Lincoln Blog
Can rivalry between Caddy and Lincoln heat up again?Filed under: Cadillac, Lincoln 
Cadillac is getting ready to launch the much anticipated rear-drive ATS and new flagship XTS this year. The Lincoln MKZ concept shown at this month's Detroit Auto Show was very well received, and will be followed by six more new and refreshed vehicles by 2014.
Earlier this year, General Motors CEO Dan Akerson told reporters he thought "holy water" should be sprinkled on the Lincoln brand. Ford's marketing chief Jim Farley dropped the "F" bomb on GM in Bill Vlasic's "Once Upon A Car" book, and says brands like Caddy, Lexus and BMW have become "big box" retailers.
AOL Autos Editor-in-Chief David Kiley, in his HuffingtonPost Grand Blvd. column, looks at whether the old rivalry between Caddy and Lincoln can be rekindled.Can rivalry between Caddy and Lincoln heat up again? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord takes top honors in Polk Automotive Loyalty AwardsFiled under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Lincoln 
Polk has handed out its annual Automotive Loyalty Award for 2011, and Ford walked away with a total of six honors, including two of the highest. The Dearborn-based automaker took home the top nod in both the Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer award as well as the Overall Loyalty to Make award categories. The manufacturer received both awards in 2010 as well. Ford also received the African American Market Loyalty to Make, and the Ford F-Series and Ford Escape brought down wins in the Mid/Full-Size Pickup and Compact SUV categories, respectively. Additionally, the Lincoln MKZ drove away with the Luxury Car category.
Polk prides itself on organizing and distributing the industry's only fact-based owner loyalty award, and the organization analyzes over 4.5 million household records and consumer transactions each year to determine the winners. Polk also examines state registration and lease information.
Ford wasn't the only automaker to receive a node from the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards. Chrysler took home its fair share of hardware. Polk awarded Jeep its Most Improved Loyalty to Make award, and the Dodge Challenger and Chrysler Town and Country took home trophies in the Sports Car and Minivan segments. Hit the jump for the full press release.Continue reading Ford takes top honors in Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards Ford takes top honors in Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 MKZ first Lincoln to get massive retractable roof?Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lincoln, Luxury 
Our elite squad of spy photographers have managed to take a few quick photos of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, and from the looks of things, the luxury sedan may have one very special trick up its sleeve when it hits the market: a large, retractable glass roof. Taking a close look at the vehicle's rear glass, we can clearly see a very squared-off window with visible tracks down both sides. That may indicate a mechanism capable of retracting and supporting the roof section as it moves back.
If that turns out to be the case, the 2013 Lincoln MKZ will boast a roof similar to what's found on the Porsche 911 Targa. Unfortunately, the spy shots don't show the roof in the retracted position, which means we'll have to use our imagination until the vehicle gets closer to an official unveil at the 2012 New York Auto Show.2013 MKZ first Lincoln to get massive retractable roof? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLincoln MKZ Concept arrives smokin' hot in DetroitFiled under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Etc., Videos, Lincoln, Design/Style, Luxury 
Lincoln dropped plenty of jaws with the company's MKZ Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, but the vehicle may have been a bit hotter than the company intended. Something seems to have gone awry with the showcar's electronics as it sat on the show floor. At some point, thin puffs of smoke began wafting from the driver's side door panel. No actual flames were spotted or damage reported, but something tells us someone is going to have some explaining to do in Dearborn (the screencap above appears to be an unnerved Joel Piaskowski, Ford's exterior design boss).
The Lincoln MKZ Concept heralds things to come from the production version of the vehicle set to debut later this year. The vehicle features the resurrection of the push-button transmission, the likes of which we haven't seen on a production vehicle since the late '60s. Lincoln promises to roll out drivetrain details as we get closer to the 2012 New York Auto Show. Here's hoping they can keep the vehicle from going all flambé between now and then. In the mean time, hit the jump to see the video of the concept smoking on stage.Continue reading Lincoln MKZ Concept arrives smokin' hot in Detroit Lincoln MKZ Concept arrives smokin' hot in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLincoln MKZ Concept looks to kickstart brand renaissanceFiled under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Lincoln 
Lincoln isn't inspiring many purchase decisions these days, as the luxury make sits in dead last in sales. That could change with the introduction of a few key products, starting with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ.
