Autoblog

Ford's second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start *UPDATE

Reilly Brennan — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Ford, Lincoln

In 2010, Ford reinvented its SYNC system with the launch of the refreshed Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. But the new integrated system - MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch or what's known as "SYNC generation 2" - has been plagued by more than a few bugs. And part of the problem is due to its design.

If one of its various functions trips up - navigation, phone or entertainment, among others - the system can restart. This can leave the driver faced with a blank display and a restart procedure that can take two to three minutes. Double bummer: It usually wipes out your paired phones and indexed music.

After talking with several colleagues who have experienced similar issues (including one where the volume was stuck on max while the A/C continued to blow cold air in 42-degree weather) and experiencing these issues first hand for ourselves, we called up Ford's Head of Technology Communications, Alan Hall, and got on the phone with one of the Blue Oval's engineers to see what's causing the issues and how the automaker is addressing them.

Continue reading Ford's second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start...

*UPDATE: Official statement from Ford added after the jump.

Continue reading Ford's second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start *UPDATE

Ford's second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX get first recall

Zach Bowman — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

2011 Ford Edge Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

That was quick. Ford has issued a recall for a whopping 71 2011 Lincoln MKX and 2011 Ford Edge models due to rear latches that are unable to be locked. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the locks weren't programmed properly from the factory, and as such, the rear gate can't be locked by any of the buttons inside of the vehicle or even the key fob.

NHTSA says that the problem violates the agency's motor vehicle safety standard number 206 pertaining to locks and door retention components.

Ford will reprogram the locks free of charge, and the recall is set to get under way starting on November 1. Owners can contact Ford or the NHTSA to learn more about having their vehicles repaired.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge: First Drive

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX: First Drive

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL.
[Sources: NHTSA, Family Car Guide]

2011 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX get first recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Lincoln hires a Mad Man for new commercials

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Lincoln, Celebrities, Luxury

Mad Men's John Slattery, Lincoln's new pitchman. Follow the jump to watch the new TV spot.

Lincoln wants everyone in TV land to know about its freshened model lineup. To grab their attention, they've gone with a heavy hitter from a pretty popular ad agency to shill the 2011 MKX: Roger Sterling, from Sterling Cooper Draper Price. OK, fine... not Roger Sterling, but John Slattery, the actor who portrays him on AMC's Mad Men.

Slattery will plug the new "Smarter than Luxury" campaign, which launches during coverage of the Ryder Cup golf tournament. The focus of the ads is to highlight the technology and craftsmanship that are put into each new Lincoln vehicle. The TV spots will be backed up by a full print campaign as well, highlighting the 2011 Lincoln MKX and the MKZ hybrid.

Mad Men is a huge hit, so it's a no-brainer for Lincoln to tap into that popularity. Mercedes-Benz has already signed Jon Hamm (a.k.a. Mad Men's Don Draper) as the new voice-man for its commercials. Hop the jump to see Slattery pitch the latest from Lincoln.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Video: Lincoln hires a Mad Man for new commercials

Video: Lincoln hires a Mad Man for new commercials originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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Reader Spy: Next Ford Explorer with Lincoln-esque grille caught in LA?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Lincoln-grilled 2011 Ford Explorer spy shot - Click above for high-res image gallery

Granted, these aren't the clearest set of spy photos you're going to see this week. Regardless, they are interesting as they show what appears to be a next-gen 2011 Ford Explorer with the familiar face of the current Lincoln lineup grafted in place. Sure, it's not terribly surprising to see a luxurious Lincoln created from a more pedestrian Ford product - it happens all the time - but why the Explorer?

Consider that Lincoln already offers a pair of crossovers that are based on existing Ford models, namely the MKX and the MKT. Consider too that the next Explorer will migrate to a smaller, car-based crossover platform... and one wonders just how many CUVs the Lincoln brand could support.

So, just what is this camo'd vehicle we see roaming the streets? Could it be a new Navigator (or a revival of the ex-Explorer-based Aviator), just a cobbled together mule from spare parts that doesn't have any production intent whatsoever, or something new altogether? Beats us. Feel free to take a look at the pictures and judge for yourselves. Thanks for the images, George!

Gallery: Ford Explorer spy shots

Reader Spy: Next Ford Explorer with Lincoln-esque grille caught in LA? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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Report: Ford porting 3.7L V6 into 2011 F-150

Chris Shunk — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for the high-res image gallery

Ford hasn't offered a V6 option in the F-150 since its best-selling truck was redesigned for the 2009 model year, but a report from our friend Mike Levine over at Pickuptrucks.com says that's about to change. Levine cites sources at the Blue Oval who say the same Ti-VCT 3.7-liter V6 (shown at right) that will power the 2011 Mustang and Lincoln MKX will also be found under the hood of the F-150 by the end of the year. Levine tells us that the 3.7 will likely only be added to the XL and STX models, though there is a chance that the XLT could also get some fuel-sipping love. A V6 pickup will likely be a big hit with fleet customers as well as buyers who love trucks but don't use them for towing or hauling.

The sources didn't quote power numbers, but since the Lincoln MKX version will reportedly produce the same 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque as the one used in the Mustang, there is a good chance that Ford will simply copy and paste the same mill under the hood of the smallest F-Series. If the 3.7 does find its way into the F-150, we'll be very interested to see the official EPA fuel economy numbers. We can't see a 23 or 24 miles per gallon full size pickup with up to 305 hp being a bad thing.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

Report: Ford porting 3.7L V6 into 2011 F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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Spy Shots: Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge redesigns caught nearly naked

John Neff — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge spy shots - Click above or below for high-res image galleries

Ford and Lincoln's crossover offerings are plentiful, but all attention is being paid nowadays to the boxy-yet-practical Flex and hit-by-the-ugly-stick MKT. What about the Edge and MKX? This duo was launched years before the automaker's polarizing pair of three-row CUVs arrived.

