Lincoln auto news

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed

For more years than we care to remember, Lincoln has soldiered on without a competitive large car. Ford's luxury marque finally gave its high-end roster some love for the 2009 model year with the large-and-in-charge MKS. At 204 inches long, the MKS is a Reese's Cup shy of a Navigator, and at 4,305 pounds, our all-wheel drive tester is only 166-pounds lighter than the super-sized Ford Flex.

When we tested the MKS last year, the relatively modest 3.7-liter V6 left us eagerly anticipating the long-promised twin-turbo EcoBoost variant. The first press samples of the MKS EcoBoost came in the spring, and our brief time with the 355 horsepower sedan at Milan Raceway gave us a newfound appreciation for the big Lincoln. But only a few hours behind the wheel wasn't nearly enough time to fully take in the EcoBoost experience, so we spent a week with Lincoln's Big Easy to see if 355 force-fed ponies catapults the MKS into the realm of the luxury elite. Hit the jump to find out how this latter-day Hot Rod Lincoln fared.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed

Spy Shot: Redesigned Lincoln MKX gains corporate face

Lincoln's new corporate grille is comprised of a split-wing design that flows up into a pair of swept back headlamps. It debuted on the MKS, has migrated to the MKZ and was expanded for the MKT three-row crossover, and now it's set to appear on the redesigned MKX crossover.

The MKX crossover has always been the odd-man-out in terms of styling when compared to the rest of the Lincoln lineup. Even before the split-wing grille came into being, the MKX debuted with a front fascia that didn't match any of the brand's other models because it was based on the 2005 Lincoln Aviator concept. All that will change as this spy shot reveals.

Whereas the split-wing grille looks over-the-top on the much larger MKT crossover, this most important of Lincoln design cues seems right at home on the smaller MKX. Click the image above for an enlarged view and let us (and Lincoln) know what you think in the comments. Specifically, how do you think the new MKX design compares to its cross-town rival, the 2010 Cadillac SRX?

Lincoln MKZ gets Executive Package, Ron Burgundy approves of rich walnut trim

2010 Lincoln MKZ - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If you have many leather-bound books and your apartment smells of rich mahogany, then you might be interested in the new Executive Appearance Package option for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ. Available in late summer, the new trim package offers "more traditional luxury appointments" for Lincoln's base sedan, a result of early sales showing buyers preferring well-equipped models. The package comes in Dark Charcoal or Cashmere colors and includes unique stitching on the door trim, an insert on the console armrest, a genuine Swirl Walnut wood console and instrument panel accents, along with premium floor mats with the Lincoln star. Full details are available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

Continue reading Lincoln MKZ gets Executive Package, Ron Burgundy approves of rich walnut trim

Ford named featured marque for 2009 SEMA Show

Although the auto industry is suffering through dark times, there's a faint light glowing in the form of this year's SEMA show. With automakers scaling back at some of the world's largest auto expos, the 2009 aftermarket extravaganza is anticipating one of its highest turnouts in years, from both exhibitors and attendees.

As the featured automaker at SEMA 2009, Ford is leading the charge, and in addition to plenty of bespoke offerings from both the Blue Oval, SEMA organizers are planning to announce "several 'first-ever' programs" in the coming weeks. With all the doom and gloom surround the industry, we're looking forward to a respite later this year, and it looks like the SEMA show, running November 3 through 6, could be it.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford Booth

Continue reading Ford named featured marque for 2009 SEMA Show

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ makes a name for itself in the middle

The Lincoln MKZ began life as the Zephyr. It was bland-looking and far too underpowered to compete in the increasingly competitive entry-level luxury class. Ford updated the mid-size sedan back in 2007 with a more powerful engine, some cosmetic updates, and a new alphanumeric moniker. Despite the alterations, the least expensive Lincoln still didn't stack up with the competition in many areas, let alone in terms of image or "wow" factor.

Understandably, Lincoln is looking to reverse the fortunes of its MKZ for the 2010 model year, with a thorough makeover on the inside and some major cosmetic tweaks on the outside. Has Lincoln improved its volume sedan entry enough to make the MKZ a consideration for car shoppers? Hit the jump to find out how the 2010 Lincoln MKZ fared in our Autoblog review.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ makes a name for itself in the middle

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost and MKS EcoBoost

For the last year and a half, Ford has repeatedly discussed EcoBoost as its high volume, mainstream technology for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. While Ford is putting a lot of effort into developing hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles, the high cost of those technologies will keep volumes low for the near term. Meanwhile, engine downsizing combined with turbocharging and direct fuel injection (GDTI) can cut consumption for a much lower cost. The technology arrives this summer, and while it has a green sheen to it, there's plenty of excitement for gearheads, as we've just learned.