Ford marketing boss Jim Farley introduced the MKZ Concept at the Detroit Auto Show, and we very much like what we see. The concept, which should look a whole lot like the production model that goes on sale later this year, really pops on the elevated turn table. The rakish, full-length glass roof retracts so all four passengers can enjoy open air. We heard the word "bespoke" a few too many times during the presentation, but Lincoln promises a more individualized purchase and ownership experience.
Lead designer Max Wolff poured over the details of the luxurious interior, including unique stitching, individualized seating for four, push-button gear selector and a floating center stack that was inspired by modern suspension bridges. Wolff also pointed out that future Lincoln models will be designed at the automaker's new design studio in Dearborn, which employs 180 dedicated designers and engineers.
We don't have any information on powertrains, but we're expecting the production car to be released with all the info at the New York Auto Show. Hit the jump to read over the Lincoln press release, and feel free to peruse the high-resolution images from the Detroit Auto Show.Continue reading Lincoln MKZ Concept looks to kickstart brand renaissance Lincoln MKZ Concept looks to kickstart brand renaissance originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLincoln MKZ Concept gives sleeker shape to familiar faceFiled under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Lincoln 
The Lincoln brand has been in the doldrums for years now, but Ford's luxury arm is looking to stage a comeback (again) starting with the all-new Lincoln MKZ. The brand's mid-size offering will be arriving in dealerships later this year, and we're getting our first glimpse of what's to come with this, the MKZ Concept that makes its debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
The MKZ Concept features an all-new clean sheet design that head designer Max Wolff calls "simplicity with just a few strokes." The MKZ continues to feature the latest version of Lincoln's split wing front fascia, with a pair of tidy, multi-unit LED lights that flow out out of the grille. The body side design features a sharp crease at the beltline that helps the concept look wider and more athletic, and looking at the MKZ concept in profile reveals a sweeping roofline that looks unique and refined. We're big fans of the svelte side mirrors, which are about as thick as a strip steak and completely independent from the A-pillar. The concept also features a stunning, full glass roof that integrates into the body structure.
 The mirrors and the lightly tinted glass roof won't necessarily make their way to production (along with those oversized wheels), but the proportions of this MKZ is likely a spot-on match for the production model. Lincoln tells us that the concept features a 112-inch wheelbase - five inches shorter than the 2012 model. The concept is also wider than the 2012 model by more than an inch.
The extra length should allow for a lot more interior volume, but many concept models show off a cabin that is more Buck Rodgers than production-ready. That's not the case with the MKZ concept, as Lincoln chose to show off duds that are likely very close to the model we'll soon find in dealerships. Among the interesting touches are a dash that features rich materials and beautiful wood accents, a new steering wheel design that features perforated leather and a new take on MyLincoln Touch.
The center IP ditches the analog gauges in favor of a ten-inch thin film transistor LED instrument panel with sharp-looking graphics. The center stack shows of an eight-inch LCD screen with the now familiar MyLincoln Touch graphics, plus a touch-sensitive and knob-free set of HVAC controls. The most interesting part about the center console is the absence of a shift lever. Transmission controls are instead aligned vertically along the left edge of the stack, clearing up oodles of space for front row occupants. The center console also houses the push-button start and glove box release buttons.
