Next to the 2013 MKT debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, Lincoln has also presented the new MKS luxury sedan. For the 2013 model year, the MKS has received better handling, increased power, improved fuel efficiency, additional standard equipment, more refinement, and new technologies.
The model has received a contemporary new look that includes a new grille, HID headlamps, front fascia, hood, and front fenders. The rear of the vehicle was updated with a new fascia, LED tail lamps, new exhaust tips, and a new decklid design that improves access to the trunk.
The 2013 Lincoln MKS will be offered in three versions: V6 FWD, V6 AWD, and EcoBoost V6 AWD. The first two models are powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that now includes twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and delivers a total of 300 HP (increased from the previous 273 HP). Fuel economy comes in at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway for the front-wheel drive model and18mpg city/26 mpg highway with the all-wheel-drive model. The more powerful version gets a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers a total of 355 HP.
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After displaying the JX Concept at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Infiniti has finalized the ideas behind the SUV with a production version unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new crossover will be offered in two models - the Infiniti JX35 FWD and Infiniti JX35 AWD - and will go on sale in the spring of 2012 at a starting price of $40,450 and $41,550 respectively.
The 2013 Infiniti JX has received emotive styling and craftsmanship, featuring the new Infiniti design language direction initiated with the Essence concept. It utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers
265 HP at 6,400 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine is mated to a sport-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission to provide high responsiveness and seamless, efficient shifting feel.
One new technological feature that stands out from the rest is the Backup Collision Intervention system. This new system warns the driver if another vehicle is entering his path and, if needed, can even apply the brakes to help avoide the collision if the driver does not properly react in time.
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Lincoln has unveiled the 2013 MKT at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The revised crossover offers a dramatically improved ride, sharper handling, better fuel economy, and new safety technologies including rear inflatable seat belts. The new 2013 MKT will go on sale in the spring of 2012.
"The 2013 MKT with Continuously Controlled Damping delivers a surprisingly vibrant blend of ride and handling. It’s more than you’d expect from a full-size, three-row luxury crossover," said Scott Tobin, Director, Lincoln Product Development.
For 2013, The MKT will be powered by the standard 3.7-liter V6 engine that includes twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and delivers a total of 300 HP - an increase from the previous 268 HP. Customers will also be able to choose a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers a total of 355 HP at 5,700 rpm and 350 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm.
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The debuts are coming fast and furious at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show so we’re going to be on our toes to stay on top of the action as more cars are unveiled.
One that got our attention was the Kia Optima SX World Challenge GTS Race Car. Given the fact that Kia is a relative neophyte in the world of auto racing, we’ve been pleasantly surprised in the company’s aggressive stance in building race cars. Last month at SEMA, they even introduced their new Rio B-Spec Racer and an Optima USTCC Pace Car. Now, it’s the Optima’s turn to be tuned to racing specifications, this time for the Pirelli World Challenge Championships.
One possible explanation behind Kia’s sudden enthusiasm in auto racing was born out of the success they’ve had in the sport, despite only being active in competitive racing for the past two years.
"As a brand with no previous racing experience in America, for Kia to win two motorsports championships in just its second year is an incredible accomplishment, and expanding our motorsports footprint with the turbocharged Optima entering World Challenge will continue to build passion and enthusiasm for the brand with an entirely new fan base at different race tracks across the country," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.
The cars were built as a collaborative project between Kia Motors America and Kinetic Motorsports where they will be competing in a racing series that features race-prepped versions of production vehicles from many of the world’s most popular manufacturers. The pair of Optimas that were unveiled at the LA Auto Show have been tuned with aerodynamic styling and outstanding driving dynamics that should make them well suited to handle the high-octane, steel-scraping world of World Challenge racing.
Launched in 2011, the Ford Escape has shortly become America’s best-selling SUV. For the 2013 model year, Ford has raised the bar even higher with the debut of an all-new model that features 11 new exclusive features and an improved fuel economy. The new Escape made its world debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and will be sold worldwide starting in 2012.
"We call our all-new Ford Escape the ‘Smarter Utility Vehicle’ because it offers the strengths that customers today really value – fuel economy, versatility and new technology that makes driving and living with the vehicle easier and more fun – all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. ’Ford understands that more people every year are looking at vehicles like Escape, and we want to give them even more reasons to buy."
Initially, Ford will offer the Escape with three four-cylinder gasoline engines, with the 1.6- and 2.0-liter options boasting of EcoBoost technology. A hybrid variant has yet to be announced.
UPDATE 01/26/11: There’s no doubt that the Ford Escape has quickly become one of the most popular models in Ford’s fleet. So it isn’t all that surprising that the 2013 Escape is quickly ascending the ranks of some of the hottest buys you can make. If you’re already in the process of doing so, you can hop over to the Ford website and tinker with the newly-released online configurator for the Escape. If you’re still on the fence, then the configurator may be all you need to make the jump.
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