy within the cabin. In order to earn a Top Safety Pick award, the vehicles must earn the highest ("Good") rating in the agency's frontal, side, and rear impact testing... and be equipped with electronic stability control. The IIHS tests vehicles and announces its Top Safety Picks throughout the year.

[Source: IIHS]

Mazda3, Dodge Journey net IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST

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

Ford has dumped all of its latest safety gadgets into the already structurally sound 2010 Lincoln MKT, and the Blue Oval's engineering labor appears to have paid off as the luxury crossover has just scored a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. The Top Pick status of the 5,000 lb MKT doesn't come as a surprise, as it is mechanically identical to the well-regarded Ford Flex.

The MKT scored a "Good" rating in each category, including structure, injury measures and restraints. The IIHS added that "dummy movement was well controlled. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury."

The Lincoln MKT comes with standard equipment like an advanced structural safety system that combines octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and support members that are designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Along with the usual safety suspects like side curtain airbags, Ford offers optional safety equipment like Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning Brake Control and a Blind Spot Information system. Hit the jump to read the Ford press release.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKT

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS

Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lincoln and Mercury's new direction involves downsizing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Lincoln, Mercury, Luxury

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.

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First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost and MKS EcoBoost

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, First Drive

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

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.

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2010 Lincoln MKT will start at $44,995; EcoBoost, AWD add five grand

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln

Click above for live, high-res images of the new 2010 Lincoln MKT

Ford just announced pricing on the 2010 Lincoln MKT we saw earlier this week at the Detroit Auto Show. The Ford Flex's big brother will go on sale this summer for a starting price of $44,995 with the base V6 and front-wheel-drive. EcoBoost and all-wheel drive together add five grand to that total, so prices for the premium model start at $49,995. You can get AWD by itself though, along with the base 3.7L, at $46,990. While all MKTs will come with tons of standard features, the company is also offering a few options.

For instance, the Elite Package will be available for $5,000, which includes a bowl of alphabet soup with things like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Warning with Brake Support (gives the driver a "head-up" warning on the windshield), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Cross Traffic Alert (BLIS for backing out of a parking space), Voice-activated Navigation, and a power-opening Panoramic Vista Roof. Stand-alone options will include Active-Park Assist (literally "steers" the MKT into a parallel parking spot while the driver controls the throttle and brakes), 20-inch polished wheels, a DVD system with dual headrest-mounted LCDs, second-row buckets that are heated and cooled, a second-row console-mounted refrigerator, and class III trailer-towing capability.

A fully loaded 355-hp EcoBoost AWD MKT should come in around $55,000, or a few thousand less than a similarly equipped Audi Q7. The Lincoln promises better fuel economy, more interior space and some features you can't even get on the Audi, like the Active-Park Assist. There's a full press release after the jump and our gallery of the MKT from Detroit available by clicking any image below.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Lincoln MKT live

Continue reading 2010 Lincoln MKT will start at $44,995; EcoBoost, AWD add five grand

2010 Lincoln MKT will start at $44,995; EcoBoost, AWD add five grand originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: 2010 Lincoln MKT adds flexibility to the lineup

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln

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

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.

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VIDEO: Ford demonstrates automatic parallel parking

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Ford, Lincoln

Click the image above to view the video after the jump

Ford's new Active Park Assist system generated plenty of discussion, ranging from those who berated the Dearborn company for following Toyota and those who thought Ford could do it better. Not having actually tried the system ourselves, we'll reserve judgement on how well it works. However, Ford has put up a video with Ali Jammoul, a Chief Engineer at the Blue Oval, demonstrating the system. In the demo it seems to work pretty well. Check it out for yourself after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford demonstrates automatic parallel parking

VIDEO: Ford demonstrates automatic parallel parking originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford automates parallel parking for Lincoln MKS, MKT

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Technology, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Click above for a high-res shot of Active Park Assist in action

Admit it, you've embarrassed yourself at some point trying to parallel park. It's like they say about drivers at Indianapolis: There are those who have hit the wall, and those who will. The same principle applies when it comes to parallel parking. Like an increasing number of automakers, Ford is moving beyond the realm of auto-dip side mirrors and into the realm of auto parking systems. The Blue Oval's new Active Park Assist will initially be available on the Lincoln MKS and MKT (about which you'll hear much more on January 12) next summer.

The system takes advantage of the ultrasonic sensors now mounted on the corners of many vehicles (used for backup warning, blind spot detection and other functions), and combines them with a new electric power assisted steering setup. The system can manipulate the steering automatically and the sensors detect where the vehicle is relative to other vehicles. It starts off by using the sensors to measure the distance between cars to determine if there is enough space, and then it operates the steering, instructing the driver when to shift into Drive or Reverse and press the gas or brake. Ford claims the system works much more reliably than the camera-based system used by Lexus. We had no luck with the Lexus system, so we'll be the judge of how well Ford's setup works. Follow the jump to read Ford's official press release.

