LINKIN' LINCOLN'S LINE-UP
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 Sat, Nov 21, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
Lincoln's new MKT features the 355 hp EcoBoost V6
LINKIN' LINCOLN'S LINE-UP
Lincoln's MKX
MKT imparts a luxury experience upon driver and passengers which exceeds that of
its market segment competitors. The tactile feedback of MKT's interior speaks of
quality craftsmanship. Standard (if such a word still applies at Lincoln)
interior features include genuine wood trim, leather seating surfaces for first
and second rows, and a combination of leather/wood on the steering wheel.
Tri-zone air conditioning, touch screen systems control, and global one-touch
up/down window controls are just a few of the elements that bring MKT to the
head of the line. Optional heated/cooled second row seats are a well-thought
addition.
Acoustic dampening via door lamination, glass treatments, and body quality
provides a super quiet ride at all speeds. The utility of fold-flat seats
creates a high-class carrier with minimal effort for those times when more
capacity calls. Lincoln's high-tech SYNC system keeps you in touch with MKT's
operation at all times.
We've seen and tested automated parking assist systems in the past and were
blown away by MKT's Active Park Assist. The parallel parking system activates
with a single button then aids in selecting an appropriately sized space. It
then guides you through a very quick, hands-free parking procedure. We're pretty
good at parallel parking ourselves, but would be hard pressed to maneuver any
quicker or more accurately than Active Park Assist.
Lincoln's MKZ
We drove the new EcoBoost powered version and found the turbocharger system
seamless, smooth, and predictable under a variety of conditions and hills. At
3.5-liters displacement, the V6 EcoBoost engine is slightly smaller than the
stock 3.7-liter Duratec while offering up 87 additional horsepower (355 from 268). EcoBoost also delivers a nearly flat torque curve peaking at 350 ft.-lb. in the
useable range of 1,500 rpm to 5,250 rpm. All this comes with astounding 16/22
mpg numbers. V8s can only dream of such things.
Lincoln engineers are once again serious about their cars. The MKT crossover is
a big hit in our book. We had short visits with the MKS and MKZ sedans as well
and were equally impressed with the distinctive styling, luxury appointments,
and the overall quality, feel, and driveability of these cars. A longer visit
with them is very much on our agenda.
For more information about Lincoln products, go to
www.lincoln.com
Lincoln's MKS