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Motor Authority - blog Category: MKS

  • Lincoln MKS EcoBoost Pitted Against Maserati Quattroporte at 12,000 feet

    Lincoln MKS EcoBoost Pitted Against Maserati Quattroporte at 12,000 feet October 5th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 5th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 5 Comments

    Lincoln MKS EcoBoost Pitted Against Maserati Quattroporte at 12,000 feet

    In a phenomenally disappointing choice of marketing tactics, Ford today unveiled its "6versus8" campaign, presented by a pair of buff books and featuring some of the least relevant comparisons in recent memory. To give the V-6 EcoBoost a fighting chance against the big V-8 engines, Ford even tilts the playing field by running them against each other at 12,000 feet.

    The move to high altitude is no doubt to widen the gap between the naturally-aspirated luxury V-8 cars and the twin-turbocharged V-6, since forced induction engines are, by nature, not as sensitive to the reduced oxygen present at higher altitudes. That's an unfortunate move,...

    In a phenomenally disappointing choice of marketing tactics, Ford today unveiled its "6versus8" campaign, presented by a pair of buff books and featuring some of the least relevant comparisons in recent memory. To give the V-6 EcoBoost a fighting chance against the big V-8 engines, Ford even tilts the playing field by running them against each other at 12,000 feet. The move to high altitude is no doubt to widen the gap between the naturally-aspirated luxury V-8 cars and the twin-turbocharged V-6, since forced induction engines are, by nature, not as sensitive to the reduced oxygen present at higher altitudes. That's an unfortunate move, because it says from the outset that Ford doesn't think the engine will win in a fair fight at elevations experienced day-to-day by 95% of the U.S. population. Which kind of guts the whole point of the comparison. Predictably, the MKS beats all but the BMW 550i, the power benefit of running the twin-turbo EcoBoost engine at altitude overcoming the MKS's decidedly less sporty suspension setup. The worst part is that the EcoBoost engine and the MKS it rides in are both sold short by this lack of confidence. The EcoBoost engine is lively and responsive and every bit the equal of an equally-tuned V-8 engine. The MKS is a solid luxury sedan that offers more value than almost any European offering and most Japanese luxury cars, too. That's what makes the advertorial fluff in this Motor Trend/Automobile/Ford video presentation comparing the MKS EcoBoost against the Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E550, Maserati Quattroporte, and BMW 550i so annoying. Stacking the deck is one thing, doing it with the presumption of the MKS's failure to stack up from the outset is worse. Nevertheless, once you sift through the thicket of advertising-speak, there is some nice in-car video of both the MKS and the "challengers," offering at least a little redemption to this otherwise pointless exercise. Check out our review for our thoughts and experiences with the 2009 Lincoln MKS (non-EcoBoost model). Read More

  • Lincoln downsizing models, possible compact car and small crossover in the works

    Lincoln downsizing models, possible compact car and small crossover in the works July 27th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 27th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 12 Comments

    Lincoln downsizing models, possible compact car and small crossover in the works Lincoln will reportedly be taking a new approach to what sort of vehicles it produces, with plans to downsize vehicles in the wake of flailing sales of the Navigator SUV and other large cars. The new approach will see the American brand focusing on cars that will likely be the smallest Lincolns ever, an approach that some other luxury rivals have shied away from in fear of a U.S. market not ready for smaller cars yet.

    For the immediate future, Lincoln could be planning a number of surprises to help return the brand to prominence. Spearheading this approach is rumored to be a new compact Lincoln based on a Ford platform, most likely the... Lincoln will reportedly be taking a new approach to what sort of vehicles it produces, with plans to downsize vehicles in the wake of flailing sales of the Navigator SUV and other large cars. The new approach will see the American brand focusing on cars that will likely be the smallest Lincolns ever, an approach that some other luxury rivals have shied away from in fear of a U.S. market not ready for smaller cars yet. For the immediate future, Lincoln could be planning a number of surprises to help return the brand to prominence. Spearheading this approach is rumored to be a new compact Lincoln based on a Ford platform, most likely the Focus' global platform, but whether or not Lincoln is sure of such a move remains uncertain. The brand has already explored the possibility of smaller cars for city dwellers via its concepts, but turning them into production vehicles could be a risk that Lincoln is not willing to take. Meanwhile, more likely to appear is a compact crossover based on an existing Ford platform that speculators are predicting could appear as early as 2011. While Lincoln is keeping its cards close to its chest, the smaller crossover could provide a change in brand image for Lincoln that would allow consumers to see the company capable of producing smaller cars. As for Lincoln's existing models, the MKZ sedan will be getting redesigned in 2012 or 2013, and will sit on Ford's global mid-size architecture alongside other mid-sized Ford models, reports Automotive News. The MKS meanwhile will get an exterior revamp close to the end of 2011, while a major upgrade is scheduled for 2014 or 2015. Lincoln's Navigator in the meantime has an uncertain future, and whether or not the company retains the massive SUV is anyone's guess - although with the discontinuation of earlier plans to upgrade the Navigator in 2011 we wouldn't be too surprised if it eventually goes the way of the Lincoln Town Car, which is almost certainly going to be scrapped after 2011. Read More

