Back on August 24th Motortrend and Automobile magazine got together for a one of a kind test to put the new Ecoboost powered Lincoln MKS to the test against some of the world’s most luxurious perfromance machines. The field included a Mercedes Benz E550, Maserati Quattroporte, BMW 550i and a Jaguar XF Premium 5.0 Liter V8; all competing against the new twin turbocharged V6 Lincoln MKS sedan, in a classic 6 versus 8 competition.
Leaving all bench racing aside and concentrating on the the cold hard facts, each vehicle was raced up Loveland Pass, a treacherous, winding road with thousand foot drop offs and torturous hairpin turns in the heart of the Rocky Mountains located in Colorado. The man who was lucky enough to be selected to pilot these performance automobiles was none other than the multiple time hill climb champion Rod Millen, his ability to squeeze the most out of every vehicle combined with his ability to make use of every last inch of pavement made the New Zeland native the perfect candidate for the contest. Although the Lincoln MKS seceded to the BMW 550, it did manage to come in a close second and at the end of the day walked away with the highest top speed of any of the European machines.
The Lincoln MKS luxury sedan is entering the 2010 model year with refinements to body and suspension systems, more standard equipment, but also with the addition of the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, the first V-6 direct-injection twin-turbocharged. Prices will range from $40,870 for the FWD version and go up to $47,760 for the EcoBoost AWD.
The MKS comes standard with a 3.7-liter, 24-valve variation of the award-winning Duratec engine that delivers 270 hp at 6,500 RPM and 265 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,250 RPM. Lincoln MKS is equipped with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission.
The 3.5 Liter EcoBoost V6 found under the hood of the all-wheel-drive 2010 Lincoln MKS will produce 355 HP and 350 ft-lb of torque, all on regular grade gasoline. The twin turbocharged 6 cylinder provides the output of a V8 while returning a minimum of 17 MPG around town and at least 24 MPG during highway driving.
For 2010, Lincoln MKS was been treated to a ground-up review of its structure in an effort to improve upon its already ouststanding noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics. Additional bracing and strategically placed sound-deadening materials have produced a new level of cabin isolation, providing MKS drivers with a sense of sanctuary.
Times are changing and as raw power gives way to economy some people are talking about the extinction of the internal combustion engine, like Nissan/Renault CEO Carlos Goshen. Fortunately for some of us gear heads, Ford’s Executive Vice President Mark Fields has confirmed that consumers will be seeing gas burning, piston pumping engines for at least the next 20 years. Mr. Fields also assured Top Speed that there is still a lot of development and technological advancement to be done, one of the reasons for Ford’s new EcoBoost V6.
The American automaker Lincoln has announced that an EcoBoost engine will power the 2010 MKS. By the year 2013, Lincoln’s parent company Ford plans on using the same fuel-efficient power plant in over 90% of their vehicles. The 3.5 Liter EcoBoost V6 found under the hood of the all-wheel-drive 2010 Lincoln MKS will produce 355 HP and 350 ft-lb of torque, all on regular grade gasoline. The twin turbocharged 6 cylinder provides the output of a V8 while returning a minimum of 17 MPG around town and at least 24 MPG during highway driving.
Lincoln wants to change its image and go after younger buyers. One way its showing how aggressive it wants a youth market is by encouraging customization of its new cars like the 2009 Lincoln MKS. No better place to show this off than SEMA, where three versions will show up modified by 3dCarbon, Godfather Customs and RKSport.
The 3dCarbon MKS comes with 22-inch NC Forged aluminum wheels and a five-piece custom body kit. Godfather added three video screens provide back seat drivers with their own access to entertainment and navigation. Outside it added signature 22-inch wheels and tires. RKSport went for a design kit that it believes will give the MKS a more "European" look.
There is a design revolution going on at Lincoln. They are showing that American luxury does not have to come in an old-person style package. It started with the MKZ’s waterfall grill and angular shapes, and now the new MKS is going for the long-nose, short trunk lid look that is characteristic of sport sedans. This is a language that BMW and Infinity speak well, but the softer ride of the Lincoln shows that it is really putting Lexus in its crosshairs.
Lincoln has a hard line to follow. It needs to make sure that is can still satisfy its current customer base of usually older people while attracting younger buyers to the brand. This means walking a fine line of making a sleek design that’s not too radical, and an interior that’s innovative but not too complicated. With the MKS, it seems to have found the right mix.
Taking a significant leap from the traditional 30- and 60-second broadcast advertising model, luxury automaker Lincoln is delivering a first this week with the national television launch of a three-minute movie featuring the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS.
Shot on location in Hollywood Hills, MadCrazyLove is a three-minute commercial, with accompanying 30- and 15-second spots, that introduces the newest member of the Lincoln family – the 2009 Lincoln MKS – against the backdrop of a fun, romantic story.
The new three-minute spot makes its television debut today during the Black Entertainment Television Awards pre-show.
The 30- and 15-second spots will begin airing today on select cable television and nationally syndicated programs. National print and digital media are included in the media mix and scheduled for rotation beginning in July.
The much-anticipated 2009 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln’s all-new luxury flagship, is now shipping to dealerships nationwide. The new flagship sedan from Lincoln is an excellent value, thanks in part to its the comprehensive safety, convenience and comfort technologies.
Prices start at $38,465 (including destination), thousands less than facing competitors from Lexus and Acura. For example, the base Acura RL is priced at $46,995, but does without many features that come standard on the base MKS. Standard features on the MKS that are optional or not included on the RL are: reverse sensing system, heated rear seats, cooled front seats and keyless entry keypad.
Adding to the value story, of course, is the overall level of connectivity that is available on the new Lincoln sedan: SYNC is standard and the company’s next-generation of navigation, which includes SIRIUS Travel Link, is available. No other car maker, luxury or otherwise, offers such a comprehensive suite of new technology.
The all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan, that made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, debuts today, providing customers understated style, first-of-a-kind convenience features, advanced safety and one of the best values in the luxury market.
Although the luxury sedan will not arrive in dealerships until this summer, more than 8,600 orders have been placed and more than 60% of early orders features the high-level "Ultimate Package".
The MKS is offered in two versions: AWD and FWD. The FWD version is priced at $37,665, while the AWD at $39.555. The prices for the available packages are as follows: Aluminum Applique Package $195, Ultimate Package $5,715, Navigation Package $2,995, Technology Package $1,115. Full pricing inhere.
The Lima Engine Plant is preparing for the production this spring of the new 3.7-liter V-6 engine that will power the all-new Lincoln MKS sedan. To ensure top quality and assembly readiness, the plant – in conjunction with the University of Northwestern Ohio – is training employees in a unique two-day hands-on engine build class. > More
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