Lincoln surprised show goers at the NAIAS with the unveiling today of the new MKT sedan concept, showcasing the brand's new design language on a spacious luxury utility vehicle. Officials are calling this a concept but recent spy shots around regular Blue Oval proving grounds suggest this design study will be heading for production.
As a sign of the times, the MKT features an efficient EcoBoost V6 engine rather than a large displacement V8 and it’s also makes use of more environmentally friendly materials in its construction. The 3.5L engine features turbocharging and direct injection to lift power and torque to V8 levels with fuel efficiency of a V6. Other fuel saving features include an advanced transmission, electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements – it’s also capable of running on E85 ethanol blended fuel (Ford will first introduce EcoBoost in the Lincoln MKS next year).
Inside, the concept takes on a distinctive luxury theme. Occupants get first-class airline style seats, of which there are four in total, as well as full heating, reclining and footrest features.
For the center stack, designers invented and patented a solid-state lighting technology that allows them to project onto a contoured surface in 3-D. This new technology allowed designers to use non-traditional shapes and spaces for information displays as well as unique storage spaces in the center stack.
The instrument panel and twin-level center console, finished in a reconstituted oak veneer, also houses an assortment of technologies, including an instrument cluster inspired by Swarovski crystals. It uses LEDs strategically positioned so light appears to emanate from the center of three circular dials and radiate to the outer edge of the dials.
Reader Comments
Mon Jan 14 2008 12:23 PM
chris says
ex...cuse....... me? crystals and 3d displays? and they have managed to apply the very chique styling of the mks to the otherwise downright ugly ford flex.... very nicely. although this isnt quite as nice in my eyes as the MKX, it isnt exactly aimed at me either. I can see how this would lay a good thumping on the buick enclave. It's going to have to be here in the flesh by 2010 if it plans on taking any market in the segment though. im sure the enclave will have a new gen by 2012, which should just leave this thing in the dust.
The description is very enticing though. I want more pics! i HAVE to see this patented display. could ford see some revenue from licensing new display technology? 8 ' |
Mon Mar 17 2008 3:09 PM
roger says
If Moses had seen this car , ther would have been an eleventh commandment!!!
How can a designer with a sharp pencil & a clean sheet of paper cme up with something so ugly?
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