Autoblog

Ford recalling select Taurus, Explorer and Lincoln MKS models over fuel tanks

Zach Bowman — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Ford

Ford is recalling certain 2012 Taurus, 2013 Explorer and 2012 Lincoln MKS models over fuel tank concerns. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicles built between July 19, 2011 and March 15, 2012 may have been built with fuel tanks that have a "marginally sealed seam" on the side. Those seams may not provide the strength necessary to protect the tank from rupture during a collision. They may also leak. The recall covers a total of 3,037 vehicles. NHTSA says that leaked fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could easily cause a fire.

Dealers will inspect the tanks and replace them as need be free of charge. Owners can expect to be notified once the campaign begins on or around April 22, 2013. You can read the full NHTSA recall notice below for more information.

Continue reading Ford recalling select Taurus, Explorer and Lincoln MKS models over fuel tanks

Ford recalling select Taurus, Explorer and Lincoln MKS models over fuel tanks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lincoln goes back 80 years to sell the 2013 MKS

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lincoln, Luxury

Lincoln has released the first 30-second ad spot for the 2013 MKS, with its seventeen intial seconds spent covering the era of Lincoln glory from 1922 to 1976. The ad almost feels like an apology for the MKS, as if the ad team really wanted to sell the 2013 MKZ but was assigned the penalty-box MKS and had their protestations silenced with, "Just make something!"

We think the MKS deserves a little more love than that.

Scroll down to see Lincoln's latest commercial for yourself.

Continue reading Lincoln goes back 80 years to sell the 2013 MKS

Lincoln goes back 80 years to sell the 2013 MKS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lincoln waving goodbye to the waterfall grille

Dan Roth — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Lincoln, Rumormill, Design/Style

Lincoln is moving away from its current grille design, a source tells AutoWeek. Using diplomatic terms, the source says the new design will be less pronounced, which will hopefully translate to "a less disfiguring overbite" in the metal. The MKR-inspired waterfall grille has been applied across the entire line of Lincoln vehicles with varying degrees of success. What works on an MKS makes an MKT resemble a baleen whale.

There's a pile of cash being thrown at Lincoln right now, and with good reason - the brand sorely needs to differentiate itself from the lineup of parent company Ford if it has any hope of competing in the wider luxury marketplace. The new grille design may show up at the Los Angeles Auto Show on refreshed MKS and MKT models, which are expected to ride atop revised suspensions, redone brakes and updated steering.

Lincoln waving goodbye to the waterfall grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lincoln considering performance line

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 02 May 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Lincoln, Rumormill, Luxury

It's been years since Lincoln had a credible performance option, but if recent rumblings are true, the situation could be rectified soon.

Nearly every luxury automaker has some kind of branded performance line, be it BMW's M, Mercedes' AMG, Lexus' F or Audi's S and RS models. To compete in that rarified air, Lincoln needs to join the fold. But what form could it take?

With Lincoln buyers snatching up all-wheel-drive models in droves and turbocharged EcoBoost engines beginning to proliferate throughout the line-up, these two technologies could be leveraged to give Lincoln a much-needed injection of excitement. Crank the boost on the turbocharged MKS - something to the tune of the 365-hp engine found in the Taurus SHO - fit a rear-bias AWD system and Lincoln could have a serious sports sedan offering on its hands. Do the same to the MKZ fitted with the EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder and maybe a revamped dual-clutch gearbox, and Lincoln's off to the races with a fun and fuel-efficient four-door.

But would it find favor with performance-minded buyers?

One Lincoln spokesperson we contacted wouldn't confirm or deny plans to enter the fray, only saying that the automaker is "fully committed to making Lincoln a world-class luxury brand" and that it is "studying the luxury automotive market very closely in defining Lincoln's future." Wishy-washy as that might be, if Lincoln wants to compete with the Bimmers and Benzes of the world while pulling itself away from an aging customer base, making a play for the performance set should be part of the plan. And we suspect we'll hear something more solid by year's end.

Lincoln considering performance line originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Lincoln MKT, Ford Flex to be phased out at end of 2013?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Lincoln, Rumormill

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

Doesn't it seem like only yesterday that Ford was in charge of seven different brands? Now The Blue Oval is down to two, Ford and Lincoln, after today's sale of Volvo to Chinese automaker Geely and the pending execution of Mercury. This means more energy and money will be available to plot success for Ford and Lincoln, and according to a report in Automotive News, that means Lincoln could get "a compact, front-drive car or crossover" (Lincoln Concept C, anyone?) and perhaps a model based on the next Ford Mondeo. Not exactly what we would have expected from Ford's luxury brand, but times change.

