For the 2010 model year, Lincoln adds a three-row
luxury crossover to its lineup with the debut of the new MKT. With seating for
up to seven people, the MKT shares its platform with the Ford Flex, but has
significantly different exterior styling and a more luxurious interior. The MKT offers well balanced blend of fuel economy, performance, technology and
spaciousness. The MKT is available with front- or all-wheel drive and is offered
with a choice of V-6 engines. It hits dealerships in summer 2009, and
competitors include the Buick Enclave and Acura MDX.
MKT Features
The Lincoln MKT is loaded with convenience
features: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set and maintain
vehicle speed, while radar monitors traffic ahead of the Lincoln MKT;
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start allows the driver to enter the Lincoln
MKT and start the engine without using the key; SecuriCode Keyless Entry
Keypad allows access to Lincoln MKT by unlocking the driver's door by entering a
pre-set five-digit code; Backlit keypad integrated into the
B-pillar: Adaptive Headlamps with Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps
enhance nighttime visibility: Auto High Beams coupled with Adaptive Headlamps
enhance nighttime visibility by switching to high intensity when no other
vehicles are in range: Rain-Sensing Wipers use an optical sensing system to
gauge precipitation and automatically activate and adjust the wipers; EasyFuel
Capless Fuel-Filler System self seals when refueling is complete; MyKey allows
parent or other concerned owners to restrict certain Lincoln MKT features when
in the hands of a MyKey driver; Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) comes into
play when a turn signal is activated. A radar sensor on the outboard rear
quarter panel monitors the traditional blind spot area and can notify the driver
with a warning indicator light in the corresponding side view mirror if the
sensors in this optional system detect a vehicle in the blind spot; Cross
Traffic Alert uses BLIS sensors to help detect traffic when backing out of a
parking space. When the vehicle is in reverse and it senses traffic, mirror
warning lights illuminate and audible signals sound. Lincoln SYNC is standard on
Lincoln MKT
Power for the MKT
MKT buyers have a choice of two V-6 engines. The
base 3.7-liter V-6 produces 268 horsepower and teams with a six-speed automatic
transmission. The EcoBoost engine is also offered. This engine provides
the power of a normally-aspirated V-8 with V-6 fuel economy. Combining gasoline
direct injection with twin turbochargers and a smaller-displacement engine, EcoBoost can match the power output of larger, naturally aspirated engines while
yielding torque and fuel economy gains. This advanced engine delivers a
class-leading estimated 355 horsepower at 5,700 RPM, while generating 350
lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 RPM. It also drives a six-speed automatic. A two-speed fuel pump and Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO),
combined with optimized transmission and final drive gearing, are designed to
help this engine to deliver segment-leading fuel economy of an estimated 24 mpg
highway, besting both the Acura MDX and Audi Q7 by 4 mpg. The Lincoln MKT
is equipped with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The
sophisticated AWD system is fully automatic, using an advanced array of internal
electro-mechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque between front and
rear wheels as needed. AWD is standard in the Lincoln MKT with the EcoBoost
3.5-liter V-6. When properly equipped with a Class III trailer hitch, the MKT is
rated to tow up to 4,500 pounds.
Driving and Handling
The MKT comes with steering-wheel-mounted paddle
shifters for when the driver wants to control gear changes. This capability
makes the Lincoln MKT driving experience sporty, yet smooth. The Lincoln
MKT strikes a balance between capable and driver-engaging handling, while
simultaneously delivering a smooth quiet ride in all three rows.
Lincoln MKT with EcoBoost features advanced Electronic Power Assisted Steering
(EPAS), which enables the optional Active Park Assist. This innovative
Lincoln-exclusive technology employs an ultrasonic-based sensing system, as
opposed to video camera-reliant competitive offerings, making hands-free
parallel parking a breeze. Key elements of Lincoln MKT suspension
development and tuning included minimizing front end lift on acceleration,
offering stable and engaging steering and handling characteristics that provide
confidence to all drivers, all while delivering a luxurious ride quality. The 2010 Lincoln MKT delivers a new level of confidence that delivers
best-in-class levels of NVH control.
Lincoln MKT Cabin
The MKT's interior is a big improvement in terms of
materials quality when compared to the two-row MKX crossover. The use of
soft-touch dash materials and an intricately designed gauge cluster contribute
to the luxurious space. Leather-covered seats are standard. The MKT makes
no compromises in material quality, with hand cut leathers and a selection of
high gloss wood trim covering virtually every surface. The seven-person seating
configuration features front bucket seats, a second-row bench seat and a
two-person third row. The second row has a lot of legroom and comfortable seats.
Meanwhile, the third row suffers from a lack of headroom that makes it
impossible for tall passengers to sit with their heads straight. A
standard 60/ 40 split folding rear bench seat features heated outboard seating
positions. With all the seats upright, the MKT has 17.9 cubic feet of cargo
room. With the third row folded there's 39.6 cubic feet of space. The second row
also folds, yielding a maximum cargo volume of 75.9 cubic feet.
MKT Style and Design
The MKT's exterior features a flowing design. The
MKT has a version of Lincoln's chrome grille that dominates its face. Standard features include adaptive xenon headlights with an automatic high-beam
feature and keypad entry. The rear of the MKT sports a distinctive forward-swept
liftgate that incorporates a large horizontal brake light that spans its width.
Nineteen-inch aluminum wheels are standard and 20-inch aluminum rims are
optional. A fixed glass roof is standard.
Safety Features
The Lincoln MKT features many technologies aimed at
driver safety. Standard safety features includes antilock brakes, side-impact
airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for all three rows, an
electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control, rear parking sensors
and a backup camera. Optional features include Collision Warning with Brake
Support that can alert the driver to vehicles ahead and ready the brakes; there
is also a blind spot warning system. The Lincoln MKT also features an
advanced structural safety system that combines octagonal front frame rails,
tunnel rails, and support members that are designed to absorb and redirect crash
forces away from the passenger compartment. Lincoln MKT features Side
Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) architecture incorporated to optimize
side-impact occupant protection. The SPACE system integrates a hydro-formed high
strength steel tube embedded in the floor that runs the width of the vehicle from B-pillar to B-pillar and along the rocker panels to
form a safety cage to help protect passengers in side impact incidents.
Lincoln MKT also features Ford's enhanced Personal Safety System, combining
multiple technologies to tailor the air bag package and safety belt functions to
the individual passenger and the accident circumstances. The system can identify
variables, such as severity of the crash, weight of the individual passenger
and safety belt usage to adjust air bag deployment force.
2010 Conclusions
The 2010 Lincoln MKT is all about technology,
features, and design that delivers a comfortable, luxurious, safe, and powerful
SUV. Ease of use and intuitive operation were key objectives in developing the
MKT. The Lincoln MKT will be built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex in
Ontario, Canada, and will be in dealer showrooms in late summer 2009. The new
Lincoln MKT is intended as a full embrace of the future direction for the
Lincoln brand. It sets the standards for interior quality, exterior design
refinement, and performance for all products going forward. The MKT will
have an MSRP Invoice of $44,200 and a National Base Price of $40,605.