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New, industry-exclusive technologies and engaging design featuring world-class craftsmanship and materials further elevate the 2011 Lincoln MKX midsize luxury crossover.

-The 2011 Lincoln MKX luxury crossover features the first application of industry-exclusive MyLincoln TouchTM driver connect technology, which creates a whole new way for customers to interact with digital and vehicle technology

-Powertrain enhancements include a new 3.7-liter Duratec® V-6 engine, delivering best-in-class 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque versus all V-6 competitors – plus unsurpassed fuel economy
Leading the wide-ranging innovations is the all-new MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology, which delivers a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. MyLincoln comes standard on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, providing drivers a whole new experience behind the wheel.

“With its combination of style, performance and uncompromising luxury, the Lincoln MKX has brought new customers into the Lincoln showroom in a way that very few products have before,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Lincoln customers tell us they care most about style and technology, and the new Lincoln MKX meets these needs perfectly. The new MyLincoln Touch technology will change the way customers interact with their vehicles while its new design language gives the vehicle a distinctive and stylish silhouette we know customers will love.”

The dramatic freshening of the 2011 Lincoln MKX extends to all areas of the vehicle: new features and technologies not available anywhere else, new exterior design, new interior design with increased use of genuine materials, new powertrain with unsurpassed fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and new tires and wheels all combine to deliver an unparalleled luxury experience.

“The 2011 Lincoln MKX represents no-compromise luxury,” said Elaine Bannon, chief engineer. “Every attribute – technology, ergonomics, material selection, power, fuel economy, driving experience – is a standout. Plus, it’s wrapped in a beautiful package.”

MyLincoln just the start for technology-packed 2011 Lincoln MKX
The industry-first MyLincoln Touch experience, powered by Lincoln SYNC®, replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way buttons like those found on cell phones and MP3 players. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch screen tap.

The electronic finish panel on the 2011 Lincoln MKX demonstrates all the advantages of this touch-sensitive technology in a beautiful, engaging package. Activated features display amber light. When turned off, signature Lincoln White lighting is displayed.

In addition to the usual audio and climate control features, the touch-sensitive technology also operates the volume and fan controls, which is exclusive to Lincoln. Customers can swipe their fingers along the slider to adjust the volume. The slider features 10 distinct touchpoints; three full swipes bring the system to maximum volume. Customers also can touch anywhere along the slider to get a corresponding increase or decrease in volume.

The fan control is operated in a similar fashion. On both the volume control and the fan control, the distinctive Lincoln White lighting acts as a chaser.

Like the song? You can tag it
Also new on the 2011 Lincoln MKX is the world’s first use of iTunes® Tagging in an available factory-installed HD RadioTM receiver. Enabled by the available Voice-Activated Navigation System through SYNC, iTunes Tagging provides customers with the ability to “capture” a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase from iTunes. With a simple push of a “TAG” button on the radio display, the song information will be stored in the radio’s memory.

Once a song is tagged and customers dock their iPod to the SYNC system, the “tagged” song information will transfer to that iPod. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When an iPod is connected, the tags are transferred from SYNC to the iPod. Customers then can preview, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store, if they so choose.

One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission – FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like today’s FM broadcasts. Plus, unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren’t susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues.

2011 Lincoln MKX brimming with standard and class-exclusive technologies

Standard MyLincoln Touch and remote start lead the list of features or technologies that are new for the 2011 Lincoln MKX, including:

Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support allows the driver to set the vehicle’s speed and maintain it without using the accelerator pedal, and warns the driver of a potential collision risk. It also helps reduce speed and automatically pre-charges brakes and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly when the system detects a collision is imminent.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert is a feature that helps detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving and traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots.
MyKeyTM is designed to allow parents to encourage teenagers to drive safely and more fuel efficiently, and increase safety belt usage. The standard MyKey feature allows owners to designate keys that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume.
Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System is a standard Ford-exclusive feature that uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door to eliminate the need for a fuel tank screw cap.
The 2011 Lincoln MKX has eight class-exclusive features: MyLincoln Touch, Lincoln SYNC, Easy Fuel, SecuriCodeTM keyless entry, Blind Spot Mirrors, MyKey, Cross Traffic Alert and AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability ControlTM).

Fun tuned in while noise is tuned out
A wealth of upgrades means the 2011 Lincoln MKX will provide a more connected feel between the driver and the road through responsive acceleration, engaging steering, spirited handling and confident braking.

The new 18-inch tires have increased grip and are mounted on larger wheels than the outgoing product, helping enable enhanced stopping and improved handling. Twenty-inch wheels are available as well.

The springs, shocks and stabilizer bars also have been retuned to give the Lincoln MKX a flatter response through turns and over hills while still providing the comfortable ride luxury buyers expect and demand.

The original Lincoln MKX set many benchmarks in overall quietness, and that tradition continues as Ford internal preliminary data show the 2011 MKX scores better in speech recognition, wind noise and sound package than competitors from Lexus and Audi.