  • Ford details powertrain plans through 2010

    Ford details powertrain plans through 2010 July 21st, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 21st, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Ford details powertrain plans through 2010 The EcoBoost four-cylinder made news today with its impressive 240hp output from a small 2.0L displacement, raising hopes for enthusiasts everywhere that the engine might see use in a small and sporty hatch or sedan - or possibly even an SVO-type Mustang. But that's not the only thing Ford has in store over the coming years, and today the company took the time to detail some of its plans for the near future.

    The 355hp-365hp 3.5L EcoBoost engine already in the Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT will begin its full production rollout this summer, featuring advanced deceleration fuel shut-off and cam torque actuated intake... The EcoBoost four-cylinder made news today with its impressive 240hp output from a small 2.0L displacement, raising hopes for enthusiasts everywhere that the engine might see use in a small and sporty hatch or sedan - or possibly even an SVO-type Mustang. But that's not the only thing Ford has in store over the coming years, and today the company took the time to detail some of its plans for the near future. The 355hp-365hp 3.5L EcoBoost engine already in the Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT will begin its full production rollout this summer, featuring advanced deceleration fuel shut-off and cam torque actuated intake variable cam timing to improve power and efficiency under dynamic load conditions. The EcoBoost invasion will carry forward across most of Ford's lineup, until by 2013, over 90% of the company's vehicles will be available with at least one EcoBoost offering. Next on the docket is hybrid powertrains. For 2010 the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid will break new ground as the most efficient American hybrids and the most efficient midsize sedans on the market. Some of these gains will carry over to the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, but the new advanced hybrid powertrains will remain unique to the Fusion and Milan. Some of the technology that will be found in all of the Blue Oval hybrids includes a 2.5L inline four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine paired with an e-CVT transmission plus intake variable cam timing that helps bridge the transition from gas engine to electric motor and back. For more on the benefits of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its Mercury counterpart over previous Ford hybrids, read up on our release story. Further plans for 2010 to be found throughout the Ford lineup include a new 6F six-speed automatic transmission that reduces parasitic losses, improves shift points and warms up faster to help improve fuel efficiency, and it will also be joined by a new six-speed Powershift transmission paired with the four-cylinder EcoBoost engine announced today. The end goal with all of these new powertrains is to improve fuel economy while delivering a satisfying experience behind the wheel. Ford says the EcoBoost V6 will deliver a fuel savings of up to 20% compared to a similarly powerful V8 engine. That's not to say that the V8 is out at Ford, however. A new 5.0L V8 engine dubbed 'Coyote' will be making its way into the range in 2010, including a spot under the hood of the Mustang, where power output is expected to nudge the 400hp mark. For more on the Coyote engine, read our latest coverage here. Adding even more interest is the 5.0L 'Bobcat' ethanol-injected V8 engine based on the Coyote, though that engine may be further out, with initial testing in the F-150 to begin at the end of this year.2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010 Lincoln MKT crossover2010 Ford Taurus SHO Read More

  • Lincoln reveals pricing for MKS with 355hp EcoBoost V6

    Lincoln reveals pricing for MKS with 355hp EcoBoost V6 May 14th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, May 14th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 1 Comment

    Lincoln reveals pricing for MKS with 355hp EcoBoost V6 The Lincoln MKS has been a sales success for Ford, with the regular V6 version launched last year racking up thousands of sales and regaining market share lost mainly to Cadillac in the recent past. Lincoln is now expanding the MKS range to make even more flexible with the sales launch of the new EcoBoost model planned for the middle of the year. The car will carry a base price of $48,585 (including an $825 destination fee), which may seem like a substantial leap over the $38,000 starting price of the base V6 model but its economy and power say otherwise.

