2009 Lincoln MKS In Depth

 2009 Lincoln MKS In Depth
2009 Lincoln MKS

8,600 order placed

Press Release

LINCOLN MKS POWERED BY NEW 3.7-LITER V-6 

The Lincoln MKS is powered by a new 3.7-liter V-6 engine.  This powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKZ, which was voted one of Ward's 10-Best Engines for 2007.

Both engines share the same strong, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight four-valve heads for smooth operation at high rpms.  The 3.7-liter's larger cylinders contribute to the increase in horsepower and torque.  This engine delivers 273 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque and does not require premium-grade fuel.

Technologies such as variable valve timing are utilized to deliver substantial torque at lower rpms while reducing emissions.  The Lincoln MKS qualifies for U.S Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions and California Emissions State ULEV-II emissions standards.

"This engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque to improve performance where the driver needs it most, in standing acceleration and passing," says Michael Celentino, Lincoln MKS chief engineer.  "To help manage the extra torque, the Lincoln MKS's six-speed automatic transmission is equipped with a stiffer torque converter that delivers an immediate throttle response and a more connected feel."

The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) uses a sensor that monitors the accelerator pedal to read and interpret the driver's intentions.  When paired with the new torque converter, ETC will set optimal throttle input for quick and consistent response in both performance and fuel economy.

The MKS also uses a pair of technologies that help to improve fuel economy and further reduce emissions without compromising performance.

A two-speed fuel pump alternates between two flow settings.  For example, during idle or under certain conditions such as cruising at highway speeds, the fuel pump runs on the low setting, requiring less energy to run the pump.  The lower voltage results in less of a draw on the engine, improving fuel efficiency.   

Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO) is a fuel-saving system that shuts off fuel flow to the injectors when the driver backs completely out of the throttle with the vehicle in fifth or sixth gear, such as exiting onto a freeway off ramp.

The 3.7-liter is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy and acceleration as well as enhanced performance feel.  SelectShift, making its Lincoln debut on the MKS, allows the driver to manually select gears by moving the gear selector to the right and pushing forward to downshift and pulling back to upshift.

As an added benefit, the six-speed allows the MKS to be flat-towed to a maximum speed 65 miles-per-hour.

The Lincoln MKS is available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that provides for a confident driving experience in all weather conditions.  The unit uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels – up to 100 percent in either direction – as needed, to avoid wheel slip.  

The AWD system works in conjunction with the standard AdvanceTrac® stability control system to provide additional stability by transferring torque from side-to-side.

In calendar year 2009, the Lincoln MKS will be the first Ford Motor Company vehicle to feature an EcoBoost engine.

Available less than a year after launch, the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 will produce the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6.  In fact, with an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque, the Lincoln MKS will be the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive luxury sedan in the market.

"Drive the new Lincoln MKS and its engaging and rewarding driving experience is immediately clear," Celentino says. "The power is smooth and responsive, absolutely fitting the character of the new flagship Lincoln luxury sedan.  This automobile creates an outstanding first impression, and lives up to it."

