For North America the pretty newcomer will less likely present the excellency of European Focus RS model as such a toy would be too costly in the U.S. Most probably the Americans will see either the EcoBoost 1.6 with around 180-hp or the Ecoboost 2.0 with over 200-hp.

As a matter of fact, according to Kuzak’s words , this Focus model would be involved in marketing and promotion of the brand’s motorsports activities. It’s even possible we would see EcoBoost Focus models racing in the North America in the near future! Will wait and will see, expecting some more detailed information from Ford.

Lincoln can really boast over its EcoBoost trim to European and Japanese opponents.

The Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex can certainly be considered as relatives, both being powered by direct-injection 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 which implies already great possibilities. Both Flex and MKT make off to 60 mph in just 6 seconds, giving total 355-hp and 350 ft-lbs of torque. It should be noted that this V-8 like engine is more likely to produce V6-like 16-mpg city and 22-mpg highway gas mileage.

Both crossovers are also very much alike in their handling features. Both have nice comfortable function system, their exterior s have a bit more body lean than sporty sedans and yet they manage to look pretty solid. Dry weather is always at their side, but even winter snow can hardly deviate from firm drive with help of all-wheel drive basis. The brakes are good yet pedals need a bit more feedback.

MKT sister getting different make-up

The outside look of two sister cars has their dissimilarities, along with shape and general outfit. It’s hard to say they were constructed of same platform. Contemporary Ford and Lincoln are not just different grille and bumper treatment away.

The Flex has much more a tank-like appearance while Lincoln MKT is more elegant-looking with large chrome split waterfall grill, refined crease along the high beltline, and on the back to the tail gate with a full width horizontal tail lamp trim. The size of the cars might create illusion when you take a look. It’s weird but the fact is even though MKT is 6 inches longer than the Flex it looks being a foot shorter.

More space outside, less you get inside

The legroom in the second row seats is certainly something that was deprived of additional inches in MKT and extra 6 inches all went for the front overhang. Probably it’s not that much of a big loss as the comfortable limousine-like second row room should be enough for passengers to stretch out and enjoy the ride. The real negative feedback of sedan-like appearance might come from lack of headroom space and cargo capacity. Unless you are a basketball player, you would not even notice the inconvenience in the first and second rows, but the loss of 5 inches for the third row passengers would mean certain height limitations.

In this category of our comparison Ford Flex certainly takes a leadership by its super comfortable back row. This should be the only vehicle that could give the most pleasant feelings of sitting at the back for several hours both for legs and head. The MKT has the legroom as well, but its more applicable for kids than full sized adults.

You wouldn’t expect less comfort from Lincoln, and MKT certainly is keeping the mark at this matter. The vehicle is all-way quiet on the highway and city streets. The seats are leather material, quite chic and elegant with excellent lumbar control that both pumps up the lumbar bladder and allows the driver to fix it by finding the most comfortable position. There is a heating and cooling system for the seats, but they don’t heat up the way on the Flex cars being able to fry an egg. The central console has lots of space with USB port, a plug for MP3 players and a power plug for recharging different electronic devices.

Previously noted, the second row room has lots of space with 60/40 split bench with dual buckets available which give a go for a center console with refrigerator compartment. Due to the mobility of the buckets the legroom can be enlarged without giving any discomfort to the second row passengers. There is pretty good access to the third row with the help of seats tilting forward to provide a wide opening. The total cargo room will equal 75.9 cu-ft. The rear hatch can be electronically operated with a dash button, or key fob.

Double sized moonroof gives the passengers vast view of the sky, the front section tilts and slides while the back section is fixed. Sunshades are also part of luxurious convenience.

Standart Features

Pretty convenient Navigation system of Ford uses voice activated SYNC setup and features a large screen to display a lot of useful information such as the radio station, outside temperature and heating settings. The menu is easy to use and Ford really has the user-friendly Navigation system for driver’s convenience.

Another pleasant feature includes electrically adjustable brake and gas pedals which is so handy for short-legged drivers who don’t like to sit too close to the steering wheel. The wheel goes with cruise control, Bluetooth and audio controls built-in and paddle shifters to operate the 6-speed automatic transmission. Dash and ambient lightings around the cabin are amazing, available for second row passengers as well, who also can get use of climate controls plus 11 and 12-Volt outlets.