Ford hasn't given much information about the mechanicals under the hood of the concept vehicle, but the MKZ will feature the same Lincoln Drive Control and Continuously Controlled Damping adjustable suspension as the 2013 MKT and MKS. Hit the jump to read over the Lincoln press release, and be sure to peruse the high-resolution images in the gallery above.Continue reading Lincoln MKZ Concept gives sleeker shape to familiar face Lincoln MKZ Concept gives sleeker shape to familiar face originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLincoln teases 2013 MKZ on FacebookFiled under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Lincoln, Luxury 
Lincoln will debut its redesigned 2013 MKZ on Tuesday morning at the Detroit Auto Show, but it's starting the strip tease today by posting a photo of what appears to be the car's rear deck lid and full-width tail-lamp on its Facebook page. The new MKZ will be a real test for how committed Ford is to differentiating Lincoln products from the Blue Oval-badged vehicles with which they share so many parts. We've already shown you a sneak peek of the 2013 Ford Fusion, which will be fully revealed first thing on Monday morning at the Detroit show. We'll have to wait until Tuesday morning, however, to find out how differentiated these two sister cars ultimately are.Lincoln teases 2013 MKZ on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsHow Kim Jong-il's final ride came to be in a LincolnFiled under: Classics, Etc., Government/Legal, Lincoln, Luxury 
The funeral of Kim Jong-il made for a big story internationally, but in true Autoblog fashion, we were just as interested in the classic cars that figured prominently in the procession. Of particular interest was a 1970s Lincoln limousine that carried the deceased leader's casket - but not because it was some sort of rare classic that would fetch millions at Barrett Jackson.
Instead, many wondered how the North Koreans managed to obtain the vehicle in the first place. After all, the U.S. and North Korea aren't exactly cozy, as evidenced by the 58-year old armistice that is still in effect. Was it a Russian ride that was converted to look like a Lincoln? Was it a genuine Lincoln smuggled into the country?
The good folks at TheDetroitBureau.com did some digging, and they think they've found the answer. TDB contacted the former head of Ford of Japan to ask how the vehicle could have ended up in North Korean possession, and the answer could stem from a rogue dealer from Japan. Their source claims that one or more Japanese Ford dealers was rumored to be shipping vehicles to North Korea, in spite of Japanese laws that forbid exports to the communist country.
There is no way of knowing if this educated guess is the definitive explanation of how Kim Jong-il's Lincoln ended up in North Korea, but it's certainly as as good as any we have heard.How Kim Jong-il's final ride came to be in a Lincoln originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsClassic cars lead funeral procession of Kim Jong-il [w/video]Filed under: Classics, Sedan, Etc., Videos, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities, Luxury 
The funeral of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il triggered a suitably elaborate procession in Pyongyang. Immense crowds in the tens of thousands braved freezing temperatures to bid the leader farewell as a parade of classic Mercedes-Benz and Lincoln limousines rolled through the city's snow-covered streets. According to news reports, citizens were enlisted to help clear the 40-mile parade route of deep snow ahead of the carefully choreographed procession. Only a few military vehicles were on hand flanking the leader's funeral hearse. An additional artillery salute is scheduled for Thursday alongside a three-minute moment of silence followed by the nation's trains and sea vessels sounding their horns in unison at noon.
Kim Jong-il's youngest son, Kim Jong-un, is expected to take control of the country with his aunt, Kim Kyong-hui, and his uncle, Jang Song-thaek serving in advisory roles. Kim Jong-un is expected to continue to push his father's military-first policy as the country moves toward becoming a legitimate nuclear power. Hit the jump to watch videos of the procession and check out our gallery below.Continue reading Classic cars lead funeral procession of Kim Jong-il [w/video] Classic cars lead funeral procession of Kim Jong-il [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLincoln getting its own ad agency?Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Lincoln, Luxury
Assuming the Mayans were not correct and there will still be a world in 2013 where people buy cars, Lincoln plans to be there commencing its rebirth: the 2013 MKZ overseen by Max Wolff will be the first model to reset the Lincoln brand. When there's a new story to be told, one often finds a new storyteller, so it's no surprise that Ford is setting up a "luxury-oriented boutique agency" in New York to handle Lincoln exclusively.
