Lincoln showed something at Detroit, I'm sure of it. What it was, I have no clue. I was too distracted by their way cool show stand and ... OK, I'll say it, the two ladies here. Classy, beautiful and real sports to play along for the above shot.
But any way, hit the jump to watch Mike Magrath, um, charm them (the shot from atop the stairs was NOT planned) and more importantly, see Mike and I tour the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The importance of the cars at this show versus L.A. can be seen in our greater focus on the cars rather than Kia hamsters and grilled cheese.
Continue reading...
Categories: Detroit Auto Show,Lincoln,Videos
Signaling the rebirth of Lincoln, the MKZ Concept was shown in Detroit. Details are scarce, but with plenty of high-tech design and features, rich wood, leather and aluminum, there's a lot to like. It may finally hold some appeal to a younger audience. We're expecting to see a production version at the New York Auto Show this spring.
Check out Alistair's video tour after the jump.
Continue reading...
Categories: Detroit Auto Show,Lincoln,Videos
This is the future of Lincoln, or at least part of it. Revealed for the first time this morning in Detroit, the Lincoln MKZ concept is the latest in a long line of "revival" vehicles designed to bring the luxury car company back from the dead.
Based on the same platform that underpins the new 2013 Ford Fusion shown yesterday, the MKZ concept will arrive in production form later this year with only minor changes. Lincoln officials didn't say much about the specifications of the new sedan; instead they talked about where they hope to take the brand.
Continue reading...
Categories: Concept Vehicles,Detroit Auto Show,Lincoln,Luxury Cars,Sedans
The reveal of the Lincoln MKZ concept isn't scheduled until tomorrow, but it's being teased on the show floor today. What do you think so far? Looks like it could be more than just a warmed-over Fusion? Or is it more of the same from Lincoln?
Categories: Detroit Auto Show,Lincoln
Kim Jong-Il may have died last week, but his funeral took place in 1976.
After a lifetime of decadence and luxury at the expense of his people, North Korea's Dear Leader was carted to his final resting place in a mid-70's Lincoln. I can think of worse ways to be carried away.
Continue reading...
Categories: Celebrities,Classic Cars,Lincoln,Videos
If you were looking for the calories in Lincoln’s presentation at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show, you should look past the 2013 Lincoln MKS and 2013 Lincoln MKT. Not that you probably needed any special encouragement to look past these largely forgettable automotive enterprises.
The real message here can be found in the stage itself -- the massive widescreen video display, the tastefully coordinated décor, and the sharply dressed grey of the high-style female models on the show stand. And don’t forget the two corporate people that took the stage, who happen to be the biggest hitters in Ford product these days: Ford engineering supremo Derrick Kusak and Lincoln design magician Max Wolff.
Lincoln is back in business.
Continue reading...
Categories: LA Auto Show,Lincoln
The 2013 Lincoln MKS sedan gets a thorough makeover, from a more powerful standard engine to some sophisticated new safety systems.
See the video after the jump to find out if James can remember what that third thing he was going to mention about the MKS.
Continue reading...
Categories: LA Auto Show,Lincoln,Videos
If excessive toothiness has put you off from buying a Lincoln MKT, the revised look on the model-year-2013 version of the avant-garde version of the Flex crossover could be the nudge you need. It'll be at dealers in the spring.
If you're more about substance, well, the 2013 MKT should be better to drive, too. The base 3.7-liter V6 is now rated at 300 horsepower (versus 268 previously), but on a vehicle this size, you want the twin-turbo EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6, which has a lot more torque -- 350 pound-feet vs. a mere 275 lb-ft. Springing for the better V6 also gets you standard adaptive dampers, which are part of a new Lincoln Drive Control system that also adjusts drivetrain and electric power steering behavior to conditions. You get to choose from Normal, Sport and Comfort modes.
Additionally, all 2013 Lincoln MKTs get a quicker steering ratio (15.0:1 vs. 17.1:1 in 2012), plus larger brakes (the rotors are more than an inch larger in diameter up front and 0.6 inch in back).