Standart features of MKT include: Electronic Stability Control, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive HID headlights with auto high-beam control, a reverse camera, Sync voice communication with Bluetooth, keyless access and push-button start. The title of the super-standart feature get the blind-spot monitoring side mirrors, they flash a light in the mirror each time a car comes into the drivers blind spots in the adjacent lanes. A feature every car should have in future.

Additional options

Extra feature of Adaptive Cruise control is something special you should never grudge for. This $1295 option will make your highway drive much easier, without ever making you touch the gas, brake or cruise controls on the steering wheel, maneuvering through traffic at a comfortable and safe speed.

Another very useful option on the MKT is new Active Park Assist. Don’t think you would ever want to miss the chance of demonstrating it in front of your fellows. Once you activate the system by pushing the button on the console, while driving slowly to find the parking spot and by approaching the open space, the system will at once determine if the MKT will fit. In case it does, you will see on the LED screen located on the speedometer the sign “pull forward”. So you will slowly get the front of the vehicle just ahead of the parked car on your right. You will see a signal on the screen to stop, to put the car in Reverse position and take your hands of the steering wheel. Yes, its not an easy thing to do, but once trusted here is when the miracle happens. Suddenly the wheel spans to the right and the front end moves out to the left, a second later the wheel again spans to the left and the MKT tucks neatly into the open space. The wheel turns back to near center, and by the LED screen saying “pull forward” the car is placed in the center of the parking place just 6 or 7 inches from the pavement border. You get a perfect parallel parking at only $595!

The Conclusion

The MKT is a really good offer for those who love comfort and powerful economy. This prominent large crossover with V8 power gives V6 gas mileage, coddles four or five adults plus adding 2 short people as well. Large-space cargo room and a number of technical and luxury amenities come as standart with additional well-priced options for your comfort. The base MKT with all-wheel –drive and ecoboost engine goes for $49,200. Options and delivery would add additional $6,000. Pretty reasonable price for powerful, spacious and economical drive!

“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 is supposed to get fuel economy numbers of 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway based on preliminary testing of the all-wheel-drive 2010 Lincoln MKS producing 355 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 350 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. With the help of premium EcoBoost engine, Lincoln MKS will produce more power and attain better highway fuel efficiency than the 2009 Lexus GS460 (24 mpg) or 2009 Infiniti M45 (21 mpg).
“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.”
The Lincoln MKS will be among the first vehicles to receive the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 in 2009, which will only enhance its already strong enough package. Standard on the Lincoln MKS Ecoboost series will be 19-inch wheels, steering-wheel paddle shifters to the six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and an expanded technology package that includes Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, ambient lighting, adaptive HID headlamps with Auto Highbeam, rain-sensing wipers and rear-window power sunshade.

“The Lincoln MKS EcoBoost series provides customers the best combination in style, technology and power,” said Pei-Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS Marketing manager. “An EcoBoost appearance package also will be available, offering customers a more aggressive and sporty look that further differentiates the Lincoln MKS from other competitors.”
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 are highly efficient due to the system of recovering energy from the exhaust that otherwise would be wasted and put it back in the engine to gain efficiency. In simple words, the turbocharging system puts more air into the engine for more power. A compressor here is to “boost” the pressure of the air entering the engine while intercooler reduces the air temperature before it enters the engine.
“Our testing is far, far more harsh than could be achieved in the real world,” said 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 turbocharges are no bigger than an orange size, but are really of high performance and 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.”
“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.”
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.

Additionally, the 6F-55 transmission operates more efficiently. The transmission team was able to reduce the fluid level in the transmission, which in turn reduced weight and drag torque on the system. Upgrades to the transmission`s thermal valve mean the system warms up quicker, reducing gear-spin losses.
“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 ration is 2.73. With a lower final drive ratio, the engine spins lower at highway speeds, which helps save fuel. And with all the torque, the Lincoln MKS still delivers good low-speed launch performance.”
With the help of careful powertrain system management, turbocharges and transmission work together in harmony.
The Lincoln MKS team was also ready to leave customers an exhaust note from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. A precision-tuned induction sound was giving the feeling of power.
“It has the powerful sound Lincoln MKS customers will respond to,” Hinds said.

Certainly with the addition of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, the overall package for the Lincoln MKS is the one customers will respond to as well.