Gallery: Ford Active Park Assist

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford automates parallel parking for Lincoln MKS, MKT

Ford automates parallel parking for Lincoln MKS, MKT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT caught in the cold

John Neff — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossover, Lincoln

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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Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT stops to rest in Pennsylvania

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Lincoln

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

[Source: Mike]

Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT stops to rest in Pennsylvania originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln MKT headed to Detroit, facelifted MKZ to LA

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Sedan, Crossover, Lincoln

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKT concept

Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, has confirmed that the Lincoln MKT crossover is due to be reveal this January at the Detroit Auto Show, while a refreshed MKZ will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Show in November.

We already knew the Ford Flex-based CUV was headed to Detroit, with power provided by either a 3.7-liter or a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. Both six- and seven-passenger seating arrangements will be offered, along with Blind Spot Monitoring and a Cross Traffic Alert system which utilizes two sonar modules to notify drivers that a vehicle has moved into their blind spot by shining a light on the corresponding outside mirror. Sales are expected to begin later in 2009 and Ford is insistent that the MKT won't share any body panels with its platform sibling.

The facelifted MKZ sedan will sport the new split-wing grille originally found on the MKR concept. New taillights are also rumored to be part of the package and sales should begin later this year or early in 2009.

Gallery: Lincoln MKT Concept

[Source: MotorTrend]

Lincoln MKT headed to Detroit, facelifted MKZ to LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT

Chris Shunk — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Only a few days after Ford officially confirmed that the seven-seat crossover everyone already knew was coming was indeed coming, a preproduction mule of the Lincoln MKT has been spotted in the wild. Ford promised that the MKT would look nothing like its Ford Flex sibling, and a quick glance at these spy pics prove that to be the case. In fact, the well-covered MKT development vehicle looks an awful lot like the MKT concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

Up front the new Lincoln split grille is visible under the bra, along with the same headlight shape as the concept. The concept's love it or hate it belt-line also appears to be carry over to production, as well as the curvy C-pillar. The production MKT also appears to have a glass roof, though it doesn't look as dramatic as the concept. One thing the MKT appears to have in common with the Flex is its relatively low ride height and massive wheels, which helps the Lincoln crossover keep the retro Ford's wagon-like stance.

Spy photographers also got a shot of the MKT's interior, which shows off some good looking blonde wood and the familiar Lincoln center stack. Its material quality should be at least as good as the Flex, if not better.

The MKT is expected to hit production next year with power coming from Lincoln's exclusive 3.7L V6 that also does duty in the new MKS sedan. Ford has also announced that the MKT will receive an Ecoboost engine, which should give the unique-looking crossover upwards of 340 horsepower.

Gallery: Lincoln MKT Concept

[Source: Automobile Mag]

Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Surprise: Lincoln green-lights the MKT

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKT concept.

As reported earlier, Lincoln has given the MKT crossover the green-light, with the production version set to debut in Detroit this January and sales beginning sometime next year.

The MKT is built atop the same platform as the Ford Flex, but Lincoln insists that the two models won't share a single body panel. Power will be provided by either a 3.7-liter V6 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, equipped with direct-injection and a turbocharger, however a hybrid drivetrain will not be offered. A six-speed automatic gearbox, complete with paddle shifters, will be standard, along with seven-passenger seating, a power-folding third-row seat, heated and cooled, first- and second-row thrones and the SYNC in-car entertainment system. Options will include a new sat-nav, Sirius Travel Link, an auto-park feature (similar to that found on the Lexus LS460) and a Cross Traffic Alert system that alerts drivers to obstacles when backing out of a parking space.

Make the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT Concept - Live Reveal

Gallery: Lincoln MKT Concept

Continue reading No Surprise: Lincoln green-lights the MKT

No Surprise: Lincoln green-lights the MKT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to officially announce Lincoln MKT today

Chris Shunk — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKT concept.

We've been waiting for an official production announcement of the Lincoln MKT since the concept was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January, and according to Automotive News and the Wall Street Journal, that confirmation comes today. The Ford Flex-based crossover will give Lincoln a seven-seat CUV to compete with the Acura MDX and the Audi Q7, while providing customers a more fuel efficient alternative to the Navigator. The production MKT will share none of the Flex's boxy sheet metal, but the mechanicals will be very similar. The MKT will launch with either the 3.5L V6 from the Flex or the bored-out 3.7L version from the MKS sedan. The MKT will get Ecoboost at some point in its production run, but Ford hasn't released a date yet. Ford plans to build approximately 25k Lincoln MKTs annually, and production is slated to begin next year.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT Concept - Live Reveal

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

Ford to officially announce Lincoln MKT today originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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