Well, their due for redesigns. Or at least, according to these spy shots, refreshenings of their front and rear ends. In the Edge's case, that means making the already handsome people mover look a bit more windswept, though it appears things will stay largely the same between the A- and D-pillars.

The changes look more substantial for the MKX, which launched before Lincoln debuted its increasingly ubiquitous doubled-winged grille design. That punum looks pretty okay on the MKS sedan and like a baleen whale on the oversized MKT. It looks just right on the MKX to us.

Ford and Lincoln may have other news about the Edge and MKX for us - powertrain and infotainment upgrades most likely - at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in early January, which is when we expect to see these new looks formally trotted out on stage.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Lincoln MKX

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Edge

[Images: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge redesigns caught nearly naked originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:57:00 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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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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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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Spy Shot: Redesigned Lincoln MKX gains corporate face

John Neff — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Lincoln

Redesigned Lincoln MKX spy shot - Click above to enlarge

Lincoln's new corporate grille is comprised of a split-wing design that flows up into a pair of swept back headlamps. It debuted on the MKS, has migrated to the MKZ and was expanded for the MKT three-row crossover, and now it's set to appear on the redesigned MKX crossover.

The MKX crossover has always been the odd-man-out in terms of styling when compared to the rest of the Lincoln lineup. Even before the split-wing grille came into being, the MKX debuted with a front fascia that didn't match any of the brand's other models because it was based on the 2005 Lincoln Aviator concept. All that will change as this spy shot reveals.

Whereas the split-wing grille looks over-the-top on the much larger MKT crossover, this most important of Lincoln design cues seems right at home on the smaller MKX. Click the image above for an enlarged view and let us (and Lincoln) know what you think in the comments. Specifically, how do you think the new MKX design compares to its cross-town rival, the 2010 Cadillac SRX?

Spy Shot: Redesigned Lincoln MKX gains corporate face originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Ford, Celebrities

Click above for massive gallery of Fords from SEMA

What recession? Perhaps anticipating the euphoria that will follow the end to the seemingly decades-long Presidential race today, Ford decided to throw a huge tuner party at SEMA this year, and they invited ALL of their friends. The Ford booth always houses a bunch of tuned blue ovals, but they generally tend to be grouped around a central vehicle. Last year it was the Mustang. And the year before. And probably the year before that, too. But this year they gave the ol' spit shine to virtually every model in the lineup. Ford even threw in a Lincoln or two for good measure (above).

In the gallery below you'll see the Lincoln MKS and MKX, as well as Ford Focus Coupe, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Transit Connect, and Edge. Tuners include 3dCarbon, Custom Creations, RKSport, Stout Performance, Barber Driving Experience, FSWerks, Street Concepts, EcoTrek, HPA Motorsports, H&R, and Steeda. For more info on each one, check out the press release after the jump. There are actually quite a few interesting concepts in the bunch.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford Booth

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day

SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford cancels planned third shift for crossovers at Oakville plant

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:21:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Ford, Canada

Click above high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Flex

Ford has been banking on strong sales of its crossover vehicles to help counter the sinking ship that is its line of SUVs. While the new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, along with the brand new Ford Flex and revised Escape, have sold well enough to post a meager 2.8-percent gain in overall sales so far this year, that number apparently isn't high enough to warrant a third shift at Ford's Oakville, Ontario plant that the automaker was hoping would be necessary. Unfortunately, this shift cancelation means that 350 workers who had planned on showing up for their first day next Monday are now left jobless.

While there are certainly buyers out there who require the capability to haul around their entire families and their associated gear, all large passenger vehicles -- crossovers like the new Flex included -- face an uphill battle now to overcome current market conditions, as this latest announcement once again proves.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford Flex

[Source: Courier-Journal]

Ford cancels planned third shift for crossovers at Oakville plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to take all-wheel drive lead from Subaru?

Erin Mays — Mon, 22 May 2006 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Subaru

Watch out Fuji Heavy, Ford Motor Company is out to nab your claim to fame. The Detroit Free Press states that the automaker working its way toward becoming the leading producer of all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars and crossovers in the North American market. Ford says that it will offer AWD variants of the Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, bringing its total AWD offerings to 22 vehicles and sales to 500,000 by next year.

The trick, Ford thinks, is to offer up models in the middle range of the market -- vehicles a little above entry-level, but not reaching the high cost of luxury vehicles such as BMW and Audi's AWD offerings.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press; Ford Motor Company]

Ford to take all-wheel drive lead from Subaru? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 May 2006 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Edge gets full suite of safety equipment

John Neff — Tue, 02 May 2006 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Ford has already responded to a safety-conscious market and beefed up the level of standard safety equipment included in the 2007 Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans, and its now apparent the new Edge CUV and its Lincoln MKX counterpart will hit dealer lots with loaded to the roof rack with safety equipment.

Both the Edge and MKX will include the following laundry list of safety features:
-    AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
-    Dual stage driver and front passenger airbags
-    Seat-mounted side air bags
-    Safety Canopy air curtain system
-    Driver seat positioning sensor
-    Passenger seat occupant classification sensor
-    Load-limiting safety belt retractors and pretensioners
-    Energy absorbing steering wheel, knee bolster and glove box

Perhaps the best piece of safety equipment the Edge will be packing is its spankin' new 3.5L V6 that produces 265 hp. Accident avoidance will be much easier with that much squirt on tap.

[Source: Ford]

Ford Edge gets full suite of safety equipment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 May 2006 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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