Pressing onwards towards a comprehensive vehicle lineup, Ford's Lincoln division will soon have a striking new crossover in showrooms. With seating for 7 and a very distinctive look, the 2010 Lincoln MKT is geared towards the luxury-minded buyer looking to downsize from a large SUV or upsize from a minivan.
MKT hits the road with the biggest interpretation of the brand's vertical waterfall grille treatment yet. It takes up much of the front bumper and flanks the Lincoln star--which appears to flow out from a character line running the length of the hood. As in the brand's MKS sedan, the grille seems to seep out from under the hood's edge, rather than cleanly intersecting it. It's a styling element that suggests a potent mechanical presence beneath the MKS's sleek sheetmetal.
It's not an empty threat. Behind the huge grille sits one of two V6 engines. The first is the brands familiar, normally-aspirated unit. The second will be Ford's new 'Eco Boost' powerplant--which adds direct injection and a pair of turbochargers to deliver additional power and torque with minimal penalties on fuel consumption.
The EcoBoost engine delivers estimated 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and comes paired solely with the optional all-wheel drive system. Note that AWD is standard on Canadian models, alongside 20-inch wheels. A six-speed automatic with paddle-shifting is standard.
MKT shoppers can expect availability of the latest safety and entertainment technology, when the model goes on sale. Lincoln engineers benchmarked the best products in the MKT's intended segment prior to building, and the Flex-based model promises to be quiet, comfortable and accommodating.
MKT's 'bustle-back' rear-end styling may cause controversy, though. It does wear the requisite horizontal taillamps and Lincoln badging, though favor for the liftgate's steep rake and strange bulging lower portion is yet to be seen.
Expect the MKT in showrooms later this year.
photo:Ford