Ford's first GDTI engine is the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that is set to debut in the Lincoln MKS, MKT, Ford Flex and Taurus SHO. Over the last eight months, Ford has conducted a number of background preview drives with EcoBoost equipped vehicles that we haven't been allowed to discuss. With production starting in the next few weeks, however, Ford allowed us to drive some pilot production examples of the two Lincolns powered by EcoBoost engines at its Romeo Proving Ground in Michigan. This time, we can finally tell you about it and give you a preview of the new MKT.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost - First Drive

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost - First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost and MKS EcoBoost

New 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost to start at $47,760*

We hope to have our very first driving impressions of Ford's new EcoBoost powertrain technology for you later today, but in the meantime, the Blue Oval has just announced that the first vehicle to rely on EcoBoost motivation, the 2010 MKS, now has a price tag: $47,760 (*excluding destination and delivery charges).

In the case of the MKS, the 3.5-liter direct-injection twin-turbo V6 generates 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque - the latter delivered in billiard table-smooth fashion from 1,500 rpm to 5,250 rpm. Paired with a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the force-fed MKS promises lots of gumption to go along with the MKS' already impressive interior tech offerings.

Ford says that the EcoBoost MKS will arrive carrying 19-inch alloys, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive HID headlamps with automatic high-beams, an ambient lighting array, and a power rear sunshade. For those looking for more visual differentiation, however, you'll have to wait a bit for the "late availability" MKS Appearance Package (pricing TBD) which includes visual go-faster bits including 20-inch alloys, a different grille, revised aero pieces, and different badging. Inside, the frosting amounts to package-specific seating (sienna with charcoal black seams, black stitching and logo'd headrests), a leather-wrapped wheel, and dual-color backlit sill plates. We'll relay the complete pricing information and options list as it becomes available, but for now, check out the high-res galleries below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

Live Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost to start at $47,760*

NY Mets choose Lincoln-Mercury as Official Vehicle

Like the deal that placed Ford with the Yankees (but unlike Audi's partnership with the same team), the contract wasn't brokered by corporate headquarters but by the association of Tri-State Lincoln Mercury dealers, and amounts to about as much fun as you can shake a Louisville Slugger at. All it boils down to is that they'll be parking display vehicles outside the Mets' new home at Polo Grounds Shea Stadium Citi Field, so the next time they hit a home run it's more likely to go through the windshield of a Lincoln or Mercury. Details in the press release after the jump.

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First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ, a solid performer gets a makeover

Launched in 2006 as the Zephyr, Lincoln's entry-level luxury sedan has undergone quite a few changes over the last three years. Graced with a new name - the MKZ - in 2007, as well as a 3.5-liter V6 and available all-wheel drive, the feature list continued to grow when SYNC and reverse park-assist were added to the MKZ in 2008. Like its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan brothers, the 2010 MKZ benefits from a significant mid-cycle refresh that Lincoln hopes will make it more competitive in its segment. We recently spent a day with the new MKZ, scrutinizing its revamped exterior design, inspecting its all-new interior and testing out the re-tuned engine and suspension. Read on to see if the sum of the 2010 Lincoln MKZ's parts add up to an improved car.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ, a solid performer gets a makeover

eBay Find of the Day: 1995 Lincoln Sentinel Concept

Looking like a 1961 Continental reimagined thirty years on, the Lincoln Sentinel concept caused quite a stir on the show circuit back in the mid-'90s.

Eventually, the not-quite-a-runner sedan somehow wound up in Hardeeville, South Carolina, where a dealer is now looking to unload it for $80,000. O.C. Welch Ford Lincoln-Mercury has apparently held the vehicle in its private collection, and while it's nothing more than a non-functional showpiece, there are possibilities. It would at least be a conversation piece, but one also pictures the bodywork picked up and laid atop a Panther chassis to make the best looking Town Car in ages. $80k is kind of steep for something that even lacks functioning doors (it has a half-interior beneath the smoked glass), but this was a fairly significant showcar at the time, and even now, it arguably has far more presence than anything in the Ford Motor Company's premium portfolio. Thanks for the tip, Clint!

Gallery: Sentinel Auction