The unnamed firm is being assembled in conjunction with Team Detroit, the agency currently overseeing Ford and Lincoln. Heading it will be luxury-car consultant Cameron McNaughton as president with creative duties spearheaded by Chief Creative Officer Jon Pearce, a veteran of ad firm Bartle Bogle Hegarty.
Intriguingly, the New York branch will be a small ship, just 45 people running account management, creative development, media and strategic planning. Other disciplines like creative production will remain with Team Detroit in Dearborn. From this far out, it looks like they could have a team with right backgrounds; we'll find out soon enough if they can put it all together in the right way - perhaps they can start practicing by lowering the average age of the current MKZ buyer...
Follow the jump for a press release regarding the new agency. Continue reading Lincoln getting its own ad agency? Lincoln getting its own ad agency? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLincoln offers peek into new styling direction with design boss Max WolffFiled under: Videos, Ford, Lincoln, Design/Style 
For a while there, it looked like Ford forgot about Lincoln, and dismal sales numbers reflected the marque's lack of attention. But just when it was beginning to look like Lincoln was on its last leg, Ford's luxury arm unveiled the refreshed MKS and MKT at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Those models may not go far enough to usher Lincoln back to relevance, but chief Lincoln designer Max Wolff mentioned at the show that the real changes begin with the 2013 MKZ, which was teased during a video prior to the reveal of the revamped MKS.
We'll see what the new MKZ looks like at the Detroit Auto Show, but at the least we can say that Ford is again paying attention to Lincoln. Wolff seems excited about the future of the brand, and he focused some of his excitement in a new video that takes a look at the Lincoln design studio. Designing a vehicle certainly isn't as easy as grabbing a pencil and paper any more, but today's tools look much cooler if you ask us. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.Continue reading Lincoln offers peek into new styling direction with design boss Max Wolff Lincoln offers peek into new styling direction with design boss Max Wolff originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDid Lincoln tease the 2013 MKZ at LA Auto Show?Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Sedan, Lincoln, Design/Style, Luxury 
It appears as if we can expect to see the 2013 Lincoln MKZ borrow some from the just-shown 2013 MKS and MKT. Lincoln flashed a quick teaser of an unidentified vehicle's nose at the 2011 LA Auto Show, and it appears to be the face of the new MKZ. The teaser flashed in segments across the backdrop of the Lincoln booth as designer Max Wolff spoke about the 2013 MKS.
If that's what it is, the sedan looks to wear a similar split grille with integrated headlight housings as its larger siblings. Designers have opted to grace the smaller sedan with fewer, horizontally oriented grille slats in place of the vertical pieces of the MKS, and the grille outline itself seems to have more careful detailing, as do the slats themselves, which appear to have varying surface treatments. We've heard a lot of scuttlebutt about the MKZ looking stunning and showing off Lincoln's bold new design direction (as opposed to the light refresh jobs revealed in LA), so perhaps this partial view is a bit misleading.
Wolff said that the company has more design news in store, and that we'll all see the first examples debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January. You can hit the jump to see the full press presentation for yourself (the teaser comes at about 2:40).Continue reading Did Lincoln tease the 2013 MKZ at LA Auto Show? Did Lincoln tease the 2013 MKZ at LA Auto Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Lincoln MKT models its new mugFiled under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln, Design/Style, Luxury 
The MKT may not be a big seller, but Lincoln is hoping that starts to change with a refresh. The MKT hit the stage at the LA Auto Show with a new grille that matches up closely with the new face of the 2013 MKS.
Beyond the (once again) love/hate visage of the new MKT, Lincoln engineers have added power and refinement. The base 3.7-liter V6 receives a 32-horsepower boost from 268 hp to a more class-worthy 300 ponies. Fuel economy also gets a boost, up one mile per gallon to 25 mpg when equipped with front-wheel drive. The MKT will continue to offer an EcoBoost V6 variant, with the same 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
The MKT also adds Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) on EcoBoost-equipped models. The CCD system optimizes damping force in only 11 milliseconds to provide ideal ride comfort and handling regardless of conditions. The MKT also comes with Lincoln Drive Control, which allows the driver to choose from Normal, Sport and Comfort settings.