Technology updates include a new lane-keeping assist system (it's an active system that will torque up the EPS if it senses you're about to make a mistake) combined with a driver drowsiness system that features a loud chime and the usual coffee cup warning light. The 2013 MKT also features the simplified MyFord/MyLincoln Touch interface for reduced consternation.
Continue reading...
Categories: Crossovers,Future Vehicles,LA Auto Show,Lincoln
Is this the new face of Lincoln? Well, for now at least. Debuting today on the 2013 Lincoln MKS, the revised front end styling is now more waterfall-y than ever. Actually, the whole front end from the A-pillars forward is new, according to designer Max Wolff. The rear end gets a new fascia as well, along with new LED lights and different exhaust tips.
There are mechanical changes. too. The base 3.7-liter V6 is now rated at an even 300 horsepower while highway mileage is up 3 mpg. Chassis upgrades include larger brakes, torque vectoring and new lane control alert systems that do everything short of pouring caffeine down the driver's throat.
Mr. Wolff, the man who has been charged with reinventing Lincoln's design philosophy, said there's more news to come in Detroit. More pics of today's news after the jump.
Continue reading...
Categories: LA Auto Show,Lincoln,Luxury Cars,Sedans
Lincoln has once again turned to the internet, more specifically the social networks, to tease the metal they'll be bringing to the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Shots posted to the company's Facebook page clearly showed cars that have taillights, wheels and a new display with MyLincoln Touch. They could easily be photos of two cars, the MKS and MKT.
The caption for the MyLincoln Touch teaser was especially baffling, "The next step for Lincoln...more crafted and more intuitive." More crafted? We'll know for certain what that means in just a few days.
Continue reading...
Categories: Future Vehicles,LA Auto Show,Lincoln,Sedans
Lincoln posted this aerial of a car's hood on the Facebook today with the caption, "The next step for Lincoln...forward-looking and more elegantly crafted. Now it gets interesting."
If our compass is true, this should be the first shot we have of the 2013 Lincoln MKT. Ford recently showed off the 2013 Ford Flex and we know Lincoln's not too far behind with the redesign of the Lincoln MKT.
Earlier spy shots showed virtually the same hood with the sharp center crease, but without the additional embellishments seen here. The next MKT, which we expect at the LA Auto Show, will also ditch the waterfall grille.
(Facebook)
Categories: Lincoln
Lincoln is, finally, moving away from the fat vertical slats that has dominated its "waterfall grille" for the past few years. The waterfall grille certainly has a place in Lincoln history, but with the large bat-wing grille openings they're using, it all winds up looking more like a poorly made fence than the front of a high-end luxury vehicle.
Even partially camouflaged, this new grille is worlds better than the Jack-o-lantern it replaces. Look for the official reveal sometime early next year. Of course, no official release date or pricing has been announced, but Lincoln cut the price of the MKT by $3,005 for the 2012 model year.
Continue reading...
Categories: Lincoln,SUVs,Spy Photos
Oh good, you've managed to pry your eyes away from the Cadillac Ciel. So, as to not shell shock you with something kind of boring like 2012 Impreza pricing, here's another open-top cruiser: A 1934 Model 40 Special Speedster that was designed by Edsel Ford and E.T. Gregorie.
"My grandfather was an early believer that everyday objects -- including automobiles -- could be seen as works of art," said Edsel Ford II as he unveiled the car.
Besides being a stunner, the car has an amazing history, part of which can be read after the break. But even if you don't care about that, the photos are worth it, especially if you can't make it to The Lodge this weekend.
Continue reading...
Categories: Concept Vehicles,Lincoln
Yes, advertising appeared racecars as early as 1932, as evidenced by this Alfa Romeo Tipo B Don Lee Special. Photo by Mark Takahashi
Yesterday, we brought you the first installment of the 2010 Monterey Historics weekend that mostly centered around the Motorsports Reunion. We continue today and add in shots from the Pebble Beach Concours and Concorso Italiano.
Continue reading...
Categories: Alfa Romeo,Aston Martin,Bugatti,Cadillac,Classic Cars,Ford,Jaguar,Lincoln,Maserati,Motorsports
When it comes to luxury SUVs, you don't have to sacrifice thrills to get decent fuel economy. Turns out some of the most fuel-efficient choices in this segment are also among those that are the most fun to drive.
