Targeted at buyers that want a do-it-all sort of vehicle, the MKT large crossover will sit alongside the two-row MKX crossover in Lincoln's all-new lineup, while the MKS sedan, which shares a great deal of styling cues and some mechanical elements with the MKT tops the sedan range.
The production version of the car will retain a great deal of the concept's styling, including the distinctive bow-wave and double-wing grille, thick C-pillars and cantilevered roof.
“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,” says Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas division. “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.”
While that is laden with marketing language, it's clear that Lincoln is betting heavily not only on the appearance and accommodation of the new MKT, but also on its performance credentials. That's something of an odd choice for a three-row crossover, but with the EcoBoost engine under hood, it's understandable.
The engines at the heart of the new MKT large crossover will include the 3.7L V6 unit that also powers the MKS sedan, rated at 270hp (201kW) and 265lb-ft (360Nm) of torque plus the new 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, estimated to produce 340hp (253kW) and 340lb-ft (460Nm) of torque in the MKT's implementation. The MKT will be among the first vehicles to get the EcoBoost engine, along with the MKS and the Ford Flex. The combination of direct injection and turbocharging in the engine are claimed to provide 20% better fuel economy while reducing emissions by 15%, compared to larger displacement naturally aspirated engines.
Ford says it will produce 750,000 EcoBoost-equipped cars each year within five years of their introduction, which will begin in 2009.
High-tech features will abound in the new MKT as well. Featuring Ford's proprietary Sync implementation of Microsoft's automotive computing platform, the MKT will also feature an all-new navigation system plus blind-spot monitoring and a cross-traffic alert system. Working in conjunction with the blind spot information system, Cross Traffic Alert warns the driver of impending traffic while backing out of a parking spot. When cross traffic is approaching, an indicator light provides a warning in the corresponding outside mirror, as well as an audible warning.
The cross-traffic alert system does this by using the two multibeam radar units inside the MKT's rear quarter panels. Sensitive enough to pickup an object moving at speeds above 18mph within a 65ft (20m) range on either side of the vehicle, the system helps enhance security and safety whether backing out of a parking space or changing lanes on the highway.
Lincoln MKT Concept
Reader Comments
Fri Aug 15 2008 10:14 AM
Rick says
Choo Choo! Chugga chugga chugga Choo Choo!
Fri Aug 15 2008 11:28 AM
Andrew says
This is ugly. The Flex is so good...How did this happen?
Fri Aug 15 2008 12:08 PM
Stugots says
Instead of this horrid thing, maybe they should build a beautiful sedan.
Fri Aug 15 2008 12:17 PM
bambam says
It should look better in real life then in a photo. However this(design) follows the Lincoln traditional image and i don't blame people who hates the front of the car but everything else is a perfect 10. You have to go and see it in person to appreciate it. Hopefully its one those things that people will grow to like as time goes by. Else try a little adjustment.
Fri Aug 15 2008 12:59 PM
NoNameDenton says
I is not bad, but not stunning either.
Fri Aug 15 2008 3:38 PM
Chris says
stugots: mks
andrew: seriously? i like the flex and all... but i think this thing is going to take a dump all over the buick enclave.
bam: exactly.. the style is really polar. love it or hate it. thats the way cars should be. i'd rather ford make cars that a lot of people will hate because they think it's ugly... rather it to toyota who will set up countless study groups to find the most acceptable styling possible.
noname; i'll agree, the full size crossover market really could use a simply jaw dropping design.. and it's hard to find.
Fri Aug 15 2008 11:07 PM
Turkle says
Acura's TL and this thing look like they are competing for the most "boatish" back end award. I am not sure how this will sell better than Chrysler's recently departed large Cross over. On a few other sites I visit, Toyota's upcoming version of the large cross over is being roasted as a late-comer to a dying market segment. Why (I guess style is subjective) does this attractive iteration of the same theme warrant any warmer of a reception?
Maybe this is Ford's way of letting Lincoln's product line prove to be its new form of slow death. Mismanagement of the brand image in general over the last 10 years didn't do it, so let poor sales of vehicles like this justify its ultimate end.
Sun Aug 17 2008 4:45 AM
NoNameDenton says
Chris, Toyota makes it cars as bland as vanilla, they have become a Japanese Buick.
Sun Aug 17 2008 12:51 PM
Tom Mills says
What does the "T" in MKT stand for? Tub of lard?
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