A small taste of what's in store for Lincoln: the MKX will get a redesign next year, the same year that the venerable Town Car dies, and, according to AN, a brand-new MKX with a design less like the Edge will appear in 2014. The MKZ gets a new look in 2013, which could be the last year for the controversial Ford Flex/Lincoln MKT and Navigator, perhaps replaced by an Explorer-based crossover or an SUV with more chops for rough terrain. Hopefully, they'll also rework that whole MK-Random-Letter approach to nomenclature as well.

The more germane revelation is this: Ford apparently believes Lincoln's success is contingent on putting lots of daylight between Ford and Lincoln engineering. Lincoln models need to be more distinct from their Ford counterparts in everything from engines to styling to feature sets. That might mean a lot more luxury features and refinement could be making their way into Lincolns soon - and that's something increasingly anxious Lincoln dealers ought to be able to get behind.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWD

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Lincoln MKT, Ford Flex to be phased out at end of 2013? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hennessey MaxBoost 435 for the MKS makes beautiful nonsense [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Lincoln

Hennessey MaxBoost 435 Lincoln MKS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Talk about a sleeper. The folks at Hennessey Performance have gotten their hands on a Lincoln MKS fitted with Ford's new EcoBoost V6 engine, and the end result is pretty darn cool.

In its standard form, the twin-turbocharged MKS produces 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, but by adding Hennessey's MaxBoost 435 upgrade kit, that very same engine now cranks out a whopping 435 hp and 405 lb-ft. That means the Hennessey MKS is capable of putting down 0-60 times of only 4.5 seconds (that's as quick as a BMW M5) and will run the quarter mile in just 13 seconds at 106 mph.

The MaxBoost 435 package includes a dual cold air induction system, as well as a polished intercooler piping upgrade, engine management software upgrade, and a stainless steel cat-back exhaust. What's more, Hennessey installs all of the equipment itself and backs the package with a one year/12,000 mile warranty. Without any crucial suspension or brake upgrades, we doubt that the MaxBoost MKS will outrun an M5 on the track, but it'll certainly blow the doors off of your Grandfather's Lincoln any day of the week. Hit the jump to see a video of the MaxBoost 435 MKS in action.

Gallery: Hennessey MaxBoost 435 Lincoln MKS

[Source: Hennessey Performance]

Continue reading Hennessey MaxBoost 435 for the MKS makes beautiful nonsense [w/video]

Hennessey MaxBoost 435 for the MKS makes beautiful nonsense [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

DetNews: Ford's slow revival of Lincoln taking heat from dealers

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Lincoln, Luxury

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

In a nutshell, the problem with Lincoln is that on the Taurus SHO launch, Ford brought along an Audi A6 4.2 for comparison's sake. Says one Lincoln dealer, "It's hard to sell a $48,000 MKS when the Ford guy down the street has a Taurus with the same features for $10,000 less." Put another way, despite the polarizing new sheetmetal, it's still obvious to consumers that the MKZ is a Fusion, the MKS is a Taurus, the MKX is an Edge and the MKT is the Flex.

"I have more dedicated Lincoln-Mercury employees than Ford Motor Co. does. They don't have any executives who wake up every day thinking about these brands." Says Lincoln/Mercury dealer owner Chris Lemley to The Detroit News in what might just be the "ouch!" comment of the year.

Part of the problem is without question the not-so-great state of the economy, with luxury sales tanking by nearly 25 percent in 2009. Still, with Lincolns priced lower than the competition, one might think they'd be selling better. For instance, the Lincoln MKT (priced at $49,995 with all the fixins) matches up quite well with the much more expensive Audi Q7 ($61,825). However, "If people were cross-shopping Audi and Lincoln, that would be great," said one analyst. "Audi buyers are shopping for a style statement. They're not even looking at Lincoln. Lincoln still has not gotten back up to first-tier luxury." Hence all that dealer fury.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost

[Source: The Detroit News]

DetNews: Ford's slow revival of Lincoln taking heat from dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cadillac CTS wins Consumer Reports luxury sedan comparo, still not recommended

Chris Shunk — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Acura, Audi, Cadillac, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

Cadillac CTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Cadillac CTS sedan outscored its competition from Audi, Acura, Mercedes-Benz and Lincoln in a Consumer Reports competition of luxury sedans over $50,000. The CTS was given an "Excellent" overall road test score of 84, four points better than the closest competitor. CR says that the CTS gives up next-to-nothing to its overseas competition, adding "the ride is supple and controlled and handling is agile and sporty." The Cadillac's 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic were also given kudos for punchy acceleration and smooth shifting.