Both road noise and wind noise are significantly decreased in the 2011 MKX because of improvements found throughout the interior and exterior, including powertrain. Additional actions include:

Sound pack and acoustic glass: A more-absorptive sound pack is found throughout the interior, which reduces high-frequency noise more effectively than material that acts merely as a barrier. The result is an improved articulation index, which measures how easy it is to hear and understand someone in the vehicle. The 2011 MKX also features an acoustic headliner, and the microphone for the SYNC system has been relocated so it is closer to the driver for improved voice recognition. The windshield also is thicker and acoustic-laminated for reduced wind noise. Acoustic glass in the front doors also is standard for the 2011 model. Finally, baked-on expandable foam baffles in the fenders and rear D-pillars help seal out unwanted road noise.
Powertrain NVH improvements: Three main actions contribute to a quieter 2011 Lincoln MKX from a powertrain NVH perspective. One is the more robust engine cover. Intake and exhaust systems also have been completely retuned for a crisper note corresponding to Lincoln powertrain DNA. Finally, a “tighter” torque converter reduces engine rpm on launch and tip-in events, reducing engine noise.
More stopping power, increased braking technology
New four-wheel disc brakes provide enhanced stopping power. Key brake system upgrades include steel pistons, larger rear rotors, revised brake friction materials, revised brake booster gain and revised pedal ratios, all of which enable more initial bite and a firmer, more confident feel when customers press on the brake pedal.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX also offers several new brake-related features: Hill Start Assist, which reduces rollback on hills; Trailer Sway Control, which provides greater towing stability when equipped with the available trailer tow package; Hydraulic Brake Assist, which provides greater braking force in emergency stops; and available Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support.

Improved performance without sacrificing fuel economy
Power for the 2011 Lincoln MKX is supplied by the 3.7-liter Duratec V-6, which employs advanced technology and clever control strategies, such as Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to increase horsepower and torque without compromising fuel economy.

Customers of the 2011 Lincoln MKX will enjoy a luxury crossover that has best-in-class power and torque versus all V-6 competitors with unsurpassed highway fuel economy of 25 mpg – all on regular fuel. Horsepower has been increased to 305 – a 15-percent increase compared with the outgoing product – while torque is up to 280 ft.-lbs., marking a 12-percent improvement.

The 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6 is mated to a six-speed SelectShift AutomaticTM transmission, which gives customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience.

In SelectShift mode, the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, giving him or her control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

For instance, when a lower gear is selected while descending a long downhill grade, the 2011 Lincoln MKX in SelectShift mode will hold that gear until the driver manually upshifts or returns to the fully automatic setting. To help ensure safe shifting, the transmission will downshift to the lowest acceptable gear, based on a calculated maximum speed. That means if a vehicle is traveling at highway speeds, the driver cannot downshift to first gear in SelectShift mode.

Improvements to engine hardware and powertrain control strategies account for the gains in power and fuel economy. Other strategies in addition to Ti-VCT are aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff; torque-based deceleration control and battery management through “smart charging.”

New flowing exterior design perfectly wraps new Lincoln MKX technologies

The flowing exterior design of the 2011 Lincoln MKX provides the perfect complement to the luxury crossover’s industry-leading technology and class-exclusive features.

“The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be a real standout in the Lincoln showroom,” said Doyle Letson, chief designer. “The addition of the new split-wing grille, a key to Lincoln signature DNA, is just the start. The 2011 MKX has the best proportions of any Lincoln we have.

“The fender line, with the raised arch over the front wheel, as well as the lower rocker detail with beautifully tapered bright detail that runs the length of the vehicle, makes a dramatic difference in side view,” he added.

New for the 2011 model is an updated rear taillamp treatment. The lamps are now two distinct pieces that employ an indirect LED system that hides the light source while allowing the light intensity to shine through. The reverse sensors of the Blind Spot Information System are integrated into the reflectors while the Lincoln star sits proudly on a new appliqué. The 4-inch oval exhaust tips, significantly larger on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, also increase the unique luxury crossover’s presence.

The new 18- and 20-inch wheels are more dynamic and expressive. Instead of a familiar linear or blocky appearance, the wheels encompass a variety of undulating and complex shapes that help the 2011 Lincoln MKX appear always in motion. The vibrant wheel shapes again underscore the enhanced craftsmanship and attention to detail found throughout the 2011 Lincoln MKX.

All-new interior brimming with functionality and craftsmanship

The interior of the 2011 Lincoln MKX reflects an even greater emphasis on what defines Lincoln DNA: luxury, craftsmanship, genuine materials and sharper execution.

Gentle details that bring out Lincoln standards of quality and excellence include brightwork on the vents, genuine stitching on the doors and softer armrests with upgraded materials. The cupholders, with available ambient lighting, are found beneath the independent sliding leather-covered console lids, which feature decorative stitching. A power tilt/telescoping steering column and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel are available.

All-new leather-trimmed seats, comfort sections and standard tuxedo stripe embrace the new Lincoln DNA sew style. More genuine aluminum appliqués are standard, with aluminum accents on the door added to the spears on the instrument panel.

The two available wood accents – Olive Ash and Walnut Swirl – on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors add character and form; each selection has a livelier, natural appearance, adding even more character to the interior. Whether customers select aluminum or wood, the increased use of genuine materials in the 2011 Lincoln MKX ensures that each interior will be distinctive.

