Lincoln MKS

Infobox Automobile


name = Lincoln MKS
manufacturer = Lincoln
parent_company = Ford Motor Company
production = 2008–present
predecessor =Lincoln Town Car
class = Full-size
body_style = 4-door sedan
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
platform = Ford D3 platform
engine = 3.7L DOHC V6
3.7L Twin-Turbocharged DOHC V6 (Ecoboost)
transmission = Ford 6F 6-speed automatic
assembly = Ford Chicago Assembly,
Chicago, Illinois, USA
wheelbase = Auto in|112.9|0
length = Auto in|204.1|0
width = Auto in|75.9|0
height = Auto in|61.6|0
related = Mercury Sable
Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus X
Ford Flex (2009)The Lincoln MKS is a premium full-size luxury sedan produced by the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company. The production version is based on the MKS concept car which was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. It began production in May 2008 at the Ford Chicago Assembly plant in Chicago, Illinois, with launch and pre-sale activities taking place nationwide throughout the month of June. [ [http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080602/AUTO01/806020330/1148/AUTO01 Detnews.com | This article is no longer available online ] ] . The MKS is Lincoln's new flagship sedan.

The Lincoln MKS continues the new Lincoln naming convention for future models, including the new 2007 crossover SUV Lincoln MKX and the mid-size car 2007 Lincoln MKZ which replaced the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. [cite web|url=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060724/AUTO01/607240320/1148|title=What's in a name?|work=Detroit News|accessdate=July 24|accessyear=2006] By this naming scheme, new vehicles will be designated with alphanumeric names rather than more traditional names like "Zephyr" and "Continental". This is part of a new Lincoln strategy to give its vehicles alphanumeric monikers, in much the same way as some other luxury automakers do, to get people to refer to the cars as Lincolns, rather as just "Continentals" or "Navigators".

Overview

The Lincoln MKS is Lincoln's new midsize-to-large flagship sedan. It replaces previous vehicles in those segments as a part of Lincoln's overall vehicle replacement strategy. The smaller 2006 Zephyr (and its 2007 replacement the MKZ) are considered to be the replacement for the V6 version of the LS, while the larger MKS sedan is intended to appeal to consumers who would have chosen the more powerful and upscale V8-powered LS. The MKS, code named D385, features a new unique body style. It is based on the full-size Ford D3 platform, which is based on the Volvo platform acquired after Ford Motor Company purchased Volvo Cars division in 1999. This platform underpins the outgoing Volvo S80 and is utilized in the 2008 and newer Ford Taurus and the Mercury Sable (previously the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego).

The concept car was equipped with a 4.4 L Ford/Yamaha V8 that debuted in the Volvo XC90. The production MKS offers a larger 3.7L version of the Cyclone V6 also used in the Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKX. A twin turbocharged "EcoBoost" version of this engine with direct injection will be available in the MKS less than one year after launch, Pre- Production numbers indicate the 3.5L engine with Direct Injection could make upwards of 340 HP. although a firm date has not been set. The MKS uses a FWD platform, but will offer all wheel drive as an option.

The MKS is the first application for many new Ford technologies, including door unlocking and ignition activated by a passkey carried by the driver. Also new to the MKS is Ford's adaptive cruise control, which uses radar to monitor up to convert|600|ft|m|0|sp=us ahead of the vehicle and apply the brakes automatically for minor speed adjustments. The MKS also features SYNC, Ford's new voice responsive communication system, and Ford's capless fuel filler, which makes refueling more convenient and ensures a tighter seal of the gas tank to help reduce escaped fuel vapors.

The MKS also offers rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rearview camera system, front and rear park assist, and a THX sound system with full 5.1 surround sound. The MKS starts at $37,655 for the FWD model, and $39,555 for the AWD model.

pecifications

(for concept car; see infobox above for production vehicle specifications)

*Engine: 3.7L DOHC V6
**Performance: Convert|275|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on @ 6,250 rpm / Auto ft.lbf|276|0 @ 4,250 rpm
*Transmission: 6F50 6-speed select-shift automatic
*Chassis layout: All-wheel drive
**Front suspension: Independent, MacPherson strut, rearward-facing lower L-control arms and stabilizer bar
**Rear suspension: Independent, multilink coil over shock and stabilizer bar
**Wheelbase: 114.4 in. (2906 mm)
**Overall length: 203.8 in. (5176 mm)
**Overall width: 75.5 in. (1912 mm)
**Front track width: 65.2 in. (1656 mm)
**Rear track width: 65.6 in. (1666 mm)
**Front overhang: 40.4 in. (1026 mm)
**Rear overhang 49.1 in. (1247 mm)
*Tires: 245/45/R20 tires on 20 x 8.5-in. polished aluminum wheels"source:" [http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=1372&press_section_id=398&make_id=93 Media.Ford.com]

References

External links

* [http://northhills-lincoln.com - "North Hills Lincoln Mercury : North Texas Best MKS Dealer" - 14 Nov 2007]

* [http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27217 Media.Ford.com - "2009 Lincoln MKS: All-new full-size flagship sedan..." - 14 Nov 2007]
* [http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/OPINION03/711140382 Detroit News - "Lincoln pins hopes on MKS" - 14 Nov 2007]
* [http://lincoln.com/reachhigher Official Lincoln "Reach Higher" 2009 MKS preview page]
* [http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=1372&press_subsection_id=421&make_id=93 Media.Ford.com MKS Concept Car PR materials - 09 January 2006]
* [http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=22356 Lincoln MKS and MKX Press Release - 09 January 2006]
* [http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=24002 Confirmation of production plans at Media.Ford.com - 09 Aug 2006]