The refreshed three-row CUV will also feature available MyLincoln Touch. The updated system includes dual 4.2-inch screens in the gauge cluster and five-way steering wheel controls. The five-way controls give the driver access to climate, infotainment, phone and navigation settings without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
Hit the jump to read over the Lincoln press release, and be sure to click on the gallery above to check out our high-resolution images from the show floor.Continue reading 2013 Lincoln MKT models its new mug 2013 Lincoln MKT models its new mug originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Lincoln MKS hits the Hollywood spotlightFiled under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Lincoln 
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and for Lincoln, that all-important first stride is represented by the 2013 MKS. The big Lincoln sedan has been given a mid-cycle refresh that includes upgraded power, a newly refined suspension and a restyled beak, all of which are on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The newly redesigned front end of the MKS is likely to gather the most attention when it hits the streets in spring, as Lincoln designers have added more and thinner elements to the grille. Lincoln has also tweaked front and rear fenders, added a new hood and fresh HID headlights along with new LED taillamps.
Engineers would likely argue that the mechanical changes for 2013 are even more significant, as the MKS benefits from a host of suspension tweaks and more power. The 3.7-liter V6 now boasts 300 horsepower, 26 more than the 2012 model. Despite this welcome infusion of grunt, Lincoln tells us that this big sedan now gets three more miles per gallon. A base V6 MKS will achieve an estimated 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The EcoBoost 3.5-liter engine will continue to output 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
The ride and handling of the MKS should benefit from Lincoln's new Continuously Controlled Damping, which can enact changes at a hair-raising clip of 20 times per second. The MKS will also feature Lincoln Drive Control, which gives the driver the ability to switch from Normal, Sport and Comfort driving modes at the press of a button. And speaking of switchgear, the 2013 MKS will feature available MyLincoln Touch, which has been tweaked for quicker performance and improved ease of use.
The new face of the MKS is more attractive in person than it is in photos, but we get the feeling that the more telling changes for the Lincoln brand will present themselves when the 2013 MKZ arrives at the Detroit Auto Show in January. If Ford really hopes to gain traction with its luxury marque once again, a much more thorough product rethink is clearly in order. Hit the jump to read over the Lincoln press release.Continue reading 2013 Lincoln MKS hits the Hollywood spotlight 2013 Lincoln MKS hits the Hollywood spotlight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Lincoln MKT shows its toothier grinFiled under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln, Luxury 
The Lincoln MKT has never sold well since it hit the market back in 2010, but Ford is hoping to change that with a refresh for 2013. The three-row Lincoln crossover will receive an all new front fascia with a whole lot more vertical slats in the grille and no more intersecting horizontal bar. The lower fascia has been tweaked to look more rounded at the top, and the fog lamp assembly was made wider and shorter to help give the big ute the appearance of a wider stance.
Engine choices are unchanged compared to the outgoing model, with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost and the 3.7-liter V6 providing motivation. The EcoBoost model will still muster up 355 horsepower, but the 3.7-liter engine will now produce 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. That's up 32 ponies from the outgoing model, yet the 3.7 will also be more efficient. Ford says we can expect 17 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway, up 1 mpg from the 2012 model.
 The MKT also receives several ride and handling enhancements for 2013, including Continuously Controlled Damping. The system, which is available only on EcoBoost-equipped MKT models, utilizes 46 inputs to feed data to a control unit that monitors 23,000 packets of information per second. This data is calculated 500 times per second, which helps adjust optimal damping force in only 11 milliseconds.
The 2013 Lincoln MKT also features Lincoln Drive Control. This system gives the driver the choice of selecting one of three driving modes. Normal, Sport and Comfort can be chosen using Lincoln Drive Control and the shift lever. In Sport mode, the suspension tightens up 25 to 30 percent to emphasize handling. If a softer ride is your thing, the suspension can adjust to be up to 15 percent softer than the normal setting.