“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.”

Based on Ford’s global small car platform Lincoln C Concept was revealed at the autoshow in Detroit. It was viewed mostly like as technology concept rather than a production concept due to its promotion of integrated Microsoft SYNC system also used in modern FoMoCo vehicles.

With the help of SYNC system in the C Concept the drivers are able to interact with a computer personality by voice and make the computer perform the tasks required. Thus, you can schedule your day by adding meetings to an address book, making calls or get help with navigation instructions. OnStar of General Motors also have this SYNC system only performing the tasks by itself, not a person on the line.

It’s still impressive nevertheless how this futuristic SYNC system can surf the internet for you, and find the information you need and even read them for you while you drive.

The other “ingredients” of C Concept include a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that gives 180 hp and 180 ft-lbs of torque, providing you 43 miles per gallon on the highway. It comprises a dual-clutch system of the transmission that is operated by paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

“Lincoln C demonstrates that a higher degree of engine downsizing as the key to fuel economy improvement, paired with the right technologies, can deliver optimum horsepower, torque and drive-away capability,” said Andreas Schamel, a chief engine engineer with Ford’s Powertrain Research Laboratory. “Plus, when combined with the PowerShift six-speed transmission, the impossible equation becomes perfectly possible: lower fuel consumption, increased power and smoother, more fun-to-drive performance.”

A central-injector direct injection system also provides improved fuel-air mixture preparation, which further helps to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.

“We know that a central injection system is a prerequisite for future global fuel economy upgrades such as stratified lean operation, homogeneous charge compression ignition or HCCI, and premium injection system technology if the market demands,” said Martin Wirth, a Ford Direct Injection Gasoline Systems and Combustion technical specialist. “It’s a value solution that gives us the ability to answer market trends quickly and provide broad market coverage, a key component of the EcoBoost strategy to deliver an affordable, fuel-efficient engine technology at high volumes.”

Another part of sophisticated fuel-saving powertrain technologies of the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is Assisted Direct Start, an exclusive feature which helps to get additional 3 percent gain in fuel efficiency.

How it works? Assisted Direct Start automatically shuts down the engine in idle state and automatically makes the engine work when brake pedal being released or gas pedal activated, which certainly improves the fuel economy omitting at least idle fuel consumption.

It’s also amazing how electronic control unit immediately synchronizes the engine’s systems for restart when the vehicle stops. After the brake pedal released or gas pedal engaged a short starter engagement triggers initiate the combustion in the engine which guarantee an immediate vehicle launch. At same time an advanced battery management system is converting the braking energy into electricity and stores to keep electrical systems at work while the engine is not functioning.

That is an absolute treasure for a driver facing the smooth quiet and efficient work of its vehicle!

The Lincoln C concept also features Ford’s dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission which provides an operation of a premium automatic transmission by its easy to use manipulation. Powershift is aso able to reduce fuel consumption up to 9 percent depending on the usage.

“The Lincoln C application of PowerShift helps illustrate the competitive advantage this transmission will offer to Ford in the global small car markets,” said Jack Dorigo, North America Powertrain Planning manager. “It’s a new-to-segment technology that’s an improvement over today’s automatic transmissions in terms of fuel economy while providing customers a more connected feel between the pedal and the vehicle’s acceleration.”

Lincoln C is also a very light “bird” weighing only 2,750 lbs due to the number of light-weighing measures, including the transmission. PowerShift does not require the pound-adding torque converter or planetary gears. For instance, Powershift transmission showcased on the Lincoln C appeared to be 30 pounds lighter than the four-speed automatic transmission featured on today’s Focus.

Generally pointing out the most outstanding driving features of Lincoln C we can underline its shift quality, launch feel and overall drive dynamic which are all facilitated by an expert blend of Ford-exclusive electro-mechanical systems, software features, calibrations and controls.

Crisis in auto industry has influenced the automakers’ profit dearly. Even less losses than expected were a good reason for celebration. This season Ford company had a bigger opportunity to pour champagne as it had gained 2% in sales.

June had already given signs that the Ford automaker is on the right track and can go through the economy turbulences when shown 10 percent loss. Comparing to the same month last year the percentage of sales this time rose up giving 2 percent increase. But even this number is not a whole picture of Ford’s success as retail sales were actually up nine percent. Less significant income were driven from fleet sales which are notorious for their low profit margins. Finally they decreased that number to two percent only.

