Straightline

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

With the base 3.7-liter V6 engine, the Lincoln MKS is a pretty ordinary luxury car with an uncomfortably large price tag. In our full test of an all-wheel-drive 2009 MKS, we came up with a 7.5-second 0-to-60-mph time (7.2 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a dragstrip) and a 15.4-second quarter-mile at 90 mph. These are hardly the numbers of an elite luxury sedan, and the fact that the engine feels and sounds strained while moving the 4,300-pound MKS certainly doesn't help.

But Ford's twin-turbocharged and direct-injected, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, newly available for 2010, is supposed to change all that. If you've seen the Loveland Pass advertorial, you know that this is trumpeted as the V6 engine of tomorrow -- the one that performs like a V8 without the fuel economy penalty.

Frankly, it better perform like a V8. The EcoBoost option is only available on AWD versions of the 2010 Lincoln MKS, and it adds $5,000 to the price tag right off the bat. Additionally, our fully loaded MKS EcoBoost tester has the $3,500 Ultimate Package (Rapid Spec 201A), which includes a dual-pane sunroof, hard-drive-based navigation with real-time traffic and weather, plus a rearview camera; and a THX 5.1 surround-sound audio system. It also has the EcoBoost Appearance package ($2,995), which provides 20-inch chrome wheels and all sorts of additional flair inside and out, plus adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation ($1,310) and active parking assist ($535). Total damage? $56,625. That easily puts it in the price territory of the Mercedes-Benz E550 and Jaguar XF. Granted, the EcoBoost V6 works miracles in the Ford Flex, but that wagon only costs $40K.

We didn't attempt a hill climb in our Lincoln MKS EcoBoost, but we did take it to the Inside Line test track. Follow the jump to see how it did.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost.

Categories: IL Track Tested,Lincoln,Luxury Cars,Sedans

The July sales numbers are in, and the Ford Motor Company is looking pretty good.

Taken together, sales for the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands were up 9% over the same month last year. It' also posted the first year-over-year sales gain since November of 2007.

Highlights of the numbers include:

Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sales up 66% and 60% respectively.

Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner sales up 94% and 71% respectively. 

Ford Focus sales up 44%.

Strangely, Ford Ranger sales were also up 65% in July, so Ford's claim of having the "freshest lineup in the business" is always the reason for its big numbers.

AutoObserver: Cash for Clunkers Produces July Sales Boost

Categories: Auto Industry,Ford,Lincoln,Mercury

Spotted roaming the streets of L.A., this prototype of the 2011 Lincoln MKX reveals a few of the changes in store for the midsize crossover.

It's basically getting a facelift that will mimic the styling of the newer Lincoln MKT. The current model's harmonica grille is out in favor of the vertical, waterfall look used by the MKT. There are changes to the rear end as well, but the heavy camouflage makes it hard to tell if the MKX will get full width taillights like the MKT.

This MKX will also introduce Ford's Ecoboost V6 to the MKX range, so expect something in the neighborhood of 350-horsepower for this mid-size crossover. Sales are expected to begin next spring.

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT

Categories: Crossovers,Future Vehicles,Lincoln,Luxury Cars,Spy Photos

A little backyard engineering and any ol' clunker can be converted to central air conditioning.

Looks like the owner of this "Lincoln" may have seen the un-aired pilot episode of Top Gear USA as it too featured a junker with a similar setup.

Photo courtesy: Rednecks Unlimited

Categories: Car Tech,Lincoln,Sedans,Tuners and Modifications

We haven't had a chance to strap our test equipment to any EcoBoosted Lincoln MKS (or any other EcoBoosted product from FoMoCo, for that matter). But, last night, we did the next best thing: We took the twin-turbo V6 Lincoln to the local drag strip, in Milan, Michigan.

The direct injection 3.5-liter makes a substantial 355 horsepower (on premium fuel, anyway) but it also has a big ol' all-wheel-drive sedan to pull around. Nonetheless, the car rips off 14-second runs all night long. In the cool of the evening, the MKS EcoBoost posted one 13.9-second run, but earlier in the 75-degree afternoon repeated runs in three different cars yielded near-identical runs in right at 14 and about 104 mph. Good stuff.

