It's no understatement to say that the future of the Lincoln brand hinges on how much you end up like the 2010 Lincoln MKT and its twin-turbocharged, direct-injected, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. This is the only Lincoln model of the last decade that has had any real character, even if that character goes no deeper than the sheetmetal.
Fortunately, as Senior Editor Dan Pund writes, the MKT is actually pretty good, especially if you like its one-of-a-kind styling. As for the EcoBoost V6, well, it just might live up to all the advance billing it has gotten from Ford, too, as it offers ample mid-range torque during when you peg the throttle at highway speeds -- no small feat on a Lincoln that weighs nearly 5,000 lbs.
Of course, in large part, the 2010 MKT drives like the Ford Flex that it really is underneath. And it's not quite so good at seating 6 people as the Flex -- because the dramatic roofline that makes it distinctive from the Ford also restricts headroom in the rearmost row.
Does the MKT's relationship to the Flex really matter? Will this crossover be interesting and likable enough to give Lincoln a future? And would you pay $49,995 to buy a nice one with the EcoBoost V6?
isaacl says:
01:53 PM, 05/18/09
I'm sure the D-3 lovers here will disagree with this statement, but...
Lincoln does not have the reputation or status in the marketplace to start these things off at $50 large. I'm sorry, but for that price, you are looking at other more reputable offerings.
And 5,000 is heavy. I don't know how much the R-class weighs, but thats still HEAVY for a V6 to haul around. Turbo/blown or not.
shoe34 says:
02:07 PM, 05/18/09
Am I the only one who thinks this thing is hideous? What's with the baleen grille and didn't lightbars across the rear go out, oh I dunno, about a decade ago?
hondacura4 says:
02:11 PM, 05/18/09
Although the drivetrain seems capable, I dont see anything desirable about this MKT as its not sporty, its seriously heavy and it doesnt say "I just spent $50K".
Features and powertrain are interesting but the overal package isnt.
billt9 says:
02:27 PM, 05/18/09
uhhh... it's so hard to get to people who compares engines by "is that a 4-cylinder? Is that a V6? Is that a V8?"
It's 350 hp... and 350 torque... that's more power and torque than most V8s on the road...
I kinda just nod and go "uh huh." when people ask "is that a V6?" "is that a V8"...
mustang5507 says:
06:00 PM, 05/18/09
Good point billt9. And for the record, you can forget about any implied bias from my screen name. I'm NOT a Ford fanboy. But this thing has far more character, and should have at least comparable quality, and better performance than, say, Lexus RX and Acura MDX. I don't think it will sell simply because people have terribly flawed logic and perception about modern American cars, especially those from Ford.
altimadude00 says:
06:25 PM, 05/18/09
The engine might be the best Ford can offer right now....but I'll wait and take mine in a more attractive, cheaper package.
And Shoe34, you're not alone...it's the new road-borne whale.
The lift-over depth over the rear bumper is as deep as the cargo compartment its self!
hondacura4 says:
07:10 PM, 05/18/09
"But this thing has far more character, and should have at least comparable quality, and better performance than, say, Lexus RX and Acura MDX."
Mustang, obviously youve never driven an MDX Sport as its one of the best all around performers in its segment. Given that it weighs much less, has a Sport tuned chassis and high performance biased AWD system (SH-awd) I dont see the MKT being better in all around performance vs the MDX. The only area I see the MKT possibly being superior would be accleration although the MKTs weight may disolve any advantages in that department especially since the MDX will be (FINALLY) recieving a 6AT and maybe get the updated (dual VVT) SOHC V6 instead of the current single VVT SOHC V6.
On the contrary I dont think Lincoln is aiming the MKT at the sportier crossovers in this segment as it seems to somewhat have its own niche.
As for the RX, its never been performance oriented and never will be.
hondacura4 says:
07:12 PM, 05/18/09
Id like to see the Ecoboost in the smaller Lincoln CUV (MKX?) as I find it more attractive.
cbrowder says:
08:12 PM, 05/18/09
The looks are subjective, but 50K is 50K. It might suffer because that's too close in price to foreign competition with more prestige. People may see a fancy, over priced Flex. Ithink Lincoln could take a page from Hyundai and offer a competent luxury vehicle, loaded with features, and still undercuts Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti, and Audi.
starbird says:
08:34 PM, 05/18/09
I've seen a couple in DC and it looks better in person than in the photos. Saying that, it could be 10 grand too expensive if the interior isn't up to scratch (which I haven't seen).
dougtheeng says:
07:00 AM, 05/19/09
Its hideous, when most comparable SUVs are just bland. Why is it so hard to design a classy, interesting SUV?
kingkhalas says:
09:06 AM, 05/19/09
Wow, totally ugly car again.
Looks are subjective but these cars look terrible.
This makes the acura bucktooth look good.
Looks like a whale getting ready to filter some plankton.
cbrowder says:
10:17 AM, 05/19/09
"Looks like a whale getting ready to filter some plankton"
LOL! Good one kinghalas
redliner says:
02:32 PM, 05/19/09
Looks like it was designed by Alienware. Ugh.
firstwagon says:
04:34 PM, 05/19/09
I don't know a single person that owns a Lincoln. No friends, no neighbours, no parents that I see at the kids school or sports... no one.
I can't remember the last time I saw one on the road.
I had to go to Ford's web site just to see what their line up was. A couple front drive sedans of little interest, a fancy Edge and a truck.
How has Ford allowed Lincoln to fall so far behind Cadillac?
msdaisy says:
11:12 PM, 05/19/09
""Looks like a whale getting ready to filter some plankton"
LOL! Good one kinghalas"
Haha, that's what I thought too upon seeing this. Uuuuuoooooooh!
cbrowder says:
05:11 AM, 05/20/09
the front seems to work better on the MKS/MKZ twins, but now everytime I see a Lincoln with the "new look" I'm waiting for it to a) spit water through the grill or b) open the hood so I can toss a fish in it and brush its toungue...you guys are too funny!
stephen987 says:
06:49 AM, 05/21/09
It's everything that's wrong with the US auto industry, in one convenient package.
The EcoBoost engine, on the other hand, is very promising. Sounds like a good basis for a Fusion SVT to me.
Or, far-out concept here: take the Mustang platform, maybe with a three or four inch stretch in wheelbase, add back the IRS from the Lincoln LS, stuff it with the EcoBoost V6, clothe it in sleek but tasteful coupe sheetmetal, and voila: the next Mercury Cougar.