The sales gain of July month is the first for Ford since November 2007 which is a proof that Ford is striving not only to fight against the recession, but also truly giving its customers the product they would love to buy.

Ken Czubay as Ford’s sales and marketing Vice-President credited the company’s fuel-efficient vehicles along with the government’s Cash-for-Clunkers program for the positive results.

“We had another strong month in progress before the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program started,” he said. “Our products, our dealers and our advance preparation enabled us to leverage the program and drive traffic and sales to another level. In addition, we achieved a sales increase even though we decreased incentive spending in an increasingly competitive environment.”

Specially successful models for Ford were: Fusion, Escape, Ranger and Flex. Fusion sales increased to 66%; Escape sales were up 94 percent; Ranger and Flex sales were both 65% over the last year results. Additionally Ford has noticed a tremendous increase in number of orders for hybrids, which gave its automakers an increase of 323 percent with their line of Fusion, Milan, Escape and Mariner.

Official release after the jump:

FORD’S NEW FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLES PLUS “CASH FOR CLUNKERS” PROGRAM DRIVE SALES INCREASE IN JULY

• Retail sales increased up to 9 percent versus the previous year for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury; total sales – 158,838 including fleet sales is up 2%/year ago

• Ford to become a pioneer in sales increase in 2009, first achievement since November 2007 of year-over-year total sales gain

• Report on fuel-efficient vehicles sales results – Ford Fusion up 66 percent, Mercury Milan up 60 percent, Ford Escape up 94 percent, Mercury Mariner up 71 percent, Ford Focus up 44 percent and Ford Ranger up 65 percent; Ford hybrid sales up 323 percent

• Ford first to market with “Cash and Clunkers” website

• First 2010 model Ford Taurus and Transit Connect to be sent to their U.S. owners in July

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 3, 2009 – Customer demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient vehicles coupled with the U.S. government’s Car Allowance Rebate System (“Cash for Clunkers”) enabled Ford to post the first sales increase of any major manufacturer in 2009.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers reported 118,197 retail sales in July, up 9 percent versus a year ago. Total sales (including fleet customer deliveries) were 158,838, up 2 percent versus last year.

“We had another strong month in progress before the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program started,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.

“Our products, our dealers and our advance preparation enabled us to leverage the program and drive traffic and sales to another level,” he added. “In addition, we achieved a sales increase even though we decreased incentive spending in an increasingly competitive environment.”

July Sales Highlights

• The total amount of Ford Fusion sales equaled 17,610 which is a July record and 66% comparing to the previous year; Mercury Milan sales were up 60 percent. The 2010 model Fusion and Milan and their hybrid versions are the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans in America.

• Amount of sales for Ford Escape were 20,241, a July record and 94%/year ago; Mercury Mariner sales were increased on 71%. The 2009 model Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient utility vehicles in America.

• Sales amount for Ford Focus totaled 21,830 which is 44% up versus a year ago. The Ranger is the most fuel-efficient compact pickup in America.

• Ford Flex sales equaled 3,631 up 65% according to the previous year. The Flex is among the most fuel-efficient mid-size crossover utilities in America.

• Hybrid versions for Ford such as Fusion, Milan, Escape and Mariner all gathered sales of 5,353 which is a real record for any month and it gave 323 percent covering previous year profit.

“We have the freshest line of new products in the industry,” said Czubay. “We’re really encouraged by the growing number of consumers who are considering Ford for their next vehicle.”

According to internal and external statistics, the percentage of consumers with favorable feedback about Ford is growing as well as number of consumers willing to consider purchasing a Ford vehicle, owing to its improved fuel economy, smart technology and higher residual values.

Ford will offer more new products soon, the first new 2010 Ford Taurus sedans were already presented at the end of July, as well as the first Transit Connects.

The all-new Taurus is the smartest full-size sedan in America. The Transit Connect, a small, fuel-efficient purpose-built van, is the first ONE Ford global vehicle to be sold in the United States.

Summer 2009 is a debut for Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology in the Taurus SHO, Lincoln MKS, Ford Flex and all-new Lincoln MKT crossover vehicle. Ecoboost will “boast” over its fuel economy of a six-cylinder engine and the performance of a V-8 in these models.