For perspective, in our more formal testing the 2006 Shelby GT-H Mustang ran a 13.9 @ 101.1 mph. A 2010 Mustang GT ran the quarter in the mid-13s. The MKS nips anything that could be considered a competitor by at least a few tenths. Both the Caddy STS V8 and Infinti M45 get it done in 14.4. Keep in mind, the MKS figures are are not subject to our weather correction, as the other numbers quoted here, but we don't expect the numbers would change significantly if they were.

A Flex EcoBoost, on hand for giggles, will do the deed in 14.5. Presumably, an MKT woud do pretty much the same.

Incidentally, Milan Dragway is pronounced "MY-lin," not "mee-LAHN," like some kind of fancy-pants Italian Mercury sedan.

Categories: Crossovers,Ford,Lincoln,Sedans,Wagons

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?

2010 Lincoln MKT First Drive

Categories: Crossovers,Lincoln

The Ford product most in need of a shot in the arm -- the Lincoln MKS, that is -- will be the first to get Ford's EcoBoost V6. This is the twin-turbocharged and direct-injected, 3.5-liter V6 that we experienced briefly in a Ford Taurus SHO prototype. In the MKS, it's rated at 355 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 1,500-5,250 rpm.

That's a nice, fat powerband, but for this much money, it better be. Consider that the $48,585 MKS EcoBoost (with standard all-wheel drive) costs $5,000 more than a 2010 Lincoln MKS with the 275-hp, normally aspirated, 3.7-liter V6 and optional AWD ($43,585).

We certainly hope there's a suspension retune in that extra $5K, too.

2009 Lincoln MKS AWD Full Test

Categories: Ford,Lincoln,Sedans

With what passes for winter in Southern California quickly fading and summer fast approaching, it's time for the annual Fabulous Fords Forever show in Buena Park, California.  This year not only marks the 24th anniversary of the show itself, but also the 45th anniversary of the Mustang, the 50th anniversary of the Galaxie and the 70th anniversary of Mercury.

Although Mustangs make up a fair bit of the cars in attendance, don't think this is a one model show. With an expected attendance approaching 2,000 vehicles, from Pintos to Panteras, if Ford had something to do with it, you're likely to find an example of it parked on the grounds.

Mark your calendars for April 19th, and set aside a good half day to soak in all the hydrocarbons and hot dogs you can handle.

Categories: Ford,Lincoln,Mercury

This morning, on a stage, far, far away, Jim Farley, Ford's top marketing executive, introduced the 2010 Lincoln MKT. It wasn't a surprise like the Lincoln C Concept, but the new three-row MKT was no less important. It is, after all, one of the first vehicles to offer Ford's much talked about, yet never-seen-in-a-production-car EcoBoost engine.

And although Mr. Farley spent ample time extolling the virtues of the MKT's optional twin-turbo, V6 power plant, a photo of the MKT remains elusive. Neither the MKT on the stage nor the MKS Sport, which also gets the new V6, were so equipped. Seems a shame as the engine is an impressive piece on paper with power (355 hp) and torque (350 pound-feet) that are unmatched in the three-row crossover segment. We'll keep stalking the Lincoln stand; until then you can check out our full story on the Lincoln MKT for more details. -- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line

Categories: Concept Vehicles,Detroit Auto Show,Lincoln,Luxury Cars,SUVs

#DAS09 For the love of God, Lincoln, stop haunting my dreams!

We thought that we were done with Eva, the super-creepy disembodied head that acts as the avatar for Lincoln's C Concept Sync communications system. When we showed up at this morning's first press conference, there she was, floating above the crowd on a huge screen talking like some computerized Nurse Ratched.

If you're interested in the concept car Lincoln unveiled, and you should be because it's pretty weird, you should link over to read our full coverage of the Lincoln C.

Now if you'll excuse us, we need to go scour out our cranium. -- Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit

Categories: Concept Vehicles,Detroit Auto Show,Lincoln

So it's not going to be a banner year for the home team at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Chrysler, Ford and General Motors are about as beat down as major industrial giants can get, but this is a chance for each company to convince the public that there's still some life in the Motor City.

Here's the latest rundown on what to expect:

Continue reading 2009 Detroit Auto Show Preview: The Domestics.

