Merc1

LOS ANGELES — As Ford battles for its existence, it's understandable that its Lincoln brand rolled out the new 2009 Lincoln MKS flagship at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday with an eye toward hanging on to some traditional brand values.


The adjectives that Lincoln used to describe the MKS, which will arrive in showrooms next summer, include "understated," "timeless," "respectful" and "classic."

"Every element of this luxury sedan reflects the culture of Lincoln," said Peter Horbury, Ford's executive director of Design for The Americas. The company noted in a statement that the leather for the seats is supplied by "Bridge of Weir Leather, the same company that provided hides for the Ford Model T and the iconic Continental Mark II."

If the design of the new MKS errs on the side of old-school and conservative, Lincoln is poised to pour all of its futuristic effort under the hood. Sometime in 2009 — Ford isn't getting any more specific — the MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford's new gasoline turbo direct-injection engine technology. Ford spokesperson Sara Tatchio told Inside Line the engine specifications will be released later. The company says this engine will offer "the power and torque of a V8 with the fuel-efficiency of a V6."

The base engine on the '09 MKS is a new 3.7-liter V6 derived from the 3.5-liter V6 in the Lincoln MKX. The MKS's engine delivers 270 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The MKS can be ordered in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive versions.

Ford is pitting the Lincoln MKS against the Lexus GS 350 and the Cadillac STS. The base FWD 2009 Lincoln MKS will start at $37,985, including a $750 destination charge. The base AWD 2009 Lincoln MKS will start at $39,855, including shipping. Ford pricing spokesperson Lydia Cisaruk said a "well-equipped" MKS will cost less than $50,000. In comparison, the 2008 Lexus GS 350 starts at $44,915, including a $765 destination charge. The Cadillac STS starts at $43,245, including a $745 destination charge. But both of those competitors outstrip the MKS in terms of horsepower.

Lincoln says the MKS will offer a slate of high-tech features including "intelligent access with push-button start" — which allows the driver to enter the vehicle and start it without a key — and adaptive cruise control. Other features include a THX-certified audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound and SYNC, Ford and Microsoft's hands-free voice-activated communication and entertainment system.

What this means to you: Lincoln starts beating the drum for the '09 MKS and hopes that it's playing your tune. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent


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They should have debuted the most powerful engine first. Either that or give the thing a V8 like every other car in this class. Anyway, its sorta nice just to see something new, anything new from Lincoln that isn't a SUV.

M

Merc1

2009 Lincoln MKS: Not your father's Lincoln?

Lincoln is debuting its all-new 2009 MKS luxury sedan today at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show with the intention of drawing in a new customer base. Lincoln has priced the 2009 MKS at under $38,000 in an attempt to draw younger buyers into to the Lincoln fold and anticipates that up to 60 percent of the car's buyers will be first-time Lincoln owners -- a good thing for a brand that estimates its primary consumer base is the over-50 crowd.

Styling-wise, the 2009 Lincoln MKS focuses on classic elements rather than latest trends, although you can find a few of those in its lines as well. A double-wing grille marks the front of the car and wraps around through the front fascia to form a high creased beltline. As found on many Lincolns of the past, a swept-up tail covers the rear wheel house -- a classic touch that combines new styling with that of classic models.

Lincoln has redesigned its interior look as well for the MKS, with a symmetrical instrument panel, flow-through center stack with integrated information screen, and a two-piece, padded center console. Lincoln claims the rear cabin is the largest in the MKS' class in head, leg, and shoulder room. A swath of luxury touches, such as heated rear seats, an overhead skylight, and a rear sunshade round are available and are designed to ensure rear passengers are every bit as comfortable as those up front. Bridge of Weir Leather, the same provider that trimmed the Ford Model T, Lincoln Continental Mark II, the Concorde supersonic jet, and the Queen Elizabeth 2 luxury liner, is found covering the seats, while real aluminum and ebony wood (or Olive Ash) accent trim are other classy cabin touches.

