Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKT Concept

When Ford previewed the 2009 Ford F-150 ahead of the Detroit Auto Show, it was non-committal when asked how the new top shelf Platinum edition would affect the Lincoln Mark LT luxury pickup. While the Mark LT proved to be more commercially successful than the previous Blackwood, the concept of a Lincoln-branded luxury pickup appears destined for the scrap heap once again. Ford's premium brand will instead expand its crossover lineup by adding the Lincoln MKT that debuted as a concept in Detroit. The full-size MKT is based on the same platform as the Ford Flex, but features all of Lincoln's new design language from the split grille to the belt-line chamfer. While the concept had a four-seat layout, the production version will almost certainly have a third row, as well. Ford is currently finalizing the design with consumer clinics and Job 1 should happen sometime in spring 2009.



[Source: Detroit News]

click above for more high-res live shots of the Lincoln MKT

Lincoln's next iteration of its "Bow-wave" grille comes in the form of the MKT concept; essentially a low riding CUV that might hint at an MKX replacement. What Peter Horbury is describing as a new take on the Grand Tourer, the MKT aims to be a long-distance cruiser with enough amenities to keep four urban adults comfortable and isolated from the world around them.

The MKT's styling picks up a few of MKZ-inspired cues, particularly the krill grille and sharp crease in the hood. The few elements that stand out (there aren't many) are the Lincoln emblem embedded behind the front wheels that strafes off into a character line, the chunky C-pillar and the steep slope of the hatch. The MKT carries some of the exterior's swoop inside, along with the unfortunate addition of Bedazzled sill plates and door handles. Power comes courtesy of Ford's EcoBoost 3.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injected V6, producing 415 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.

Viewed next to the Edge-based MKX, the MKT makes Lincoln's current CUV look staid and antiquated in comparison. It might not be the best application of the new line of Lincoln design cues, but it's combination of power and cruising capabilities might be exactly what's need next in the Lincoln lineup. Video of the live MKT concept reveal is available after the jump.

click above for more high-res images of the Lincoln MKT

We first saw spy photos of the Lincoln MKT concept only a week ago, and it's now here as a concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Based on the fact that a development mule was spotted already, you can ignore Lincoln when it says the MKT is a potential new vehicle for the brand. It is a new vehicle for the brand. The new premium CUV is believed to be based on the platform of the Ford Flex and follows the Explorer America concept in being powered by one of Ford's new EcoBoost engines. Like its sedan sibling, the MKS, this one gets a turbocharged 3.5L V6 that allows you to choose between either E85 or premium grade petroleum-based gasoline. The premium requirement is the result of the engine being optimized for the higher octane ratings of the biofuel. The upside is that output jumps from 340 hp/340 lb-ft to 415hp and 400 lb-ft. All of that twisting force is transmitted through a six-speed automatic transmission and distributed to all four wheels for propulsion. The voluminous interior of the MKT has also been optimized for comfort and luxury with only four seats allocated for passengers. If a production version with a third-row bench arrives, this looks like the likely candidate to replace all those Town Cars in livery fleets. The body work incorporates more of the new Lincoln design cues that first turned up on last year's MKR concept but were too late for the MKS. That body work is formed from "upcycled" plastics produced by Sabic Innovative Plastics, the same people who produced the materials used on the Chevy Volt and Hyundai Qarmaq concepts.

Follow the jump for Lincoln's official press release with more details than we can muster at this late hour, and check back later today for live shots of the MKT from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show.

[Source: Ford]