“Everything about the 2011 Lincoln MKX is vibrant and luxurious,” said Bannon. “Our MyLincoln Touch system will draw people in, helping them discover that the new Lincoln MKX delivers a total driving experience not found anywhere else.”

The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be built at Oakville Assembly Plant; Ontario, Canada.

-The 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6 engine, the first V-6 direct-injection twin-turbocharged engine produced in North America, makes its debut in the 2010 Lincoln MKS
-With the fuel economy of a V-6, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine delivers an impressive 355 horsepower and 350 ft.-lb. of torque across a broad rpm range – from 1,500 rpm to 5,250 rpm – giving the Lincoln MKS the power of a normally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8
-The new 3.5-liter engine is the first in a wave of EcoBoost engines coming as part of Ford’s strategy to bring affordable fuel efficiency improvements to millions. By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American nameplates will be available with EcoBoost technology

Style, technology and power. With the addition of the all-new EcoBoost™ engine, the new 2010 Lincoln MKS delivers the luxury and comfort standards unique to Lincoln with a powertrain that produces a compelling combination of V-8 power and V-6 fuel economy.

The new Lincoln MKS is the first Ford Motor Company vehicle to introduce a premium twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine for the 2010 model year. By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American nameplates will be available with EcoBoost technology.

“We are committed to delivering fuel economy leadership in every new vehicle,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “We do this with affordable technology that can be applied to the widest number of vehicles. EcoBoost is an important component of that goal.

“The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power. We’re able to decrease the size of the available engine – such as installing a V-6 versus a V-8 – yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque of that larger engine.”

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 of the all-wheel-drive 2010 Lincoln MKS produces 355 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lb. of torque from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm and can be run on regular fuel. The Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost will deliver at least 17 mpg city and at least 24 mpg highway.

“We’re delighted with how well the Lincoln MKS has been received. Customers have really responded to the vehicle’s balanced combination of luxury, comfort and performance,” said Pete Reyes, chief nameplate engineer. “Adding the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is another great enhancement to our luxury sedan. We now can deliver V-8 power without sacrificing fuel economy.”

Standard on Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost are 19-inch premium painted aluminum wheels, steering-wheel paddle shifters, six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, all-wheel drive, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, ambient lighting, adaptive HID headlamps with Auto Highbeam, rain-sensing wipers and rear-window power sunshade.

An MKS EcoBoost Appearance Package will have late availability, offering customers a more-aggressive and sporty look that further differentiates the Lincoln MKS from other competitors. The MKS EcoBoost Appearance Package seamlessly combines the power and fuel economy from this new engine technology with the high luxury standards pioneered by Lincoln.

Highlights of the MKS EcoBoost Appearance Package include:

-Luxury seats in Sienna with Charcoal Black Tuxedo Seam
-Black stitching and Lincoln Star logos embroidered on the headrest
-Illuminated MKS sill plates – the “MK” is in white and the “S” is in red
-Leather-wrapped steering wheel
-Upgraded black floor mats with embroidered Lincoln Star
-Unique exterior appointments, including EcoBoost badging, distinctive grille, front -lip spoiler, rear fascia lower, side rockers and door cladding, decklid lip spoiler with chrome insert and modified MKS decklid badge (“S” in red)
-20-inch chrome wheels

The EcoBoost program is part of Ford’s ongoing and wide-ranging initiative to deliver innovative fuel-efficient powertrain systems with horsepower and torque performance found in larger-displacement engines.

“Our EcoBoost engines offer more power and better fuel economy,” said Brett Hinds, EcoBoost design manager. “It’s all part of Ford’s strategy to bring adaptable powertrain technology to all kinds of vehicles and all kinds of lifestyles. This technology is affordable and applicable to all gasoline engines.”

The turbochargers recover energy from the exhaust that otherwise would be wasted and put it back in the engine to gain efficiency. Simply, the turbocharging system puts more air into the engine for more power. A compressor increases or “boosts” the pressure of the air entering the engine. An air-to-air intercooler is used to cool the compressed intake air before it enters the combustion chamber. This allows the air to be even more densely packed for optimal performance, contributing to more-efficient fuel burn and fuel efficiency.

The twin parallel turbochargers, which are water-cooled and operate simultaneously, combine with a direct-injection fuel system to instantly produce power when the driver pushes down on the accelerator pedal.

The high-pressure fuel pump operates at 2,150 psi – more than 35 times the norm seen in a conventional V-6 engine. The high-pressure pump is a cam-driven mechanical pump with a single piston and an electronic valve that controls how much fuel is routed into the fuel rails to the injectors.

As demands on the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine are increased, the control system responds to maintain optimal combustion, timing and injection duration.

On each stroke, six individual jets spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber, mixing with the incoming air. “By bringing the fuel injector right into the combustion chamber, there’s no delay from the time you inject the fuel to when it’s used by the engine,” Hinds said. The fuel injectors are located on the side of the combustion chamber. When the fuel is injected into the cylinder, it evaporates and cools the air that’s been inducted into the cylinder.

“Another benefit of our direct-injection method is that it cools the air right where you’re going to burn it,” Hinds said. “This action both improves the breathing of the engine and minimizes knocking.”

The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder also helps provide a well-mixed air-fuel charge, increasing engine efficiency. Direct injection provides several benefits in terms of fuel burn and lower emissions.