The MKS is powered by an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 that is good for a full 270 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox with a manual-shift option, Lincoln claims the engine will be equipped with gasoline turbo direct injection technology within a year of launch, which will be able to deliver comparable power to an eight-cylinder engine, while delivering better fuel economy. All-wheel-drive is an available option and is able to shift up to 100 percent of the engine's torque between the front and rear wheels to maximize traction, and even from side-to-side in conjunction with the Advance Trac stability system.

Largely based on the Volvo-sourced platform that underpins the Ford Taurus, the MKS' fully independent rear suspension is all-new in design. Vertically-mounted rear shock absorbers are mounted further out on the suspension arms to maximize travel and adjustability, and compliment the front MacPherson struts and L-shaped lower control arms -- also designed with maximum travel in mind. The MKS' standard-issue wheels are 18-inchers, though 19- and 20-inch options in aluminum are available.

Lincoln has also made sure that its new MKS doesn't fall short on technology, by offering a host of advanced features that help keep it competitive in an increasingly tech-savvy market segment. Ford's SYNC Bluetooth-enabled wireless communication system, premium stereo, voice-activated navigation system, Adaptive Cruse Control (ACC), keyless entry and engine start system, Adaptive HID Headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, forward-sensing parking assist, and a rearview camera system are all found in the MKS.

Whether or not the all-new MKS will be able to live up to its goal of attracting younger Lincoln owners remains to be seen, but at least on paper, the car itself seems to have the technical and mechanical prowess to win over buyers in any age segment.


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M

YoUhimhER

decent looking, definitely better looking than any of the garbages they have on raod today. i really hope they do well, since lincoln accounts for the large portion of company cars in the states, and currently the view aren't that pleasant.

siko

PRESS RELEASE:
2009 Lincoln MKS: ALL-NEW FULL-SIZE FLAGSHIP SEDAN

• The new Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan aims to attract new buyers with its timeless design, fuel-efficient powertrain and an unparalleled suite of features and technologies.
• Class-leading convenience features include SYNC™ voice-activated, hands-free in-car communications; EasyFuel™ capless fuel filling; THX-certified audio; SIRIUS Travel Link™; voice-activated navigation; and a next-generation keyless entry keypad.
• Lincoln-exclusive fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V-6 and all-wheel drive provide smooth driving.
• Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford's new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology – which provides the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 – less than a year after launch.
• An outstanding value starting below $38,000, Lincoln MKS orders are now being accepted; customers can visit - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER to build and price their vehicle.

Los ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2007 – The all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan debuts today, providing customers understated style, first-of-a-kind convenience features, advanced safety and one of the best values in the luxury market.

Unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, the new Lincoln flagship is designed to help fuel Lincoln's growth by attracting new customers.

"Lincoln has reestablished itself as a quality and design leader with award-winning products like the Lincoln MKZ, MKX and Navigator," says Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president of The Americas. "With the Lincoln MKS, we are raising the bar even higher with unparalleled amenities and performance, and a price that should be irresistible to luxury customers."

The New Lincoln Flagship: A Strong Contender in the Luxury Sedan Segment

The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan aimed at bringing new and younger buyers into the Lincoln fold. Not traditional luxury buyers who shop based on name and price tag alone, Lincoln MKS customers are under 50 and value beautiful modern design, more fuel efficiency and good value.

Pricing for Lincoln MKS starts at less than $38,000, a strategic move aimed at attracting new customers to the brand. Many will be first-time luxury buyers, with a significant number expected to migrate from imports. In fact, up to 60 percent of those buying the luxury sedan are expected to be new to Lincoln.

"We're playing to win with the Lincoln MKS, especially in California, where more luxury vehicles are sold than anywhere else. We will do so by offering confident, understated, respectful luxury – not something that will go out of fashion in a year or two," said Mike Richards, Lincoln General Marketing Manager. "We're also making an extra effort to reach out to African American and Hispanic buyers who want and deserve luxury in their lives, in part, through new marketing relationships with artists Common and Juanes."