The Acura RL came in second with a "Very Good" road test score of 80. The Acura was given high marks for technology but was marked down for a less than sporty ride and a less than best-in-class rear seat. The Mercedes E350 and Audi A6 3.0T followed with "Very Good" scores of 79. Interestingly, CR says the E350 was marked down because it didn't handle as well as the last generation E-Class, adding "handling is still capable, but not exceptional, and the ride isn't as absorbent as before." The A6 is given generally high marks all around including interior, ride and handling, but its performance evidently wasn't enough to elevate it to the head of the class. The Lincoln MKS Ecoboost brought up the rear of the group with a "Very Good" score of 75. CR says the MKS has an "ordinary" driving experience, but the testers gave it good marks for a well-resolved interior.

As a bonus, CR engineers also tested the new Lexus HS250h. The dedicated luxury hybrid was given an "Excellent" score of 83 - just above that of the Toyota Prius - though the publication dings the Lexus because it "doesn't have the refinement, quietness, and ride comfort associated with the Lexus brand." CR says the HS250h makes up for these shortcomings, though, with terrific real world fuel economy - they achieved an average 31 miles per gallon during its testing.

Though the CTS took top honors in Consumer Reports' road test, the quality-driven publication still does not recommend the vehicle due to reliability issues. Only the Acura was given a "Recommended" nod, though the A6 and the MKS contain engines that are too new to receive a recommendation. The luxury test appears in the February issue of the magazine. Hit the jump to read over the official press release.

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac CTS - action shots

Continue reading Cadillac CTS wins Consumer Reports luxury sedan comparo, still not recommended

Cadillac CTS wins Consumer Reports luxury sedan comparo, still not recommended originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford

Not only does Ford rank number one on J.D. Power and Associate's 2009 navigation system survey, it ranks number two as well. The top ranking system, according to Power's study, is the one found in the Lincoln MKS, followed by a nearly identical system (if not 100% identical) in the Ford Flex. And get this, Ford took down five of the top ten spots with the F-150 coming in fourth and the Escape and Edge taking seventh and eighth place, respectively.

To anyone that's driven a modern Sync-equipped Ford with navigation, these survey results probably won't come as any sort of shock, as FoMoCo has been making some of the best systems in the business ever since they released Sync with Sirius Travel Link. Here's what Ford user interface design engineer Jason Johnson had to tell us about why Ford got ranked tops:

"I think what really makes our system stand out is the fact it's designed with the user in mind. Yes, it has all the features you'd expect from a high-level navigation system -- the 3-D maps, the digital jukebox, the customizable home screens, and of course we pride ourselves on SYNC and SIRIUS Travel Link -- but it's more than that. This system is easy to use. It's intuitive. The buttons are where you'd expect them to be, the grouping is logical and the graphics are bright and easy to read. Everything is integrated, so it all works together, simply and easily."

Non-Ford top ten nav-system finishers include the Acura TL (third), Porsche 911 (fifth), Cadillac CTS (sixth), Hyundai Genesis (ninth) and Infiniti FX-series (tenth). Interestingly, Ford is the only non-luxury/premium brand to make it into the top ten. If you were wondering, seven of the bottom ten nav-systems were made by Toyota, with the Avalon finishing dead last. Complete results list and official press release available after the jump.
[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops

J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed

Chris Shunk — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Ford, Lincoln, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2009 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost - Click above for high-res image gallery

For more years than we care to remember, Lincoln has soldiered on without a competitive large car. Ford's luxury marque finally gave its high-end roster some love for the 2009 model year with the large-and-in-charge MKS. At 204 inches long, the MKS is a Reese's Cup shy of a Navigator, and at 4,305 pounds, our all-wheel drive tester is only 166-pounds lighter than the super-sized Ford Flex.