“Because the fuel is directly introduced into the combustion chamber, you don’t get fuel wetting the combustion wall like with port fuel injection, you don’t saturate the ports and you don’t get droplets that might recombine and add to saturation,” Hinds said. “By injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber and under high pressure, the fuel can be directed to exactly where we want it to be for a given combustion cycle.”

The spray pattern for the fuel was optimized after extensive computer modeling work, with the angle of how the fuel is sprayed key to the process. “The better combustion process is a big advantage of direct injection,” Hinds said. “In a port fuel system, at key off it’s possible to have fuel on the walls of the intake port, which migrates to the top of the valve and puddles. So when you key on, you get that emissions spike. Direct injection is much cleaner from that standpoint.”

Turbo lag virtually eliminated

The simultaneous turbocharger operation paired with the direct-injection system help to virtually eliminate turbo lag, one of the main reasons turbocharger technology was not previously more widely used. The dual-turbocharger setup has several advantages over previous turbocharging systems, including:

-The dual turbochargers are smaller and spool up quicker, allowing the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine to reach peak torque faster. The turbochargers can spin in excess of 170,000 rpm. By comparison, the redline for the engine is approximately 6,200 rpm
-The turbochargers are packaged adjacent to the cylinder block and have improved mounting providing NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) improvements

“The two turbochargers both operate identically over the speed range of the engine – one gets its energy from the left bank and the other gets its energy from the right bank, with both feeding together into the engine,” Hinds said. “Both spin immediately and produce boost, even at low engine speeds.”

The turbochargers are designed for a life cycle of 150,000 miles or 10 years.

“Our testing is far, far more harsh than could be achieved in the real world,” Hinds. “In an extreme situation, a customer might be able to hit peak power for about 10 seconds – probably not even that much. We test at peak power for hundreds of hours to ensure we can reach our durability and reliability goals.”

The turbocharger impellers are only about the size of an orange, but help provide a big performance advantage to customers. Hinds describes the torque response in terms of linear acceleration – power whenever you need it.

“You get peak torque across a very wide engine speed range,” he said. “It’s available when you pull away from a stoplight or pass someone on a secondary road at a comparatively low speed. You don’t need to wind up the engine to get performance out of it. It’s there all the time.”

Turbocharger “whoosh” is mitigated by electronically controlled anti-surge valves, which proactively relieve the boost in the intake, which can range up to 12 psi. Careful software calibrations manage the pressures in the intake manifold.

“We control the boost to make sure that customers don’t recognize when the boost is building,” Hinds said. “As the turbochargers spool up, the electronic control system takes over. Our active wastegate control along with the throttle controls the boost and torque levels very precisely and the customer perceives a continuous delivery of torque.”

Extensive durability tests on the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine ensure it will excel in all conditions. Start-up tests, with a wide variety of fuels, were made in conditions ranging from minus 40 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Altitude testing up to 12,000 feet in Colorado also was performed.

“The direct-injection fuel system allows us some real opportunities in terms of optimizing cold start for both emissions and robustness,” Hinds said. “We have multiple injections for each combustion event, and we can essentially tune where those injections should take place to deliver the strongest start possible with the lowest emissions.”

New, dedicated transmission and SelectShift complement EcoBoost

Mated to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine is the 6-speed 6F-55 SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, which is dedicated to the twin-turbocharger engine. The 6F-55 transmission was developed to specifically respond to the increased torque demands of the EcoBoost V-6 engine. Upgrades were made to the transmission’s friction material in response to the higher shift energies, and a new torque converter has been optimized for performance and fuel economy.

The 2010 Lincoln MKS driveline combines the high-capacity 6F-55 SelectShift Automatic transmission with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel Drive System. These components work in harmony to deliver ample traction when putting EcoBoost power on the road. The six-speed transmission offers a wide array of gears to enable spirited acceleration, yet comfortable high-speed cruising.

“We’ve upgraded the gear sets to handle the increased torque,” said Joe Baum, powertrain team leader. “We’ve also adjusted the final drive ratio and matched the gear ratios to provide the optimum performance and fuel economy.

“Our final drive ratio is 2.77. With a lower final drive ratio, the engine spins slower at highway speeds, which helps save fuel. And with all the torque, the Lincoln MKS still delivers good low-speed launch performance.”

SelectShift provides conventional automatic operation or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. For performance-minded drivers, paddle controls allow “match-rev” downshifts and will hold manually selected gears for precise control. Intuitively operated, a squeeze on either paddle will deliver an economical upshift under acceleration, while a gentle push forward brings a smooth downshift, synchronizing the engine and transmission speeds for responsive and positive engagement.

The All-Wheel Drive System engages automatically and unobtrusively. The unit contains an advanced array of internal electromechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque to the wheels with optimum traction. Standard all-wheel drive allows the new Lincoln MKS to efficiently deliver its high performance to the pavement under a wide variety of conditions.

Power to the drive wheels, not the steering wheel, means better mileage
Unique to the Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost package is Electric Power Steering (EPS), which offers several customer benefits and enables several technologies.