Juanes, a 12-time Latin Grammy award winning artist, will help introduce SYNC, which is standard on Lincolns and widely available on Ford and Mercury products, to the Hispanic market. Juanes was recognized by Time magazine as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" for his belief in the possibility of social change through music.

Common, an accomplished musician, children's author and actor, will represent Lincoln beginning in 2008. The partnership will feature multiple levels of advertising, marketing and promotional activities between Lincoln and Common's wide-ranging businesses and his community service program. Common is currently appearing in the Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington in the Ridley Scott-produced film American Gangster.

Consumers can visit - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER to build and price their ideal Lincoln MKS and place their order at their local Lincoln dealer immediately.

To be built at Ford Motor Company's Chicago Assembly Plant, the Lincoln MKS will begin arriving in Lincoln showrooms next summer.

Loaded with Convenience and Technology: Lincoln MKS offers unprecedented amenities.

The Lincoln MKS offers a suite of technologies and features not found on other luxury sedans. They include:

• SYNC, a hands-free, voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities.
• THX®-certified audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and Voice-Activated Navigation, which provides superior sound quality – plus real time traffic updates, movie listings, Doppler radar weather forecasts and even directions to the closest local gas stations with the best prices.
• Lincoln's Next-Generation Keypad, which uses heat-sensing technology to bring alive the keypad of LED backlit numerals embedded in the driver side B-pillar. The driver enters a five-digit code to unlock the vehicle.
• EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, a customer convenience that helps reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed, and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which allows the driver to set the car's speed and maintain that speed without using the accelerator pedal. The radar-based system also can monitor the vehicle in front (up to 600 feet) and adjust the speed of the Lincoln MKS to keep it a safe distance behind the lead vehicle. Four settings accommodate different driving styles.
• Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, which is a first for Lincoln and allows the driver to enter the Lincoln MKS and start the engine without using a key. Drivers simply carry the special fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the keyless entry pad on the B-Pillar, open the door and with the brake pedal engaged, start the engine by pushing a button.
• Adaptive Headlamps with Automatic High Beams and Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, which enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road and reducing glare from oncoming traffic. Sensors monitor vehicle speed and steering wheel input engaging electric motors that pivot the left headlamp up to five degrees and the right headlamp up to 15 degrees to increase the driver's field of vision. Plus, automatic high beams switch to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected.
• Rain-Sensing Wipers, which are moisture-activated and programmable.
• Forward Sensing System, which determines how close front objects are while parking.
• Rearview Camera System, which is mounted beneath the Lincoln Star on the decklid and activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a view of what's behind the vehicle. The system works in conjunction with the vehicle's reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display.

Understated Design: Lincoln MKS debuts new design DNA

The Lincoln MKS is the first vehicle to embrace Lincoln's new design DNA.

"Every element of this luxury sedan reflects the culture of Lincoln – from its well-proportioned athleticism to the design cues we have painstakingly developed, modernizing the best elements over time," says Peter Horbury, executive director of Design for The Americas.

Its most striking exterior design feature is its double-wing grille, which sweeps up into the jewel-like headlamps, wrapping around the front fascia and forming a sharp crease that defines the high beltline. A subtle kick-up over the rear wheel calls back cue found on many classic Lincolns. Strong shoulders, dramatic C-pillars, clean body sides, a tall rear deck and large wheels and tires lend the Lincoln MKS a confident stance.

Modern luxury carries through inside, as well. Space is abundant, with a class-leading interior package. In fact, the MKS has the largest rear cabin in its class in every important dimension, including head, leg and shoulder room. And Lincoln tends to passengers' comfort with standard heated rear seats, an overhead skylight and a sun shade for the backlight.

Its interior is sleek. For instance, the Lincoln MKS's symmetrical instrument panel has fewer break lines than other luxury vehicles. The flow-through center stack is clean and uncluttered, with an information screen integrated at the top. The large center console has a split, two-piece, padded upper section. Each section slides forward individually to form an armrest.

