Lincoln announced the debut of the MKS full-size sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car’s clean, understated design continues a new direction at Lincoln, expressed in both the recently launched MKZ and the highly anticipated MKR. It’s a direction that is about “refinement rather than ostentation,” says Peter Horbury, Ford’s executive director of Design, North America.
Highlights of this direction that are evident in the MKS include the strong beltline, horizontal headlamps, and a pronounced “bow-wave” grill that is a nod to Lincoln’s heritage. “Lincoln MKS is a luxury car that doesn’t need to shout,” observes Horbury. “It captivates with a whisper.”
The new model also recognizes the role of technology and innovation in bringing luxury to the American car buyer. To this end, the vehicle incorporates SYNC, a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players. The MKS comes with a 3.7L V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It will be available with either Front- or All-Wheel Drive as a 2009 model.
Lincoln has 8.6k preorders now, this car means the comeback of Lincoln.
FMC -- here is a hint 1) Don't launch a car 9 Plus months before it will be available, 2) Don't launch it with an underpoweredengine and finally 3) Don't launch tell people about the Eco-Boost engine (the one that the car should have been launched with) 18 months before you can own one.
By the way the much touted 20" wheels won't be available for production until October -- almost a year after they started making a big deal about them. Doesn't say much for FMC when it takes them a year to procure wheels.. They have even taken them off the MKS sight as an orderable optin. Well done....
Also has anyone heard when the EcoBoost engine would be available for order? Ford's criptic "within a year of launch" could put it as far out as next fall is deliveries don't begin until August/September.
Still, I think the center console on the MKS could use some dressing up in wood as the current design looks too much like plastic. Also the optional wood door accents should be made standard to dress up the door panels.
I hope the seats in the MKS sit high like those in the current Taurus and Sable. I hate competing for views with SUVs and trucks.
I also hope the six-cylinder engine doesn't sound like a six. If it doesn't have an expensive growl like a Jaguar, it shouldn't be heard at all.
Ford should, if they must, replace the Town Car with something based off the Intercepter concept and the Continental concept of a few years ago. Also make a Mark IX based off the concept from a few years ago and use the GT500 chassis and power plant to compete with Cadillac's XLR. Toss in a new Cougar based off the Mustang while you're at it, too.
P.S. Why the name MKS? What happened to actual names? I know the purpose is to get people to recognize it as a "Lincoln" and not a "Town Car" or a "Continental", for example. But it makes the car feel cold and, well, like just a car.