First, because unlike the common hydraulic-powered systems that continuously draw power from the engine, EPS draws power from an independent electric motor only as needed. Customers will see about a half-mile per gallon improvement with vehicles equipped with EPS systems compared with those with conventional hydraulic steering systems. EPS also improves steering feel at low speeds and provides confident, precise steering on the highway.

Two technologies enabled by EPS are Active Park Assist and Pull Drift Compensation, further enhancing the unique combination of power and technology found in the Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost.

One harmonious system

Careful powertrain system management ensures the engine, turbochargers and transmission work together harmoniously. The Lincoln MKS team also was careful to give customers an exhaust note from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that was pleasing but not overpowering.

“With its elegant styling, wide suite of convenience technology and incomparable ride, the Lincoln MKS is an outstanding luxury sedan,” Reyes said. “We’re pleased and proud to add the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 to an already-great car.”

Pricing for the 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost starts at $47,760, excluding destination and delivery.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ offers customers more standard luxury and segment-exclusive safety features for their money, with a starting price of $34,965, including destination and delivery.

Compared with other midsize luxury sedans – such as the Lexus ES350 and Cadillac CTS – the MKZ comes with more standard luxury features, such as Bridge of Weir leather seats, genuine wood trim, heated and cooled front seats, the popular SYNC entertainment and connectivity system, a reverse sensing system and driver multi-adjustable power seat.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ also has features not offered by competitors in this segment, such as the all-new Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA). “Customers universally are surprised when they get into a competing vehicle and find out that they have to pay more for luxury features, such as premium leather seats,” said Jonathan Richards, Lincoln MKZ Marketing manager. “That’s what sets the MKZ apart from the competition. It comes standard with all the features you would expect from a world class entry-level luxury sedan.”

The front-wheel-drive MKZ has a base price of $34,965, and the all-wheel drive model is available for a base price of $36,855. Pricing on both models includes destination and delivery.

Ultra-Quiet Ride

The new MKZ offers an ultra-quiet cabin, a feature that consumers – especially luxury car shoppers – undeniably connect to overall product quality and satisfaction levels, according to vehicle studies from third-party voices, such as J.D. Power and Associates.

According to Ford research, the 2010 MKZ also beats out the current Lexus ES350 in key interior quietness attributes, such as road noise at 30 mph and wind noise at 80 mph.

The interior quietness coupled with the premium THX II Certified 5.1 Surround sound system available in the MKZ offers customers an exceptional in-car audio experience, says Richards.

“This pairing represents one more example of why customers are now equating the Lincoln brand with elegant, modern design, unparalleled comfort, unrivaled features and best-in-class quality,” he said.

Segment-Exclusive Safety Features

The new Lincoln MKZ offers segment-exclusive safety features, including first-in-class Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), which makes navigating traffic and parking lots safer and easier. BLIS tracks vehicles in the blind-spot zones on either side of the vehicle using two multiple-beam radar modules behind the rear fenders, and CTA uses the BLIS radar sensors to alert the driver to approaching traffic while in reverse and backing out of a parking spot.

New Sport Appearance Package

Luxury car buyers who want a sportier-looking ride can opt for the Sport Appearance Package, which is new for the 2010 model year. It offers special sport suspension tuning with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars; 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels; unique grille, body-color door handles and darkened headlamps; and an interior with tuxedo seam seat patterns, contrasting piping, upgraded floor mats and aluminum appliqués.

Lincoln MKT, a distinctive new premium crossover, will be available in late summer 2009 with a long list of standard comfort, convenience and technology features that make it an exceptional value.

-The 2010 Lincoln MKT, equipped with an extensive list of enticing equipment, will arrive this summer priced at $44,995 (including destination) for the front-wheel drive model; equipped with a premium engine and all-wheel drive, prices start at $49,995

-The Lincoln MKT offers two fuel-efficient engine choices: a proven 3.7-liter V-6 designed to deliver an estimated 268 horsepower or a new Twin turbo 3.5-liter V-6 with EcoBoost™ able to deliver an estimated 355 horsepower while delivering best in class fuel economy

-Further growing the brand’s momentum and joining the all-new flagship Lincoln MKS sedan and updated 2010 Lincoln MKZ, the 2010 Lincoln MKT three-row crossover will be available in dealer showrooms in late summer 2009

Starting at $44,995 for the front-wheel-drive model, the three-row Lincoln MKT brings to the luxury market standard luxury features, quality interior appointments and design, class-leading fuel economy and a distinctive new exterior that embodies a fresh interpretation of Lincoln design DNA.

Similar to the flagship Lincoln MKS sedan, the new three-row Lincoln will offer customers an enticing mix of inviting luxury and useful technology. The base model will come well equipped, with a list of standard features that include:

-SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts
-Eight-inch, color touch-screen for audio and HVAC control
-Rear view camera
-20-GB hard drive for music jukebox music storage
-Intelligent Access with Push Button Start
-SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad
-Adaptive Headlamps with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps
-Auto High Beams
-Rain-Sensing Wipers
-Reverse-sensing parking assist system
-Power opening / closing rear liftgate
-12-way powered, heated-and-cooled front row seating
-Adjustable pedals
-Heated second-row seats
-Three-zone HVAC
-Ambient lighting
-Panoramic Vista Roof featuring two large glass panels
-19-inch Premium Painted aluminum wheels
-Integrated spotter mirrors
-And a comprehensive, complementary list of active and passive safety features designed to help protect both driver and passengers.

