THE X FACTOR
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Wed, Jun 27, 2007
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
X MARKS THE SPOT
Back in model year 1961, Lincoln introduced what was to
become one of the greatest automotive designs in the last half of the 20th
century: The Lincoln Continental. After years of styling exercises with tailfins
and excess chrome, the Continental's clean, simple lines and slab sides were a
stark contrast to what was coming out of Detroit until then.
Almost 50 years later, Lincoln repeats history with a design that is remarkably
similar to the 1961 Continental. This time around, it's an SUV - and its design
is distinctly different from the rugged, macho look that is characteristic of
most SUV designs.
The recipient of this good design is the new crossover SUV from Lincoln, the MKX.
The design of the grille and fenders, in particular, harkens back to the classic
Continentals of the early 1960s.
The operative word for the MKX is "crossover" - and it explains why the vehicle
is a superior performer in handling, ride, acceleration, and fuel mileage when
compared with its non-crossover competition. The MKX is based on a unibody car
platform, which makes for a lighter, more ridged body structure - and that
translates to the vehicle that drives more like a car than your traditional SUV.
The MKX is also the recipient of Ford Motor Company's latest V6 design, the 3.5L
Duratec, which generates 265 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 250 pound-feet of
torque at 4,500 rpm. This new power plant represents a considerable advance in
both power delivery and efficiency or the folks over at the big Blue Oval. Both
the platform and the engine are responsible for the MKX's excellent acceleration
and fuel economy figures.
Accolades for good design are not limited to the MKX's exterior. Lincoln has
been producing some of the nicest interiors in the industry, and the one in the
MKX is a shining example. The light wood trim, for instance, is very tastefully
executed in a naturally textured finish (as opposed to the usual temptation to
make it look like it's been dipped in urethane). The interior design has not
gone unnoticed by the industry. The MKX received Ward Automotive's "best
interior" design award this year. It is well-deserved.
In daily operation, the MKX works very well. Behind the wheel, it's easy to
forget that this is an SUV. The MKX corners like a well-tuned sedan, and
accelerates onto highways with passing power to spare. A few touches deserve
mention. One is the power lift gate, which makes opening and closing the rear
hatch a lot easier. The optional panoramic roof is a joy to have, and it really
seems to bring some of the attributes of a convertible into this crossover SUV.
Lincoln has put together a very attractive product in the MKX. Equally
attractive is the price of this vehicle, which starts at $34,120.
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
The right crossover vehicle at the right time, and at the right price.
For more information about Lincoln products, go to
www.lincoln.com.
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle:
Lincoln MKX
Price of vehicle:
Base model - $34,120
AWD - $35,770
Engine type:
3.5 liter DOHC V6
EPA fuel economy:
FWD - 18 mpg/city, 25 mpg/highway,
AWD - 17 mpg/city, 24 mpg/highway
Horsepower:
265 hp at 6,250 rpm
Torque:
250 pound-feet at 4,500 rpm
Drive configuration:
Front engine front-wheel drive
Front engine all-wheel drive (optional)
Transmission type:
6-speed automatic AWD
Front suspension:
Independent, MacPherson struts, L-shaped lower control arm with isolated
subframe and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
Independent, trailing blade, integrated knuckle and lateral links, coil springs,
gas-charged shocks, and anti-roll bar
Wheels and tires:
17X7 standard steel wheels, optonal 18X8 aluminum wheels, 235.65R17 standard,
245/60R18 optional tires.
Brakes:
Front-11.7-in vented disc
Rear: 11.5-in. solid discs
Overall length:
186.5 inches
Overall width:
75.8 inches
Overall height:
67.5 inches
Curb weight:
FWD - 4,220 lbs.
AWD - 4,420 lbs.