    The MKS is the first of Ford model to feature an EcoBoost powerplant but it certainly... The Lincoln MKS has been a sales success for Ford, with the regular V6 version launched last year racking up thousands of sales and regaining market share lost mainly to Cadillac in the recent past. Lincoln is now expanding the MKS range to make even more flexible with the sales launch of the new EcoBoost model planned for the middle of the year. The car will carry a base price of $48,585 (including an $825 destination fee), which may seem like a substantial leap over the $38,000 starting price of the base V6 model but its economy and power say otherwise. The MKS is the first of Ford model to feature an EcoBoost powerplant but it certainly won’t be the last as Ford plans to have the option available on 90% of its North American lineup by 2012. The EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine delivers a peak 355hp (265kW) at 5,700rpm and 350ft-lb (474Nm) of torque from 3,500rpm, as well as a substantially saving in fuel consumption. Thanks to a combination of direct-injection and turbocharging technology, a 10-15% fuel-economy benefit is expected versus normally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engines in the same competitive class. According to Ford, the Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost will deliver more power and better highway efficiency (25mpg) than the 2009 Lexus GS460 (24mpg) or 2009 Infiniti M45 (21 mpg). Initial estimates put its fuel-economy at around 17mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway. Standard features include 19in wheels, adaptive HID headlights, a rear-window power sunshade, and AWD. Optional goodies include 20in chrome wheels, EcoBoost badging, illuminated door sill plates, and plush floor mats.2009 Lincoln MKSFord EcoBoost range Read More

  • Ford reopens Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 for EcoBoost production

    Ford reopens Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 for EcoBoost production February 27th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, February 27th, 2009 James Martinez 1 Comment

    Ford reopens Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 for EcoBoost production After shutting down its storied Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 back in 2007, Ford has kicked the site back into life with production of its brand new EcoBoost engines starting today. The plant is the first manufacturing site in the world to build the EcoBoost engine and the first examples are destined for the 2010 model-year Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex crossover.

    Ford has invested more than $55 million for tooling and equipment upgrades at the Ohio plant, and approximately 250 employees are needed for each shift. To ensure top level quality and reliability, a new database system attaches a sophisticated... After shutting down its storied Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 back in 2007, Ford has kicked the site back into life with production of its brand new EcoBoost engines starting today. The plant is the first manufacturing site in the world to build the EcoBoost engine and the first examples are destined for the 2010 model-year Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex crossover. Ford has invested more than $55 million for tooling and equipment upgrades at the Ohio plant, and approximately 250 employees are needed for each shift. To ensure top level quality and reliability, a new database system attaches a sophisticated “birth history” to each engine, which allows plant engineers to track every stage of production. The engine history, maintained in a microchip database, will include hundreds of metrics and allows engineers to trace the precise path taken by any part so any quality control issue can be traced back to its source. The first EcoBoost engine is a 3.5L V6 unit with 355hp (265kW) at 5,700rpm and 350ft-lb (474Nm) of torque from 3,500rpm. Thanks to a combination of direct-injection and turbocharging technologies, a 10-15% fuel-economy benefit is expected versus normally aspirated V8 engines found in the same class as the Ford vehicles equipped with an EcoBoost engine. The V6 unit is the first in a wave of EcoBoost engines coming from Ford as part of a strategy to bring affordable fuel efficiency to millions, with more than 90% of the company’s North American lineup to be fitted with EcoBoost technology by 2013.Ford EcoBoost technologyFord EcoBoost range Read More

  • Hennessey announces plans to modify the Ford Taurus SHO

    Hennessey announces plans to modify the Ford Taurus SHO February 16th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, February 16th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Hennessey announces plans to modify the Ford Taurus SHO Twin-turbos, 365hp - stock - aggressive looks and...four doors? A Blue Oval on the grille? The Ford Taurus SHO is a legendary nameplate with a promising new face for the 2010 model year, and the tuners at Hennessey Performance have taken notice.

    Not much about the planned modifications are yet known, but before 2009 is over the Hennessey gang will have upgrades for the SHO ready, including intake and exhaust, boost controller and gauges, upgraded turbos, higher capacity intercoolers, improved suspension and more on the table.

    Already rated at 365hp (272kW) from the factory, the SHO is set to grow to potentially insane output levels in the... Twin-turbos, 365hp - stock - aggressive looks and...four doors? A Blue Oval on the grille? The Ford Taurus SHO is a legendary nameplate with a promising new face for the 2010 model year, and the tuners at Hennessey Performance have taken notice. Not much about the planned modifications are yet known, but before 2009 is over the Hennessey gang will have upgrades for the SHO ready, including intake and exhaust, boost controller and gauges, upgraded turbos, higher capacity intercoolers, improved suspension and more on the table. Already rated at 365hp (272kW) from the factory, the SHO is set to grow to potentially insane output levels in the hands of the likes of Hennessey. The same crew has turned out Dodge Vipers and Ford GTs with twin-turbo kits rated at over 1,000hp (746kW), announced a 705hp 2010 Camaro (526kW) and even taken on the Corvette ZR1. What they might do the SHO is anybody's guess, but it's almost guaranteed to be outrageous. Perhaps an American rival to the potent twin-turbo sixes found in so many BMWs is finally in the making - especially once the EcoBoost V6 makes it to the Lincoln MKS later this year.Hennessey ZR700 Corvette ZR12010 Ford Taurus SHO2010 Ford Taurus SHO Read More

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