In addition to a front-wheel drive powertrain, the Lincoln MKT will also be offered with all-wheel-drive. The AWD model with the normally-aspirated, 3.7-liter engine is expected to carry a starting price of $46,990 when it arrives in dealerships this summer. Compared to a similarly priced Acura MDX (the segment leading in sales volume), the Lincoln MKT offers far more interior space, better highway fuel economy and features consumers want, such as adjustable pedals, rain-sensing wipers, auto high beams and the connectivity of SYNC.

The 2010 Lincoln MKT will be available with a premium, 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost powertrain as well, and all EcoBoost models will be fitted with AWD. The direct-injection, twin-turbo, 355 horsepower engine is expected to deliver not only best-in-class power but also best-in-class highway fuel economy, superior to both the Acura MDX and Audi Q7. The 355-hp Lincoln MKT will have a starting price of $49,995. Acura does not offer a premium engine upgrade in the three-row MDX.

Lincoln MKT buyers looking for more luxury and convenience features can choose the Elite Package, priced at $5000. The Elite package includes:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): A system that allows the driver to set and maintain vehicle speed, while radar monitors traffic ahead. This optional system automatically adjusts speed and slows the vehicle to maintain the set distance behind traffic ahead.

Collision Warning with Brake Support: A system enabled by Adaptive Cruise Control that provides the driver with a “head-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.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™): BLIS is a radar sensor on the outboard rear quarter panel used to monitor the traditional blind spot areas and can notify the driver with a warning indicator light in the corresponding side view mirror.

Cross Traffic Alert: Utilizing BLIS sensors, the Lincoln Cross Traffic Alert helps detect approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space. When the vehicle is in reverse and senses traffic, mirror warning lights illuminate and audible signals sound.

Voice-activated Navigation: An advanced, next-generation system with an internal hard-drive for map and point-of-interest information storage and an updated THX audio system with exclusive new feature – Neural Surround – that helps improve audio reproduction from compressed digital formats.

Power-opening Panoramic Vista Roof

Stand-alone options available on the 2010 Lincoln MKT include:

Active-Park Assist: Available on EcoBoost-equipped vehicles, this Lincoln-exclusive system literally “steers” the Lincoln MKT into a parallel parking spot while coaching the driver through conventional throttle and braking inputs.
Active-Park Assist employs an ultrasonic-based sensing system, as opposed to video camera-reliant competitive offerings, to detect edges of adjacent objects to calculate optimized trajectory and making hands-free parallel parking a breeze. It works at the touch of a button, requiring less driver programming and reducing the risk of selecting an inappropriately sized parking space.
20-inch polished wheels
Dual, headrest mounted DVD family entertainment system
Second-row, heated-and-cooled bucket seats with power lumbar
Second-row, console-mounted refrigerator
Class III trailer-towing capability

A full-equipped, twin turbo 355-horspower Lincoln MKT is expected to cost approximately $55,000, placing it thousands less than a comparably equipped Audi Q7. In addition, the Lincoln offers better fuel economy, more interior space and class and exclusive features like Active-Park Assist not available on the Audi Q7.

Customers who have come to equate Lincoln with elegant, modern design, unparalleled comfort, unrivaled features and top quality have still more reason to favor the brand: the new 2010 Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan.

“The new MKZ improves on the success of the current vehicle with Lincoln’s new signature look, appointments that amplify and expand the Lincoln portfolio and a faster, more refined powertrain,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas.

New for 2010, the MKZ features a new sport version with special sport suspension tuning with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels, darkened grille and headlamps, and an interior with contrasting piping and unique appliqués.

The new Lincoln MKZ also offers segment-exclusive features, including first-in-class Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), which makes navigating traffic and parking lots safer and easier.

BLIS tracks vehicles in the blind-spot zones on either side of the vehicle using two multiple-beam radar modules behind the rear fenders. Indicator lights in the outside rear-view mirror on both sides of the vehicle warn the driver when a vehicle enters the defined blind-spot zone, extending from the side mirror to 10 feet behind the vehicle and 10 feet away from the vehicle.

CTA uses the BLIS radar sensors to alert the driver of approaching traffic while in reverse and backing out of a parking spot. The CTA tracks up to 65 feet on either side of the vehicle and warns the driver through both audible and visual alerts.

In addition to this new technology for mid-size sedans, MKZ offers SYNC, Next-Generation Voice-Activated Navigation, keyless entry, EasyFuel capless fuel filler, THX-branded audio­ and adaptive HID headlamps.

The new MKZ also features Lincoln signature design elements, including the split-wing grille and thinner wraparound head lamps for a wider, sportier look. Its chamfered front fascia also shares a family resemblance with the MKS, with a sculpted hood and ridges flowing into the A-pillar. In the rear, the Lincoln MKZ features a new decklid with wider LED taillamps accentuating the width of the car and separated by the Lincoln star.

The Lincoln MKZ’s presence is enhanced by 17-inch aluminum wheels, available 17-inch chrome wheels, and available 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, which are included in the Sport Appearance Package with sport-tuned suspension.