The cabin of the MKT also received several updates, including MyLincoln Touch. The system includes dual 4.2-inch LCD screens in the gauge cluster with five-way steering wheel controls to keep hands on the wheel. The system also includes an eight-inch multi-function LCD touch screen and SYNC.
The 2013 Lincoln MKT will be officially unveiled at the 2011 LA Auto Show later today, and it will go on sale spring 2012.Continue reading 2013 Lincoln MKT shows its toothier grin 2013 Lincoln MKT shows its toothier grin originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Lincoln MKS evolves new nose, bigger brakesFiled under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Lincoln, Luxury 
Think about the position that Cadillac was in over a decade ago; that's about where Lincoln is today. The rebirth of a brand doesn't happen overnight, so until Lincoln debuts its next generation of fully redesigned and reimagined products, subtle evolution and continued refinement are the order du jour. Hence the 2013 Lincoln MKS.
The greenhouse of Lincoln's flagship sedan carries over unchanged, but the front and rear fascias, fenders, hood, HID headlights and LED taillamps are all new and punctuated by the reworked grille. That last bit is far and away the most radical change, making the 2013 MKS come off as less baleen and slightly more elegant.
 Stuffed behind the standard 19-inch aluminum wheels (or optional 20s) is all new braking hardware to address one of the MKS' most glaring dynamic faults, with the front discs upsized to 13.86-inches - more than an inch larger than the outgoing stoppers - and 13.58-inch rotors in the rear. More impressive is the standard fitment of Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), which monitors and adjusts the suspension up to 500 times a second to balance handling and comfort. CCD works in conjuction with a torque vectoring differential and the new Lincoln Drive Control, which modifies ride, throttle, shifting, steering and traction control on the fly when changing the system from Comfort to Sport mode.
The powertrains are also largely carry-overs, with the standard 3.7-liter V6 getting a boost in horsepower from 274 to an even 300, all while returning 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway in FWD spec. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 - standard with AWD - outputs 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque and is projected to return fuel economy ratings of 17/25.
On the tech front, the MKS comes equipped with the recently reworked MyLincoln Touch system, with standard Operator Assist, WiFi hotspot functionality and a tweaked UI to match the updated interior. Also included for 2013 is the new Lane Keeping System and Lane Keeping Aid, which alerts the driver if he or she is drifiting out of a lane and applies a small amount of torque to the wheel to bring things back in line.
We'll have full impressions of the MKS from the floor of the LA Auto Show later today, but in the meantime, get all the details in the press release below the fold.Continue reading 2013 Lincoln MKS evolves new nose, bigger brakes 2013 Lincoln MKS evolves new nose, bigger brakes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLincoln teases new design language; 2013 MKS, MKT headed for LA Auto ShowFiled under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Crossover, Lincoln 
Yesterday, Lincoln released the teaser you see above on its Facebook page, showing what's in store for the automaker's revised design language that's coming soon (we're guessing it's the hood and fender of the redesign MKT). Lincoln states that its new styling direction will be "forward-looking and more elegantly crafted," and it appears that we'll get our first glimpse at the fruits of the company's labor at the LA Auto Show next week.
Autoblog reader Tony tipped us to this page on the LA Auto Show website, which lists all of the vehicles that will debut at the Los Angeles Convention Center next week, and both the Lincoln MKS and MKT are listed under the "world debuts" section. Makes sense, since we've already seen the refreshed versions of the Ford Taurus and Flex on which the Lincoln vehicles are based, respectively. When asked, a Lincoln spokesperson was unable to confirm that we would see the new sedan and crossover in LA.
Unlike the current vehicles, the 2013 MKS and MKT are expected to differ greatly from their respective Ford kin. While not officially confirmed, sources within the automaker have suggested that the updated vehicles will use new running gear in order to fully differentiate them from their Ford counterparts. Of course, Ford's EcoBoost engine technology will be on hand, though other enhancements like suspension and steering upgrades will also likely be in the cards.