When we tested the MKS last year, the relatively modest 3.7-liter V6 left us eagerly anticipating the long-promised twin-turbo EcoBoost variant. The first press samples of the MKS EcoBoost came in the spring, and our brief time with the 355 horsepower sedan at Milan Raceway gave us a newfound appreciation for the big Lincoln. But only a few hours behind the wheel wasn't nearly enough time to fully take in the EcoBoost experience, so we spent a week with Lincoln's Big Easy to see if 355 force-fed ponies catapults the MKS into the realm of the luxury elite. Hit the jump to find out how this latter-day Hot Rod Lincoln fared.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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 Drives

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKS already under the knife

John Neff — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lincoln

The Lincoln MKS is about a year old, but Ford's luxury division has already been caught testing a slightly refreshed version that may debut for the 2011 model year or shortly thereaftter. The spy shot shows a heavily camouflaged prototype with its front and rear end covered. Despite the aversion tactics, we can see a new version of Lincoln's flying wing grille that appears smaller than the current one. AutoWeek points out its similarity to a BMW grille, while we think it looks like the front end of a Pontiac G6 beneath the mesh bra.

The MKS lineup will grow by one model this year when Lincoln begins selling it with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 that produces 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Some here at Autoblog HQ have posited that Lincoln could (or should) be working on a sportier version of the MKS EcoBoost, kind of like a Taurus SHO for the CEO. This prototype could be something to that effect, but we have nothing to back up our guess but wishful thinking.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKS already under the knife originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford using $10,000 car-sized balloons for crash-testing

Dan Roth — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Technology, Ford, Lincoln

click the image above for a high-resolution gallery of Ford's car balloons

Ford is working hard to continue earning top marks for crash safety. With a platform inherited from Volvo, they might as well keep piling on the goodies, including radar-assisted cruise control that keeps an eye out for impending collisions and charges up the brakes preemptively. How do you develop, test, and tune such a system? "Why, they smashed a lot of cars into each other" you might conclude. That sounds expensive, and if there's one thing all automakers have been trying to do for quite some time now, it's save cash. Instead of running hunks of metal into one another, Ford has been using balloons shaped like cars for target practice.

With a price tag of $10,000, the balloons might seem a waste, but they can be reused multiple times and no cars get damaged in the process. Plus, the air-filled faux-mobiles facilitate a safer experience for test drivers and are guaranteed to provide some comic relief on windy days. Press release after the jump

Gallery: Ford Crashtest Balloons

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford using $10,000 car-sized balloons for crash-testing

Ford using $10,000 car-sized balloons for crash-testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS latest to get EcoBoost V6

Drew Phillips — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Lincoln

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

Following the release of the flagship MKT and Flex CUV, the Lincoln MKS is now the third vehicle to receive the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for the 2010 model year. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the twin-turbo engine is rated at 355 bhp and 350 lb-ft torque, all while providing 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Those who opt for the EcoBoost will also get a host of other options including 19-inch wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, all-wheel-drive, push-button start, ambient lighting, HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear window power sunshade. More info on the EcoBoost can be found in the press release after the jump and there are plenty of high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS latest to get EcoBoost V6

Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS latest to get EcoBoost V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

CNET announces nominees for Tech Car of the Year

Chris Tutor — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, BMW, Cadillac, Dodge, Infiniti, Lincoln, Nissan

About this time last year, Cadillac's CTS added CNET's Tech Car of the Year to its increasingly crowded trophy case. Its entertainment system's recording capability was one of the things that impressed us, and, presumably, the voters. This year, CNET asks its readers to choose between three imports and two domestics, none of which are Cadillacs.

BMW's M3 Convertible DCT gets a spot on the ballot with its dual-clutch transmission. We wonder if the car's recent recall for transmission problems will affect its standing. The Nissan GT-R shows up again, as you might expect with its cabin full of g-whiz electronics, from the in-dash performance computer to the quick-loading navigation. Lincoln makes the list for its THX-equipped MKS and Infiniti's EX35 Journey gets recognized for its lane-departure warning system and park-assist cameras.

The biggest surprise, though, is the Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie. The pachyderm-sized pickup impressed the CNET judges with its UConnect multimedia system which includes a 30GB hard drive, Bluetooth hands-free system, SIRIUS TV and rear seat DVD player.

The winner will be announced the second week of January to coincide with the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas.

[Source: CNET]

CNET announces nominees for Tech Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments