#NAIAS We'd anticipated the 2011 Lincoln MKX would get Ford's 350-horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, but Lincoln officials evidently decided that the normally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 would get the job done. This V6 will make 305 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque -- respectable increases over the 2010 MKX's smaller 3.5-liter V6 (265 hp, 250 lb-ft). The refreshed 2011 MKX goes on sale this spring.
Chief engineer Elaine Bannon cited the 3.7-liter's combination of power and fuel economy as factors in the decision to use it over the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost. But given that the larger, seven-passenger MKT has the same fuel economy rating (16/22) with both the 3.7-liter and twin-turbo 3.5-liter, we suspect the decision had more to do with keeping base prices near the $40K mark. Lincoln hasn't announced 2011 pricing, yet, though.
As a consolation, the control layout should feel a lot more modern than last year's MKX, since the MyLincoln Touch interface is standard in the 2011 model (the system was non-operational in the hand-built showcar in Detroit's Cobo Arena). Also, we spent quite a few minutes walking around the MKX, and it wears the waterfall grille a lot better than it did last year's harmonica.
1487 says:
08:16 AM, 01/12/10
very attractive crossover. That interior is best in class. The only thing I dont like is the speedo and its Lincoln font.
inlinesix says:
10:44 AM, 01/12/10
That front grill/hood design is garbage.
I'd have to put a paper bag over it.
frank908 says:
03:56 PM, 01/12/10
No wonder Lincoln is the least selling "luxury" brand.
billt9 says:
06:39 PM, 01/12/10
Lincoln has the face of fail like Acura.
How did these 2 companies come up with their individual fail faces?