Inside, MKZ’s cabin reflects an even more upscale look featuring genuine aluminum and wood depending on the trim package, an all-new instrument panel, detailed touches including new welcome lighting, chimes, tuxedo stitching on luxury leather seats and Bridge of Weir leather.

The world-renowned luxury leather from Scotland, pioneered on the classic Lincoln Continental Mark II and used on the MKS, wraps the MKZ seats. The MKZ leather is unembossed, allowing the natural beauty and character of the grain to shine through.

The leather is milled for up to 12 hours to ensure a buttery soft hand, and Bridge of Weir uses a chromium-free tanning process, which makes it easier to recycle.

“We’ve increased the luxury feel and improved on what was already a great interior,” said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. “We have a new interior theme with all-new primary touchpoints, complemented by new features and technologies that make the 2010 Lincoln MKZ stand out in the competitive mid-size segment.”

Additions or improvements to the 2010 Lincoln MKZ interior include:

Armrest clamshell storage
New daytime lit and 3-dimensional instrument cluster layout with center speedometer
New door trim with 360-degree door handles
Redesigned center stack with high-mounted, Next-Generation Navigation system
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with real wood insert
Interior schemes include Dark Charcoal or Steel Gray with Swirl Walnut accents, or Light Camel with Olive Ash wood accents
Technology and information at your fingertips

The new Lincoln MKZ is more than just a pretty face and striking new interior. New technology features help Lincoln’s new mid-size sedan stand out, too. They include:

SYNC: The 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 – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.

911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.

Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer’s paired and operable mobile phone.

Voice-Activated Navigation, which integrates several functions including voice recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch-screen display. The navigation system’s text-to-speech function calls out street names while in route to a destination and reads incoming text messages when the system is linked to SYNC. The integrated DVD player is capable of reading CD-Audio, MP3 CDs, DVD, DVD-Audio and DVD-ROM (for digital map updates). A music jukebox function stores more than 150 hours of music. The screen even can be customized with personal photos.

SIRIUS Travel Link™, an industry-leading technology that, when combined with the voice-activated navigation system will provide users with real-time traffic data with accident and incident information, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts, and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations.

Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.

Reverse Camera System mounts a small camera on the decklid that is activated when the Lincoln MKZ is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle.

The video image is displayed in the navigation screen on Lincoln MKZs equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rearview mirror on vehicles without navigation.

Ambient Lighting System is displayed around the footwells, cup holders, door map pockets, door release handles, door and instrument accents and scuff plates – plus special “Welcome” and “Farewell” sequential lighting.

THX II Premium Certified Audio System with 5.1 Surround Sound, which is provided by a 12-channel amplifier that delivers 600 watts to 14 strategically placed speakers, including two subwoofers. A center channel speaker array features THX Slot Speaker™ technology, which allows for a wider sound image and better control of how music is distributed throughout the vehicle’s acoustically engineered cabin. In addition, the system features a 10 GB hard drive jukebox, allowing Lincoln owners to store up to 2,400 of their favorite music tracks.

Other features for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ include:

Rain-sensing wipers, which detect moisture on the windshield and activate automatically.
A new cabin air filter, which removes respiratory irritants and toxins caused by traffic and industrial pollution. Additionally, the air filter protects the HVAC/climate control system by blocking water and moisture.
Adaptive HID headlamps, which rotate according to speed and steering inputs to allow greater visibility around turns
SOS Post Crash Alert, which activates the horn, emergency flashers, automatically unlocks doors and turns on the interior/puddle lamps when an air bag is deployed. The system activates the emergency flashers when a spinout is detected.
Faster engine performance, strong fuel economy

The award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine powers the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, delivering 263 horsepower and 249 pounds-feet of torque. The 3.5-liter uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high RPMs.

This engine also incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize valve timing for a smooth idle and an impressive broad torque curve with good power.

The six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which is front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available, is standard on the 2010 Lincoln MKZ. Powertrain performance is improved dramatically, with 0-60 mph times dropping from 7.7 to 7.1 seconds.

The engine – and the MKZ itself – is quieter. Every piece of sound packing was redone.

“The customer definitely should notice how quiet the new MKZ is,” said Chief Engineer J.D. Shanahan. “That’s important – especially with luxury sedan buyers who perceive that quietness equates to quality.”

The MKZ engineering team also concentrated on the engine mount subsystem, finding the sound that balances sportiness and luxury, said Matt Hettenhouse, powertrain team leader.

A high 10.3:1 compression ratio and aluminum cylinder heads designed for high air flow and optimized combustion help complete the package, supporting the engine’s ability to deliver great performance and fuel economy, along with low emissions.

Unique to the 2010 Lincoln MKZ are re-engineered resonators on the air-induction system. “They deliver the powerful, refined sound Lincoln MKZ customers expect,” Hettenhouse said.

The six-speed transmission allows for lower early gears for better acceleration and taller high gears for better highway mileage. The new standard SelectShift provides the driver with manual gear selection for enhanced sportiness. Downshifts are locked out to protect the engine from over-revving. The “enhanced overdrive cancel” mode locks out the fifth and sixth gears, allows shifts at higher speed for more engine braking and downshifts for “grade assist” functionality.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ was completely revised and uniquely tuned for ride comfort. The team changed the rear suspension lower control arm control point to move the roll center closer to the center of gravity, which improved the ride-handling characteristics. A hydraulic variable-flow steering pump changes the flow rate at lower speeds to give better response, improving the turning circle and easier parking efforts.

