by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen June 4, 2008 12:00 AM
Filed Under: American, Lincoln
The all new Lincoln MKS has not yet arrived in US dealerships but 8,600 customers have vowed to buy the new Lincoln flagship sedan. Almost two-thirds have opted for the Ultimate Package MKS since it made its official debut at the November 2007 LA Auto Show.
The reason the orders have flooded in so early on is because Lincoln has used a new marketing direction for this new model, namely that the marque revealed pricing and options at the cars debut rather than closer to its sales launch. “Many lease customers want to compare monthly payments before they decide on a new vehicle, it made sense for us to provide them with detailed pricing and incentives so that they could make an informed decision before the vehicle arrives in dealerships this summer," said Pei-Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS marketing manager.
"The MKS is an all-new vehicle for the Lincoln brand, and it's a game changer for us," said Michael Sprague, Lincoln Mercury group marketing manager.
The Lincoln MKS is powered by a Lincoln-exclusive 3.7 liter V6 engine producing 275 hp and is estimated to do about 17 miles to the gallon of premium gasoline. Features include SYNC, Easy Fuel Capless Fuel Filler System, SecuriCode Next-Generation Keypad, premium THX-certified audio system, 20-inch wheels, heated rear seats and voice-activated navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link.
AHEAD OF ARRIVAL IN SHOWROOMS, EARLY SALES ARE STRONG FOR NEW 2009 LINCOLN MKS FLAGSHIP SEDAN
More than 8,600 orders have been placed for the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS prior to the vehicle's arrival in dealerships this summer.
The new Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan is attracting new buyers with its timeless design, fuel-efficient powertrain and an unparalleled suite of features and technologies.
Pricing for the Lincoln MKS starts at just over $38,000, including destination.
More than 8,600 orders have been placed for the 2009 Lincoln MKS, the full-size luxury sedan that doesn't even arrive in dealerships until this summer - with the high-level "Ultimate Package" accounting for 65 percent of early orders.
"People are very excited about this vehicle because it provides the complete package - a striking exterior design, dynamic performance, advanced safety features and a host of amenities not found on other luxury sedans," said Pei-Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS marketing manager.
In addition to vehicle itself, strong early sales of the MKS are linked to a unique marketing and education campaign that has been running full throttle since the vehicle was unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
"The MKS is an all-new vehicle for the Lincoln brand, and it's a game changer for us," said Michael Sprague, Lincoln Mercury group marketing manager.
"We knew we had to go to market in a new way and send a signal to our dealers and customers that we're doing business differently," he added.
Breaking tradition, Lincoln announced pricing information and package options at the same time that the MKS debuted at the show, offering customers the opportunity to build and price their ideal vehicle at www.lincoln.com and then immediately place their order at their local dealership. Simultaneously, the team launched an extensive dealer training program, designed to educate sales consultants about the vehicle months ahead of its arrival in showrooms.
"We wanted to provide dealers with plenty of information early on so that they could talk about the product, generate excitement and engage customers," said Hsu. "Because many lease customers want to compare monthly payments before they decide on a new vehicle, it made sense for us to provide them with detailed pricing and incentives so that they could make an informed decision before the vehicle arrives in dealerships this summer."
The strategy is working, according to Tom Arthur, sales manager at Long Beach Lincoln Mercury in Long Beach, Calif. He already has taken an "unusual" 30 pre-orders for the MKS. While some of those customers saw the vehicle at the L.A. Auto Show, most of them obtained information at www.lincoln.com.
"The interest in this car has been huge, and people have been finding a lot of information online," said Arthur. "I think the MKS is going to be big hit for us."
Billy Vaughn, dealer principal at North Park Lincoln Mercury in San Antonio, Texas, says his customers placed orders for the MKS sight unseen, based on information they received from his educated sales staff as well as the web site.
"All of the customers I've talked to have done their homework. They know what's out there in the marketplace, and they're at the top of their game," said Vaughn. "Having materials available and pricing information early on has really helped us keep our customers interested."
Priced just more than $38,000 including destination, the vehicle is loaded with class-exclusive features and options, such as the industry-exclusive SYNC, Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System, SecuriCode™ Next-Generation Keypad, a premium THX-certified audio system, 20-inch wheels, heated rear seats and the voice-activated navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link™. The popular Ultimate Package includes all of the popular technology features.
The Lincoln MKS is powered by a Lincoln-exclusive 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated with a fuel efficient six-speed transmission. The powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX, which was voted one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2007.
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.
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
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!
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).
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
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?
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.
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.
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!
#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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
First off everyone that I know that has that 335 has complained about that turbo charged engine. It overheats a lot. Every Reviewer likes the g37 over the 335. During the test of the 335 vs g37 the 335 over heated. My friend had to return her car to the dealer even after they put a $10k cooling system. They gave her a new BMW 335 and after a few months that problem came up again. The vq engine on the g35's werent ment to be turbo charges. But when Nissan took that same block to turbo it they got 500hp. An engine has to have been set up to take turbo. My comment earlier was if they made the VQ series to take turbo it would be much more than 350 hp. Second, I am not saying that this cars is crap. The engine on it is good (way better than the crap they were making), all I was saying is that the output they have now on this car is similar to what nissan was over 5 years ago: 280hp 270 torque and very similar figures. ALSO these numbers are on a 3.5 and this is a 3.7. So similar numbers on a smaller engine!!!!