Categories: Buick,Cadillac,Chevrolet,Chrysler,Detroit Auto Show,Dodge,Ford,General Motors,Jeep,Lincoln,SUVs,Saab,Sedans

No doubt inspired by the Lexus self-parking feature, Lincoln MKS and MKT models will offer their own version, called Active Park Assist.

The system uses ultrasonic sensors mounted on the outside corners of of the vehicles and combines them with a new electric power assisted steering setup. Active Park Assist can then manipulate the steering automatically as the sensors detect where the vehicle is relative to other vehicles. The sensors detect the distance between cars to determine if there is enough space, and then it manipulates the steering, as well as instructing the driver as to when to shift into Drive or Reverse as well as press the gas or brake.

...And, of course, Lincoln says their system is better than the Lexus version.

Full story here.

Categories: Car Tech,Lexus,Lincoln

This is it, the 2010 Lincoln MKT on the streets of Dearborn. It's scheduled for an official debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, but like the 2010 Ford Taurus seen yesterday, this prototype is nearly uncovered.

No big surprises here as the finished product looks much like the concept shown at last year's Detroit show. You've got your big waterfall grille up front, an interesting up kick in the beltline toward the back and a full width taillight treatment across the tailgate.

This particular prototype also wore an "Ecoboost" badge, so Ford's new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 is most certainly under the hood. No word yet on what the final horsepower numbers will be, but something in the 350 horsepower range is expected. And judging by the size of this sucker, it's going to need it.

The interior is fully finished and it looks pretty good. A thick-rimmed steering wheel, minimal button clutter and some high quality wood trim make it look like a proper luxury vehicle. Figure on three rows of seats and all the latest gadgets like Sync, a THX sound system and optional DVD screens in back.

Categories: Detroit Auto Show,Future Vehicles,Lincoln,Luxury Cars,SUVs

Everyone knows GM and Ford have too many models, too many brands, too many dealers, too many of just about everything and anything one can think of. So might this financial mess be a blessing in disguise? Might this be just the impetius for the General and Ford to do what just about everyone thinks should be done: Shed--not just some of their excess models--but instead shed some of their excess brands?

AutoObserver seems to think that this could be in the cards, as the market just can't support so many redundant brands. Put them out of their misery. Make them extinct, just like the Woolly Mammoth and countless other critters that have ceased to have a reason to exist.

At GM, Pontiac, Buick, Saturn, GMC and Saab certainly all fall into that category. Might we see a lean and mean General Motors consisting of just Chevrolet and Cadillac, with maybe leaving Buick strictly for China?

And Ford? Might this be the time to cut Mercury; and maybe even cut Lincoln loose, by replacing it with Volvo?

If GM and Ford are going to do this, now is the best time to do so.

COMMENTARY: For Bailout Blueprint, GM, Ford Might Finally Burn Rubber on Underperforming Brands

Related story here.

Categories: Auto Industry,Buick,Cadillac,Chevrolet,Ford,GMC,General Motors,Lincoln,Mercury,Saab,Saturn,Volvo

Since they have about $1.38 in available cash these days, Ford passed on doing separate press conferences for Lincoln, Mercury and the Blue Oval. Instead, they did one all together -- problem was, they weren't all on the same stage. As we sat there staring at the enormous Ford stage, this disembodied voice started speaking. We could see the teleprompter, but no promptee. Ford had called the auto show equivalent of an audible and started its 2010 Lincoln MKZ press conference over the gathered media's right shoulder at the Lincoln area (which moments earlier was the hors d'oeuvres station).

Anyway, I managed to get over there in time to hear the presentation and snap a few photos. The refreshed 2010 Lincoln MKZ now looks much less like a rebadged Fusion taking multiple design cues from the MKS (customers have apparently identified the split grille as "Lincolnesque"). In particular, the tail doesn't seem to be as high, lending a sleeker appearance. The interior is much richer-looking than the outgoing retro cabin and is a spitting image of the MKS.

There wasn't much mention of Mercury at the press conference, just the new Milan Hybrid sadly sitting in a corner. -- James Riswick, Edmunds.com Automotive Editor

For full details, check out Inside Line's 2010 Lincoln MKZ Auto Show story.

Categories: Ford,LA Auto Show,Lincoln,Mercury