The Lincoln MKZ’s available all-wheel drive (AWD) system has been retuned for better traction and lower noise, vibration and harshness. The system uses an electro-mechanical clutch and employs two basic modes of torque transfer – pre-emptive torque (before wheel slip) and slip-control torque (after wheel slip). This dual system gives the driver confidence in any situation, while the suspension has been specially tuned to be more neutral when cornering.

“When the Lincoln MKZ accelerates, even lightly, from a stop on any surface – dry pavement, wet pavement, sand, gravel, ice, mud – pre-emptive torque is transferred to the rear wheels,” said Jim Fritz, AWD product development engineer. “As an added measure to control front wheel slip on slippery surfaces, slip control torque is added to equalize front and rear wheel speeds.”

The AWD system works in harmony with brake traction control to deliver more confidence to Lincoln MKZ customers. Ford’s AdvanceTrac electronic stability control keeps drivers in command as well.

“The driving experience has been improved, delivering a better ride and vehicle control,” Shanahan said. “Ride enhancements, a new sport package, new technologies, the signature Lincoln design and a strong quality story help the new 2010 Lincoln MKZ set a new standard in mid-size luxury sedans.”

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is built at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and will be in dealer showrooms in spring 2009.

The 2009 Lincoln Navigator offers more than impressive levels of luxury and functionality – it also boasts a significant improvement in fuel economy that puts it ahead of the other full-size luxury sport utility vehicles in the segment.

The Navigator, thanks to a combination of architectural changes and systems engineering enhancements, has increased its fuel efficiency to an EPA-estimated 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway on 4X2 models.

Combined with overall setup changes that offer lower idling speeds and transmission enhancements, the additional fuel economy makes the Navigator an even more appealing choice in the full-size luxury-utility segment.

“You’ll notice the difference,” said John Rich, powertrain integration and program manager for Ford Trucks. “We’ve improved the attributes and performance significantly.”

The Navigator is powered by a 5.4 liter, three-valve Triton V-8, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which generates 300 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. A wide-ratio, six-speed transmission has smaller steps between gears than a typical four-speed automatic, offering improved shift quality and faster acceleration.

Unique software has been engineered to regulate gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off delivering considerable fuel savings with no extra effort from the driver. This complex fuel strategy is being added to many Ford products to help improve fuel economy across the board – including the new 2009 Ford F-150, which offers unsurpassed fuel economy and capability in the light duty truck segment.

“Deceleration is when you take your foot off the accelerator and you’re coasting and the system very aggressively shuts fuel off,” says Rich. “It sounds simple, but it’s not at all simple. To make this work, we had to carefully manage the complex and constantly changing air-fuel mixture caused by aggressively shutting off fuel flow.”

“It’s so sophisticated, it’s imperceptible to the customer,” Rich added. “There’s no bump, no hesitation. The catalyst systems come back to life without taking an emissions hit.”

New for 2009

For 2009, Lincoln continues to simplify the packaging of Navigator and Navigator L, making standard many previously-optional features.

Standard items now include: Power lift gate; heated and cooled front seats; heated second-row seats; PowerFold™ third-row seats; front park assist sensors; EasyFuel™ capless fuel filler; rain-sensing wipers; perimeter anti-theft alarm; integrated four-button key fob; Rear View Camera; flexible fuel-capable V-8 engine; Lincoln SYNC™ and a 14-speaker THX® II-Certified audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio.

The standard Rear View Camera System in the rear lift gate handle activates when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle or for ease of hooking up trailers. The video image is displayed in the self-dimming rearview mirror on the standard Navigator or through the instrument panel next generation navigation system on the Elite package.

The new next generation navigation system is available for the first time ever with SIRIUS Travel Link™, which gives drivers and passengers access to up-to-the-minute information and entertainment through the vehicle’s navigation system. Working through the standard feature SIRIUS satellite radio network, Travel Link offers uninterrupted, coast-to-coast coverage of real-time traffic data; weather reports (current and five day forecasts with storm information and even ski resort conditions); fuel options sorted by price or distance from more than 120,000 gas stations; major league pro and college sports as well as movie listings from more than 4,500 theaters. A six-month introductory subscription to SIRIUS is included at no cost.

The Monochrome Limited Edition Package for 2009 features unique badging, along with body-color exterior accents including lower grille, lower bodyside cladding, and power folding heated memory mirrors with puddle lamps. This package is offered in four monochromatic exterior treatments: White Platinum Tri-coat, Black Clearcoat, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic and Stone Green Clearcoat Metallic. Inside, the package includes unique black carpet and floor mats, Ebony wood trim, and unique Stone or Camel seats with black leather inserts and black piping. A stitched Lincoln logo is also placed on each headrest.

The Elite Package includes the moonroof; next generation navigation system; power running boards; rear seat entertainment system and the Rear View Camera display in the navigation system.

Three new exterior colors are available for 2009: Monterey Grey Clearcoat Metallic; Sangria Clearcoat Metallic and White Platinum Tri-Coat.