I for one am glad Lincoln is being taken much more seriously at Ford than before. The brand has been on a very good run, especially coming out with interesting design schemes. Taking another step forward, Lincoln has confirmed its MKT concept will be produced as a road car during 2009, making it one of the fastest concept-to-production cars ever seen.
“The Lincoln MKT reinforces our commitment to further expand America’s fastest-growing luxury brand,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of the Americas, “providing an all-new vehicle to the showroom that’s been crafted and honed for a new kind of customer. The MKT will offer the comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a crossover and the performance of a sports sedan, courtesy of its EcoBoost engine. At the same time, this perfect blend of performance and power is elegantly wrapped in the refined design cues that have become synonymous with modern Lincolns.”
A redesigned MKZ will also appear in 2009. Under the skin of 7-seater MKT will be a 3.7-liter V6 normally aspirated engine and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 340 bhp and 340 lb.-ft. of torque. Although EcoBoost suggests fuel efficiency, Lincoln may have missed an opportunity to refine an even smaller turbo motor instead of the 3.5, or even offer it as a hybrid. Maybe later?
MKT will debut technologies new to the brand, such as the Blind Spot Monitoring system, and an improved SYNC with extensive Bluetooth connectivity management. A worthy future contender to Infiniti’s EX?
Ford Confirms Lincoln MKT for Production
Lincoln / 2009 Lincoln MKT concept
High technologies, 3.7 V6 promised
By Thami Masemola
August 18, 2008 2:00 PM
Filed Under: American, Concept Car, General, Lincoln
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Linoln MKT Concept (44 photos)
Comments
Joe_Limon
August 18, 2008 5:45 PM
3.5 liter naturally aspirated with 340 hp and torque? That is impressive, especially for Lincoln.
Nurchus
August 18, 2008 6:21 PM
Not bad technology! I am glad Ford did not forget about Lincoln. However, only complaint I have is the disgustingly designed rear end of the car, on the prfile view. Looks like a hatchback/saloon hybrid design.
carcrazy1234
August 18, 2008 7:00 PM
wow that interior is spot on... I actually like it :D:D imagine if they actually built this car AS it is just like in the pictures right here lol wicked
daviepops
August 18, 2008 8:04 PM
A monstrosity totally lacking in style ... an assault on the visual senses IMHO ... this is a perfect example of why Ford and GM are in such financial crisis in North America ... that said, the panorama glass roof does look impressive.
v6s_stink
August 18, 2008 8:34 PM
I think this is a great idea, I'm glad they are going forward. Today, diesel cost 17% more in my neighborhood than gasoline. If eco-boost really improves gas economy by 20%, then the technology is right in there with diesel for overall cost per mile.
This cross-over actually has a concept that makes sense. Lots of luxury for four people with AWD/ASC traction and safety makes much sense. Most other cross-overs are attempts to make mini-vans that don't look like a mini-vans. There are a lot of people who realize that rearing kids doesn't mean hauling them and six of their friends to sporting events.
I agree with the article that less HP and better economy would be a better use of eco-boost. I ALSO DON'T NEED TO KNOW HOW FAST THIS VEHICLE RUNS AROUND THE "RING".
MAB
August 18, 2008 10:11 PM
"Although EcoBoost suggests fuel efficiency, Lincoln may have missed an opportunity to refine an even smaller turbo motor instead of the 3.5, or even offer it as a hybrid. Maybe later? "
I took that to mean the 3.5V6 is a turbo motor, but WCF was sure it wouldnt have been with so much displacement? The 3.7 specifically states NA too. Confusingly written, maybe.
All in all it is a nice concept, I hope they can translate the concept well into production without adding too much blandness to the overall look of the vehicle.
mphillips12000
August 18, 2008 10:15 PM
I think its handsome and stately. But how, exactly, is a spin-off of the hulking Ford Flex a competitor to the premium hatchback-scale Infiniti EX?
mickey_f1
August 18, 2008 10:17 PM
In a world full of cars with same looks this is something really special! It's gorgeous! I haven't seen such distinctive and at the same time beautiful styling for years! And what is the biggest surprise - it's american!
benz_man
August 18, 2008 11:42 PM
Its good to see Lincoln getting back in the game. EcoBoost is just a marketing shenanigan to describe the benefits of combined turbocharging and direct-injecting. Although the vehicles are more Lexus-like than I'd prefer, many will flock to Lincoln dealers for that reason alone. Gosh, the styling really is beautiful in the traditional since, but its not aping anyone else. I'm impressed!
Alfafox5
August 19, 2008 12:03 AM
I saw this car in person at the NAIAS and it was very impressive. The concept of course had huge wheels, and tires, which looked awesome. I like the new grill a lot and hope the concept does arrive intact as a production model. As for the Infiniti comparison, maybe they meant to refer to the FX, since it is bigger. Peace!
ti-max525
August 19, 2008 2:21 AM
RWD please, thas what I want!!!! lincoln vs cadillac,, mkt 3.7 340hp vs cts 3.6 300hp thas sound great.
VWInformant
August 19, 2008 3:33 AM
That is an incredible looking car! I can't wait to see how the final production model turns out. Hopefully they won't commercialize it too much.
--- Working with VW to spread the word about the new Tiguan. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know.
DieselDog
August 19, 2008 4:34 AM
Regarding the Tiguan - when will VWoA bring the TDI version to the US?
DieselDog
August 19, 2008 4:37 AM
Regarding the new Lincoln, I say, "Bring it to 'MKT.'" The US luxury crossover market could surely make room for a car with such swaggaring style. I'm not big on Lincolns, but this is one very good looking show car. (Too bad the one-piece windscreen-cum-sunroof won't make it.)
andy
August 19, 2008 9:37 AM
FORD cant do shiet ..!! they will bankrupt soon, driving a ford car nowaday is seem like behind the date,people would fool you around with handsome stylish rides like caddy,BMW,Mercedes,....
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