Continue reading...
Categories: Audi,BMW,Lincoln,Volvo
What to do, what to do. Lately, Lincoln has been making a decent living selling Town Cars to chauffer fleets. Trouble is, the Panther platform is, after 100 years, going the way of Mercury.
So what, then, to replace it? Ford is trying to sell the new Taurus for Police cars, but that probably won't work for carting executives around-- not a lot of headroom in the back. And that trunk? Not a Town Car trunk.
So Lincoln has chosen the MKT as the newest Town Car. The MKT will be available in two body styles, Livery and Limousine. The Limo will feature permanent all-wheel-drive and can be stretched up to 120 additional inches. That's ten more feet of MKT.
The MKT Livery will have rear seat controls for the front passenger seat allowing for more leg room-- this in addition to the 1.5 inches of extra legroom already afforded over the MKT-- USB charger and 110-volt power socket as well as optional Wi-Fi hotspot.
Continue reading...
Categories: Crossovers,Lincoln
The Lincoln MKX has long been a bit of a disappointment. The interior and the performance just couldn't keep up with the competition or the image that Lincoln was trying to build. Powered by a 3.5-liter, 265-horsepower V6 and with a grille fresh off an electric Remington, the MKX was an also-ran in a highly competitive segment.
For 2011, Lincoln decided to get competitive. The 2011 Lincoln MKX has reimagined the crossover as a freight train -- and we mean that in the best way possible -- with the new winged grille. It also received the full complement of interior treatments, but that's not why we're here. More interestingly, Lincoln got serious with the powertrain, replacing the 3.5 with a 3.7-liter V6 cranking out 305 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. And while faster is better, the last time we tested a Lincoln MKX -- in 2007 -- the Lincoln came down from 60 mph in a startling 146 feet. With more power, we hoped this one would have braking under control, too.
Continue reading...
Categories: Crossovers,IL Track Tested,Lincoln
While shooting a Long Term introduction downtown the other day, we stumbled across a fairly large shooting location with some pretty nifty cars. So, like any good camera-armed bloggers would, we found the flimsiest fence around and took some shots.
The questions then are: What are these cars (answers-- and a badass 'Cuda-- after the jump) and what are they shooting? (Anyone know what WEIS armored trucks are from?)
Continue reading...
Categories: Lincoln
Ford's Alan Mulally comes across as a humble, unassuming guy in person, quickly passing off credit for turning around the iconic car company over to his executive team and Ford employees and making those around him feel at ease. But behind the affable, Opie-like persona is a super-sharp, details-oriented, in-tune Ford president and CEO.
Predictions that this former auto industry outsider might flounder were way wrong, as Ford has benefited from clear goals, streamlined product offerings, strong design and innovative technology since Mulally descended on Dearborn. And that Ford was the only Detroit automaker to pull out of a tailspin without taking a government bailout has resonated with consumers.
We sat down with Mulally on the eve on his third consecutive keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show, which was another pioneering move on the part of Ford. And which the company used to debut the 2012 Focus Electric. Now many other car companies are following in Ford's footsteps and trekking to Vegas just days before the Detroit Auto Show. He talked about what has contributed to Ford's recent success, how the company has made technology a priority and he answers naysayers on the latest generation of Sync and driver distraction.
Continue reading...
Categories: Car Tech,Ford,Lincoln
To ring in the new year, Ford is requesting that 14,737 of its customers visit their local Ford dealership to share their resolution perform a recall. The trouble is with a faulty body control module that may develop an electrical short and cause a fire. Those vehicles on the list are the 2011 Edge, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 and Lincoln MKX.
The part -- built by Lear Corporation in Mexico -- was found to be faulty after two vehicles caught fire during the manufacturing process at Dearborn. The trouble was traced to a new employee (Uh, it's my first day) who either failed to or improperly cleaned a soldering machine. The contaminated circuit boards that could short were produced during four production shifts from October 25 to October 30, 2010.
As always, if you own one, contact your local dealer or Ford directly at 1-866-436-7332 to see if your vehicle is included.
(NHTSA, Pickuptrucks.com )
Categories: Ford,Lincoln,Trucks