Lincoln has developed greatly over the past few years and prosperous Ford company decided to display 3 new versions of its vehicles at the 2009 SEMA show: a 2010 MKZ, a 2009 MKS and a 2010 MKT. All of them were properly trimmed before “going out” in Las Vegas, each individually stylized and polished.

“Lincoln as a brand is continuing to attract younger customers to the showroom with products like the MKS, MKZ and the new MKT luxury crossover,” said Amy Marentic, Ford Car and Crossover marketing manager. “These customers place huge importance on style, design and technology, and these are areas where Lincoln plays well. SEMA gives customizers the opportunity to push the boundaries of design, while still focusing on the core strengths of the Lincoln brand.”

Ford’s SEMA Designer Melvin Betancourt echoes Marentic’s thoughts stating that, “Customization is about individuality and reflecting who you are. That is particularly true about the new generation of people who are buying cars. The vehicles at this year’s SEMA show prove that Lincolns have great personalization potential.”

Raceskinz MKS is renowned for its complete modern treatment owing to plenty of carbon fiber. This light-weight material will be applied on the roof, for the rear diffuser accent, mirror covers and even inside for the door moldings, rear center console and for the dash trim.

The car will get a special pearl white paint as well as the wheels will be trimmed with carbon fiber overlay.

2010 Lincoln MKZ by 3d Carbon will differ itself from other cars at SEMA by its subtle yet luxurious features of boulevard cruiser that really looks like a premium sedan. The addes features will include: a new aero kit, as well as some added chrome treatments, a Magnaflow dual exhaust system and nice set of TSW “Snetterton” Hyper Silver 20-inch wheels.
2010 Lincoln MKT “Panache” by Rick Bottom Designs
Grotesque was usual definition for new versions of previously decent vehicles, but that seems to be no problem for the old birds at Rick Bottom Designs, who built a custom MKT crossover and named it “Panache”.

Nevertheless Rick Bottom Designs owner Rick Bottom apparently disagrees, saying that he, “just fell in love with it because it’s so artsy. It has beautiful lines with very high style, nice flow and swag. It’s also very feature-packed, comfortable and efficient.”

The auto show at Las Vegas is certainly a luxurious even, but those three Lincoln projects impowered by Ford state that luxury should not necessarily be conventional.

The models will be displayed in the Ford booth at 2009 SEMA show in November 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Ford is distinctive automaker this year at SEMA which is in its turn the premier automotive event in the world which represents 31,8$ billion aftermarket industry.

SEMA show will certainly prove to all Lincoln customers what can be achieved with a little imagination.

“Lincoln as a brand is continuing to attract younger customers to the showroom with products like the MKS, MKZ and the new MKT luxury crossover,” said Amy Marentic, Ford North American Car and Crossovers group marketing manager. “These customers place huge importance on style, design and technology, and these are areas where Lincoln plays well,” said Marentic. “SEMA gives customizers the opportunity to push the boundaries of design, while still focusing on the core strengths of the Lincoln brand.”

Ford SEMA Designer Melvin Betancourt says the new Lincoln lineup provides a great platform for creativity.

“Customization is about individuality and reflecting who you are. That is particularly true about the new generation of people who are buying cars,” he said. “The vehicles at this year’s SEMA show prove that Lincolns have great personalization potential.”

Tirrelle Lazada-Smith, co-owner of Raceskinz, a subsidiary of Catalyst Industrial Marking located in Van Nuys, Calif., created a customized Lincoln MKS. The exterior of the vehicle is painted in a pearlescent white color and features many carbon fiber accents.

“Carbon fiber is to us what chrome was to our previous generation,” said Lazada-Smith.

And there is no shortage of carbon fiber in the Raceskinz MKS. The material is used in the roof overlay, the side door moldings, the rear diffuser accent, mirror covers, trunk accent, antenna cover, license plate frame, fog light bezel and rear spoiler accent. It’s also featured inside the vehicle in the interior dash trim kit, door panel accents and custom rear center console.

“The carbon fiber is very strategically placed,” said Lazada-Smith. “It is not gaudy or overdone.”

The MKS also features deep offset carbon fiber-faced wheel rims and carbon fiber exhaust tips.

