Lincoln MKT:

Production version MKT to be revealed at 2009 Detroit Show

Ford will unveil at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show the production version of the Lincoln MKT Concept unveiled this January at the same show. As previously reported, the production version will wear Ford’s logo.

The production version MKT will have the 1941 Continental-style bow-wave grille first seen on the MKS and destined to become a Lincoln signature face, a chamfered surface parallel to the beltline and a thick C-pillar, with very little other than overall dimensions to hint at its connection with the Flex. It will come in six- or seven-passenger versions.

In November at the Los Angeles auto show we’ll also see a refreshed MKZ.

Lincoln MKT Spied

New spy shots suggest Lincoln MKT is still under a green light for production in 2009. As TopSpeed reported in January, the Ford Flex based MKT will be a full-sized crossover with an eye for fuel efficiency. Powering the MKT will be a V-6 version of Ford’s new line of direct-injected turbocharged engines known as EcoBoost, which can run on regular gas or E85 ethanol. In this Lincoln, Ford says it should produce 415 horsepower while getting 20% better gas mileage than a comparable engine.

Lincoln has to get this one right to stay competitive. The luxury SUV/Crossover market already is flooded with top-notch talent (like the Acura MDX) and more are on the way (like the Audi Q5.) The original concept for the MKT included a panoramic sunroof and the use of lightweight and recyclable materials. No word yet on how much of this will make it in to production. From a design standpoint, current reports indicate that the testing vehicle’s shape still closely follows the concept MKT that was unveiled earlier this year.