Source: Ford

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 radmeister radmeister
Very nice looking car but that 17mpg has to be a typo. This thing should get over 30mpg.
June 3, 2008 9:38 pm
 pzigly pzigly
17 city/24 highway. Its 4,200 pounds what do u expect? And why are they so impressed with 274 hp from a 3.7L? Nissan has been getting more horsepower from a 3.5L since 2003. They are also able to get 27-79mpg highway without "Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO)" "technology". This car is kind of late in its technology. I would much rather get a Infinity M or G. I would be faster, sportier, get better gas efficiency, and have leather that lasts over 3 years.
June 4, 2008 8:37 am
 mcfast101 mcfast101
WELL WE KNOW ABOUT 50% OF THOSE 8,600 customers WHO PLANS ON BUYING THIS CAR WILL BE NYC CAB BLACK LIMO CABES.
June 3, 2008 11:05 pm
 desiathate desiathate
ohh come on thats just down right stupid thinking!!! really is what you think is gona happ! really i am in loss of words to call u and explain to u why that wont happ... just wow u are just ohh i have no words 4 u
June 4, 2008 12:22 am
 DieselDog DieselDog
17 mpg? Seriously?! No wonder WCF are offering a photo of the new "easy fill" capless fuel filler port. Buyers won't have the time nor the inclination to be constantly removing a filler cap when such an ugly, shrunken beast is so awfully thirsty. Do I hear death bells for Lincoln? Hope so!
June 4, 2008 12:54 am
 gmfan09 gmfan09
Hope so? Whats that mean?
June 4, 2008 3:05 am
 caraddict caraddict
pzigly, right on the money you just spoke my mind!
June 4, 2008 9:05 am
 pzigly pzigly
I forgot something too. Doesnt Nissan have a 3.7L that produces 330 hp which is still in the beginning stages? I bet nissan will be able to get 350 hp from its 3.7L in a couple years while this car has to use twin turbo to get 340hp. And I know someone here will mention the torque difference, but you dont need that much tourque so you are able to get that power to the ground and not burn out all the time. Less torque would help out alot with this car, espically for the people getting the 20inch option. Trust me at over $200 a piece for some good tires you will want less torque (unless you drive like grandma all the time).
June 4, 2008 10:29 am
 foose1397 foose1397
Its not even the 17 mpg that bothers me. It really bothers me because its on premium fuel. One of the incentives of having the lincoln mkz over anyother car was because it ran on just unleaded. They take that away and well..........i don't care how good a car looks (this is just mediocre), there still are operating costs
June 4, 2008 11:16 am
 benz_man benz_man
Its on regular fuel.
June 4, 2008 3:50 pm
 pzigly pzigly
They tested it on regular, but the car recommends premium.
June 4, 2008 7:04 pm
 LS460Fan LS460Fan
is this a 7 series or a 5 series competitor?
June 4, 2008 12:46 pm
 benz_man benz_man
Its a 5 series competitor...but its not dynamically competitive against a 5, or a 3 series for that matter.
June 4, 2008 3:52 pm
 eat-my-shorts eat-my-shorts
It looks like a Ford what-cha-ma-call-it Lincoln, trying to look like a Toyota Camry!!!!! Or is it just me?
June 4, 2008 2:03 pm
 benz_man benz_man
pzigly- Lets see, the 3.5L in Nissan's 2008 Altima gets 19/25, and weighs considerably less than this car; what are you talking about? Nissan does use engine control algorithms similar to ADFSO. All companies do and have been since the early 90's, they just choose not to market their proprietary drivetrain logic for a "green" image. Your theory on torque is misguided. If the only reasoning behind your dislike of high tq engines is the price of tires, you should push the little button that sais "traction control" or just learn how to drive. Lastly, the twin turbo V6 isn't configured to make lots of power. Thanks to CAFE everythings an efficiency game now. It will make small V8 numbers, and get small V6 fuel economy. How can you hate?
June 4, 2008 3:49 pm
 pzigly pzigly
First off the altima gets 26-27 highway. And I thought they use variable valve timing to get performance while saving gas. Also, I drive a altima 3.5SE 5spd. On the 5spd of that yr they didn't offer abs or tcs and I dont burn out like crazy when I accelerate eventhough I can if I wanted, so lets not judge my driving skills. Im not used to computers limiting my performance. No matter what you computer you have there is still a load on the tires is might not show when you begin to accel but it will when you get to a curvy road.
June 4, 2008 6:52 pm
 pzigly pzigly
Regarding the twin turbo, I was just mentioning that nissan can get 330hp on its 3.7L and ford has to use a twin turbo to get 340hp. If they used smarter engine technology they could get the hp and efficiency they want. And unless you make the turbos kick in at high revs, the turbos they use will not be able to hide the mpg difference and it will get the mpg of a V8. I predict 20mpg highway or a little less.
June 4, 2008 7:03 pm
 benz_man benz_man
pzigly, #1 The load that "shows on the tires...when you get to a curvy road" has nothing to do with engine tq, and everything to do with inertia and vehicle weight. #2 Nissan & Ford both use VVT on there V6s to improve low rpm torque, high rpm power, improve low- idle and create valve overlap for EGR. The major benefit of the VVEL technology that Nissan uses on its 3.7L V6 (same for BMWs Valvetronic) is the significant reduction in pumping losses during high speed/low load driving (highway) due to completely open throttle-bodies that allow unrestricted air into the intake manifold without creating a vacuum or spike when the valves open & close for every intake stroke. Modern forced induction engines go without these losses because the manifold is often pressurized and can be manipulated to curtail them. Both Nissan and Ford are looking for efficiency gains, they've just chosen different ways of achieving it. While Nissan will have trouble finding 350+HP from this 3.7L (maybe they'll enlarge it again at the expense of MPGs), and will never have enough tq down low to haul around anything truly heavy, Ford will be just a software update away from 350+HP with enough tq where it matters to move something substantial, like a Navigator. BMWs twin turbo X6 35 is faster to 60 than the V8 4.6i in the first gen X5 and better on gas!