"Luxury buyers still expect rare beauty, but today, they also seek authenticity," Horbury said.

"This is space Lincoln can rightfully reclaim, given the design of our vehicles and the way we've chosen to adorn the MKS with the finest real leathers, rare woods, real aluminum and chrome accents – in a more environmentally responsible way."

For example, the leather used for the seats is perfected with vegetable dyes and a chromium-free tanning process to create the softest leather ever used in a Lincoln.

It is supplied by Bridge of Weir Leather, the same company that provided hides for the Ford Model T and the iconic Continental Mark II, as well as the Concorde, the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Burj Al Arab, the world's first 7-star hotel.

Ebony wood used for some models is reclaimed from furniture makers and others sources, offering a rare wood with minimal environmental impact. Also offered is Olive Ash, a wood with a distinctive grain pattern created when the roots of two trees grow together.

Smooth Power: Fuel-efficient V-6 today; V-8 power with V-6 efficiency tomorrow

The Lincoln MKS is powered by a Lincoln exclusive new 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX, which was voted one of Ward's 10-Best Engines for 2007.

Both engines share the same strong, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight four-valve heads for smooth operation at high RPMs. The 3.7-liter's larger cylinders contribute to the increase in horsepower and torque. This engine delivers 270 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy, acceleration and the option to manually select gears.

"This engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque to improve performance where it's needed most – standing acceleration and passing," says Michael Celentino, chief engineer.

Less than a year after launch, the Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford's new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology.

The premium engine – which offers the power and torque of a V-8 with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 – will make the Lincoln MKS the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel drive luxury sedan in the market.

Lincoln MKS also is available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that provides a confident driving experience in all weather. It uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels – up to 100 percent in either direction – to avoid wheel slip. The AWD system works with the standard Advance Trac® stability control system to provide additional stability, transferring torque from side-to-side.

An all-new independent rear suspension design features vertically mounted shock absorbers mounted at the outboard end of the suspension arms near the wheels, maximizing suspension travel and allowing for more precise suspension tuning.

The MacPherson strut and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension also was designed to maximize suspension travel and tuned to work in harmony with the rear suspension. As an added benefit, the new suspension design can accommodate larger, 20-inch wheels and tires without compromising ride comfort.

The Lincoln MKS comes standard with 18-inch bright, machined, cast aluminum painted 10-spoke wheels. Nineteen-inch 10-spoke painted, polished or machined aluminum or a class-exclusive 20-inch, 11-spoke, highly polished, cast aluminum wheel are available options.

Building on a Heritage of Safety Leadership

The Lincoln MKS is equipped with a comprehensive package of the latest in active and passive safety features to provide the highest level of protection for all occupants.

Standard safety features include: dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, driver seat positioning sensor, side air bags and Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags with roll-fold technology and four-wheel ABS brakes.

Additional standard safety features include an anti-theft perimeter alarm, Battery Saver, Belt-Minder®, Child Safety Locks, glow-in-the-dark trunk release, illuminated entry, LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children) and a tire pressure monitoring system.

[Source: Autoblog.com]

siko

Merc1

Looking better and better with each pic.

M

YoUhimhER

is this comparable in size with a8? if so, doesn't look that big at all!

Merc1

No, this is more along with the A6/GS/E/5-Series class.

M

Tycoon

I've never thought i'll say this, but i actually like the car...

For some reason (grille probably) it reminds me a little on BMW, but not because of that, the overall shape looks attractive to me. Interior ain't bad either...

Merc1

Oh, wow I hadn't seen the interior pics. Yes the interior is hot as hell for a Lincoln. A far cry from the current garbage they're heaving unto customers.
Witness the gauge cluser from the current Navigator:



I couldn't believe this gauge cluster. It is right out of my grandma's 1970's Lincoln. Ridiculous for 2008.


M