Latest 2010 Lincoln MKT "the comfort of a luxury sedan"

Developed under codename D472, the vehicle shares its platform with the Ford Flex, despite a considerably difference in appearance.

The standard features list is extensive: A six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, rear view camera and eight-inch touch screen monitor, 20 GB music hard drive, Intelligent Access with push-button start, HID headlamps and a Vista glass sunroof are all standard.

Ford exec Mark Fields previously described the MKT concept as having "the comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a full-size utility, and the performance of a sporty roadster."

A 3.7-liter, 24-valve variation of the Duratec engine family is standard. Delivering an expected 268 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm, this engine has been tuned to provide smooth power delivery with minimal vibration and harshness.



Fuel-saving technologies include a two-speed fuel pump, Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO), and optimized transmission and final drive gearing. Milage is estimated at 24 mpg, which Ford says is 4 mpg better than the MKT's nearest rivals, the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX.

For customers looking for more performance, the Lincoln MKT also offers a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. The engine provides the power of a normally-aspirated V8 with V6 fuel economy, according to the automaker. This motor delivers an estimated 355 horsepower at 5,700 rpm, while generating 350 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. Pressurized direct injection helps eliminate the "turbo lag" associated with earlier turbocharged engines.

Lincoln's MKT is equipped with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which offers the driver a choice between fully automatic operation and manual control. In addition, paddle shifters are integrated into the steering wheel. All-wheel-drive is optional in the Lincoln MKT with the 3.7-liter V6 and standard with the EcoBoost model.

With three rows of seating, the MKT's unique suspension system promises a comfortable ride for up to seven passengers. Key elements of Lincoln MKT suspension development and tuning included minimizing front end lift on acceleration, offering stable steering and handling characteristics, and maintaining a luxury-oriented ride.

A new rear suspension system features a one-to-one shock absorber leverage ratio. The resulting linear response gave engineers a stable base line for suspension tuning, allowing the team to "deliver a better balance between responsive handling and control as well as a smooth ride," Ford claims. The suspension design also improves rear isolation and enables the use of 20-inch wheels.



Lincoln MKT with EcoBoost features Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), which enables the optional self-steering Active Park Assist. This automatic parallel parking system employs ultrasonic sensors, as opposed to competing offerings that use cameras, which are more susceptible to dust and dirt. In addition to completing a parking maneuver quickly, Active Park Assist is also the first system to operate in uphill parking situations.

Other features include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which monitors traffic and adjusts speed accordingly; Push Button Start; the SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad integrated into the B-pillar; Adaptive Headlamps, which change direction based on steering angle; Automatic high beams; the EasyFuel Capless Fuel-Filler System; the MyKey driver preferences system, which allows parents or other concerned owners to restrict certain features; Blind Spot Information System; Reverse Camera System; SYNC; Cross Traffic Alert, which watches for vehicles during reversing; and the Collision Warning with Brake Support, which provides the driver with a "heads-up" display that flashes on the windshield when the system senses slower moving traffic ahead. If the driver doesn't respond, the system will pre-charge the brakes to prepare the vehicle for a more aggressive stop.

The available Navigation Package includes an internal hard-drive for map and point-of-interest information storage, and THX II Certified 5.1 Surround Audio System with 14 speakers.

Base Price: $44,200

Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

Curb Weight (lbs): 4499

City (MPG): - TBD -

Hwy (MPG): - TBD -

Horsepower: 270 @ 6250

Torque (lb-ft): 270 @ 6250

Wheelbase (in.): 117.9

Length (in.): 207.6

Width (in.): 76.0

Height (in.): 67.4