June 5, 2008 5:03 am
 pzigly pzigly
#1 on a curvy road you need to push the gas to get out of corners, torque helps blad tires and in the rain on a curvy road I would rather be in a Nissan than a Ford. You think their 3.5 cant carry around anything heavy and still have good gas efficiency. Lets see.... Nissan Quest, Infinity FX, Murano, infinity M, and infinity EX. All heavy cars that use the 3.5L. And if they do not feel that is adequate they have a 4.0L v6 that will do the job. When it is all said and done, you are gonna sit there and actually try and convince me that this ford engine is as smart and as efficient and Nissans 3.5L. I actually give ford credit in the last 2 years for finally making adequite cars. This car is a major step up for them, but I still do not feel like they have surpassed any japanese automaker in performance, handling, efficiency, or reliability.
June 5, 2008 9:04 am
 pzigly pzigly
Dont get me wrong I am not saying that this idea to put twin turbo on that 3.7 is bad. I am saying that this output is low for this day and age. If I am going to spend my hard earned 40k+ on this car I want to to get atleast 380-400 hp, espically when Nissan can get their 3.7 to 330. 275 and 340 were ok 5-6 years ago but not now.
June 5, 2008 9:15 am
 benz_man benz_man
My statement on the VQ35 versus heavy vehicles isn't about MPG, anything gets good MPG numbers when you strap it to a CVT and listen to it drone at its peak tq value whenever you accelerate. Its about the lack of low-end tq in the VQ (and most oversquare 3.5L V6s for that matter). The only truly heavy vehicle you mentioned above was the FX, and the FX35s acceleration is far from breathtaking. YES I am trying to convince you that the Ford ecoboost system is "as smart" (if not more) and efficient as Nissans VQ35 series. The turbos go on the 3.5 not 3.7, and how is 340HP and 340ft/lbs low output, when its more than the competition musters from there V6s and damn close to there V8 numbers? Not only is this more HP than the M45, but it makes more TQ at a lower RPM, for longer! Truth be told, I'd buy a G or M before an MKS every day of the week. But thats not because the engine "isn't as efficient", or the "technology is outdated". I just prefer a more dynamically involving (READ: fun to drive) car. Its not sh** just because I don't like it. Some people prefer floating Lexus'(Lexi?) to 'bahn-storming Bimmers.
June 5, 2008 4:39 pm
 pzigly pzigly
The thing is, the Ford is a engine that is for utility. Its not a sports engine. On all the cars that I mentioned, except for the quest, the engine was put in it for a sporty feel. If you drive the g37 you wont feel that it has less torque. 340 is more than competitors, but it is low output for twin turbo. Let me ask you: If Nissan put a twin turbo on its 3.5. Do you think it would be 340 hp? Torque would even be even higher than that for that matter.
June 5, 2008 5:44 pm
 benz_man benz_man
The Ford engine is for utility? The VQ37VHR is a sports engine? You won't feel less torque? Less torque is exactly what you feel, horsepower is a measurement. It has nothing to do with what the driver "feels". You should drive a turbo-diesel. Even if Nissan could cheaply turbocharge their VQ series they would have to compromise around 350HP/350lb/ft for MPG and emissions.
June 5, 2008 11:54 pm
 pzigly pzigly
First off Nissan did turbo charge their VQ series... Its called the GTR. And that engine does not compromise anything. Please do not judge nissan's turbo charging ablility. You need to drive the G37 or even the G35 to see for your self. I drove ford and I drive nissan. The experience is totally different. You do not feel involved in the drive. I know what torque is and ford is the one that cheaply turbocharged their engine. They did that to avoid spending money to improve their 3.7.
June 6, 2008 1:43 am
 pzigly pzigly
You do not feel involved in the drive. (In the ford)
June 6, 2008 1:45 am
 benz_man benz_man
Nissan has never turbocharged there VQ series for production. The VR38DETT in the GTR gets its basics from a VQ, but the VQ needs pricey modifications before it can hold any pressure. Thats why the VR38 is hand built in a clean-room at a considerable cost. I'm not "judging Nissan", I'm just stating facts. Had Nissan planned to offer turbo VQs from its inception I'm sure they'd all be built to hold boost. Aftermarket companies offer forced induction kits but they void Nissan's warranty because the timing chains stretch, the alloy Nissan uses for light weight pistons doesn't like heat...etc The GTR is a low volume, hyper-exotic. Nissan doesn't have to average in a lot of sales, so CAFE isn't affected much. However, for a high-volume production engine, like the VQ or Fords 3.5 Ecoboost, thats used across multiple platforms a company has to make sure the fuel economy averages well. I've driven multiple G37s, and my roommate owned a G35. Both pale in comparison to the 335, only because the BMW has that endless surge of 300+ lbs of tq literally off idle. No turbo lag, just thrust, right up to redline. Ford has manipulated there turbo arrangement to operate in this same way. Its not cheap, it takes lots of processing power and engineering. They're not just slapping two turbos on it. Anyone can smack turbos on an engine, but to refine the boost response and tq curve to make a small engine seamlessly run like a larger one, while burning less fuel, is pretty trick. They've invested the last of what they have on this technology. Do you think they would skimp out on there last chance? The engine has much less to do with the "sporting nature" of a car than the suspension, braking system and steering feel combined. If I dropped the VQ35 in an ES350 would the Lexus all of a sudden be more sporting? NO. Can a heavy, slow revving diesel engine win Le mans? YES. Some people don't want to be involved in the drive. They want to be isolated and cosseted. Thats why Lexus exists and the Camry is the #1 selling car in America. I personally love to drive, so Id never purchase an MKS or a Lexus. But are they sh** just cause I prefer something else?
June 6, 2008 9:38 am
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