Again I am not saying this car is crap, but Nissan did have these same numbers over 5 years ago.
Most of the reviews for the 335 Ive read have titled the 335 the "better car", and the G37 as the "better value", with the engine being the major deciding factor. Frankly, I agree. Nothing personal, but I'm kinda hesitant to believe the story of your friends overheating 335 because the overheating issue has nothing to do with the cooling system. The oil overheats on automatic equipped 335s without the sport package because an oil cooler was not provided from the factory on those models. BMW has corrected this issue and begun retrofitting oil-coolers. The oil cooler, although thermostatically controlled, is not $10K and little damage is done to the engine because it enters "limp-home mode" at 300F. I should know, I work on them every day. Like I stated before: Nissan didn't get 500HP from the VQ block, because they cant turbocharge that block. The GTRs engine block is considerably different, hence the VR designation in the engine title. Nissan did however use all the knowledge they gained from making the VQ for 14 years. Ford could get more than 350HP from the turbo V6 but they choose not to because the engine must meet CAFE and emissions standards. If you didn't realize it, 300HP is a lot harder to SAE certify now than it was in 2003. Now you've got me interested to see the 1/4 mile times on the MKS versus the first gen G35.
I know they installed a oil cooler but I didnt think it was $10K. She she was however able to return the car and get another 335 (lemon law) and the new one did the same after a few months.
Stillen offers superchargers and turbo chargers for the g35 and the 350Z with a 3 year warrenty. I could even get a turbo charger for my 3.5 altima. If an after market company can do it, then Nissan can do it for less than half the price. I dont know why you keep saying it cant hold pressure because it clearly can.
The 3.5 2003 infinity g35 will terrorize the mkz in every angle of performance. It is lighter and i know has better handling. I could beat it in my altima. 0-60 5.9 and probably lower now since I put summer tires on it and a quarter mile in the lower 14's. I wouldnt be surprised if the Mk got higher 6 sec and a 15 or 16 quarter mile.
Had your friend picked up another 335 without an oil cooler the vehicle would have overheated immediately, whenever high engine loads, high temperatures, and low vehicle speed converge on her daily commute. I can put a turbocharger on your Altima and it'll be really fast...until it doesn't run anymore. Stillen doesn't have to worry about product life cycles, consumer satisfaction or failure modes. So much goes into making a production engine. When you purchased your Altima, you expected it to do at least 100K miles without any major problems, right? Well, Nissan (like everyone else) has to insure there products are gonna do 200K (estimated), so every part must be derated. EX: Even when your fuel injectors are at their 100% duty cycle, they're really only at 80% capacity. A 20% derating. Every part of the car is designed this way, and its pretty difficult because there are MANY different suppliers. It would be too expensive for Nissan to turbocharge the VQ and make it reliable. Thats why they engineered the VR V6 for the GT-R. Ask anyone you know how there supercharged VQ is doing after 50K miles. Nissan isn't the only one, try and turbocharge VWs VR6, LOL. I've personally destroyed someones 3.2CL in 15K miles with the help of Comptechs supercharger and fuel pump. I'd love to see an MKS try and chase down a G35 on the Nurburgring, I could laugh at that for hours just thinking about it. But I do think the turbo MKS will pull sub 6 sec 0-60's and 1/4's in 14-15s.
Nissan is known to have engines that can take high pressure. You need to maintain your car a lot more when you go turbo. When I went to the Stillen event in Costa Mesa there were a lot of turbo and supercharged g35's. They must be doing something right.... They dont just slap on a turbo. There is a lot of R&D to it.
With its heavy weight and and fords crapy transmission shifting maybe 5.9 to 6.3sec for the turbo.
Nissan IS known for having stock engines that can hold outlandish amounts of boost (The RB for instance). The VQ just isn't one of them. Did you read anything I wrote?
Yeah, the shift-logic on Fords "new" 6-speed is a joke. Hopefully they'll have added a little more intelligence by the time the MKS is out.
I need to check out the forums and stillen to see how long those engines last, because if an engine can post consistant numbers in the 290hp range (stock) and has a really good cooling system already, there has to be room for a 100-150 hp increase. At that Stillen show I saw a g35 on the dyno getting 550hp to the wheels and the owner was a old man. It was a daily driver. It was beautiful with nice rims and endless brake system. I dont see that engine failing any time soon because that would be a waste.
There is more power to be had from tuning the VQ. If you can feed it more air & fuel, ignite that with a hotter spark, and then get all the waste out in a rush the VQ could make upwards of 350HP with stock internals. The problems with forced induction are the stress loads on the open block, the crankshaft (and its bearings), the timing chain & VVT actuating sprockets and the Molybdenum pistons (particularly now that there skirts are asymmetrical). Then, if your not extra careful, the compressed air will start heating up the combustion mixture. That leads to detonation and so on... Not to mention what all that scorching hot turbo oil is doing to everything.
But I gotta say, pzigly this has been one of the most interesting conversations I've had on WCF. Thanx
Thanks, I dont think I ever wrote that much in college last semester lol. I finally met someone who knew more about nissan engins than I did lol. Check out thess kits http://www.stillen.com/browse.asp?c=PE&s=TURBO&year=2003&make=INFINITI&model=G35%202DR