Rick Bottom, owner of Rick Bottom Designs of Mendota, Ill., says he knew he had to customize the new Lincoln MKT luxury crossover when he first saw the vehicle at the Chicago Auto Show last year.

“I had seen pictures of the MKT concept, and I just fell in love with it because it’s so artsy,” he said. “It has beautiful lines with very high style, nice flow and swag. It’s also very feature-packed, comfortable and efficient.”

Bottom says the first thing he did with the MKT was envelop the vehicle in a striking custom paint color. “The color is called ‘Turnin’ Orange,’ and it looks orange in the sun and red in the shade,” he explained. “I’ve had it sitting outside my shop, and people one after another will stop their cars and look at it. It’s pretty wild.”

Bottom also shaved off the door handles to make the body of the MKT appear smoother, created custom chrome beltline moldings to accent the body line and modified the rear bumper to create a cleaner look. He enhanced the interior ambience with two-toned leather and matching floating armrests and added powerful Xtant speakers and amplifiers to the sound system.

“We also lowered the ride by two inches to make the vehicle look sleeker and sportier,” he said.

“The Lincoln MKZ is a vehicle that has refinement and elegance,” he said. “The ride and feel of the new MKZ inspired us to enhance the design with a lower stance and conservative touches of aerodynamic styling.”

The 3dCarbon MKZ features a flush-mount decklid rear spoiler, rear upper roof spoiler, stainless-steel lower chrome door moldings and stainless-steel dual exhaust extensions, all custom made by 3dCarbon. The vehicle also includes a Magnaflow stainless-steel cat-back exhaust system and TSW “Snetterton” Hyper Silver 20-inch wheels.

The MKX doesn’t drive like a SUV, thanks in part to its rigid car-based unibody structure, rather than a body-on-frame truck platform.

All of the engine’s power goes to the front wheels. A generous wheelbase length of 111-inches and the wide track of 65-inches set up a long and broad platform that brings stability when turning.

The crossover has a capable ABS brake system and there are significant safety systems aboard.
Power for the MKX is derived from a 3.5-liter V6 tied to an six-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction.
The V6 adds a kick to the MKX’s accelerator. It generates 265 hp at 6250 rpm, plus torque of 250 ft-lbs at 4500 rpm. And a six-speed automatic transmission gets the power down in a smooth and sophisticated way.

Additional safety is provided by an adaptive lighting system (ALS) where a pair of swivel headlamps — keyed to the angle of the steering wheel.

Decor for the cabin in the MKX is understated in a retro-Lincoln theme with luxurious materials in satin aluminum.

On the surface, Lincoln has tried, by giving it the current corporate face and a large grille ensemble. At the back changes are more subtle, the almost full-width taillights now incorporate LEDs and there’s a back up camera system available as an option. The rest of the car’s silhouette is as familiar as the Manhattan skyline, sensibly proportioned, if perhaps a bit angular compared to newer offerings, but on the flipside, it’s also less generic. Other updates include revised side mirrors that incorporate blind spot monitoring and an optional Sport Appearance package that adds a darker toned grille.

Inside, the MKZ is decently finished. It was among the first modern, domestic entry-level luxury cars to embrace the concept of a quality looking interior and seven years on, it’s held up rather well. The seats are quite firm, but softer than say, most German offerings. During longer journeys they’re fairly comfortable, without inducing tiredness – a standard heated and cooled feature is also welcome.

In terms of on the road behavior, the MKZ is hard to fault. It’s powered by the same evergreen, 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 as found in the Edge, Flex, Taurus and of course its larger MKS sibling. In a smaller and lighter package, it delivers fairly sprightly performance (0-60 mph takes around 7.1 seconds), and there’s ample torque in reserve for passing, merging or contending with steep hills. The six-speed automatic transmission is also nice and smooth, the gearing decently matched to the V6’s power band, but in all honesty we found it better to just leave it in ‘Drive.’ A manual shift mode is offered, but we found it somewhat counter-intuitive, in order too up shift you move the lever back and for downshifting you move it forward.

Braking is decent and well controlled, but feedback is not as good as the MKS or Taurus, though the ABS can get rather aggressive during panic stops.

In terms of fuel economy, the MKZ is about middling in the entry level luxury segment – front drivers get around 17/29 miles per gallon city/highway, depending on conditions, while AWD models get slightly less at around 16/25 mpg.