Stay tuned for the full details from the LA Auto Show next week.Lincoln teases new design language; 2013 MKS, MKT headed for LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLincoln's small car isn't dead... it never really existedFiled under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Hatchback, Lincoln, Design/Style 
Here's the problem with releasing a concept: more often than not, people expect you to build it. So when a source tells you that a showcar doesn't have a shot at production, many assume it's been killed. Unless, that is, it was never going to come to market in the first place.
Such is the case with the fetching Lincoln Concept C, originally shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 2009.
Ford Inside News reports that the Concept C has been axed, but the truth is, it was never confirmed for production in the first place. Instead, Lincoln's three-year plan includes seven all-new or "significantly refreshed" models, one of which will sport a diminutive footprint. But is it a C-segment vehicle? Sorta.
Rather than rework a sedan/hatch based on the Ford Focus platform - something Lincoln is shying away from as it attempts to move away from the badge-engineering game - our source tells us that Lincoln's previously announced C-segment entrant is likely to be a compact CUV based off the new Escape platform with a reworked stance and a different seating setup. And if our tea leaves are in order, we'd expect to see some kind of concept version within the next year, likely sporting a hybrid-electric drivetrain.Lincoln's small car isn't dead... it never really existed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentseBay Find of the Day: 1974 Lincoln-based 'Bugatti' is a piece of workFiled under: Classics, Sedan, Auctions, Etc., Bugatti, Lincoln, Design/Style, Luxury 
We've come to expect varying levels of insanity from eBay Motors. The site is like a magnet for the one-off, the strange and the bizarre, which is part of why we love it. This machine is no different. Based on an unspecified 1974 Lincoln, the vehicle has received a full cosmetic makeover in the image of a Bugatti. Which Bugatti? The owner isn't saying, but there's no mistaking what lurks behind that big hoop grille as a French creation.
Now, we typically cringe at the over-application of fiberglass in any custom vehicle, which is part of what makes this Bug/Lincoln hybrid unique. The owner says that each body panel is crafted from aluminum, meaning that there are no seams, cracks, or, for that matter, rust. While not to our tastes, this creative rebody seems to have been done to a significantly higher standard than most of these sorts of misadventures. Either way, it isn't immediately clear if this is a one-off, or if someone built a small run of these things.
Inside, the interior has been given the mohair treatment along with a set of "European gauges." The castrated 460-cubic-inch V8 from the Lincoln is still tucked behind the headlights, but the engine is now concealed by a butterfly hood which should make working on the lump even more difficult than before. Wonders never cease. Head over to eBay Motors for a closer look. As of the time of writing, the auction carries a Buy It Now price of $39,950, but prospective buyers are welcome to make an offer.eBay Find of the Day: 1974 Lincoln-based 'Bugatti' is a piece of work originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsHuman vs. Lincoln MKT: Who is better at parallel parking?Filed under: Etc., Videos, Crossover, Lincoln, Luxury 
Auto journalist Ezra Dyer has thrown down the parking gauntlet on the Lincoln MKT in a battle for ultimate supremacy. Dyer fancies himself a fairly skilled parallel parker, and wanted to test his mettle against the self-park feature on the MKT. Armed with a tape measure, a video camera and a healthy distrust of all things mechanical, man squared off against crossover.
How'd it go? Dyer put up a healthy fight by managing to get the Lincoln closer to the curb than the vehicle's software could manage. Unfortunately, he was also slightly more askew in the spot than the self-park feature. The final score put our inevitable robotic overlords ahead of the human resistance once again.
We'll admit that we aren't necessarily fine with notion handing over vehicle control in any situation - parking or otherwise. We'll still take solace in the fact that the MKT can't hand brake itself into that same spot. Hit the jump to check out the video, then let us know in Comments how you feel about the proliferation of self-park technology.Continue reading Human vs. Lincoln MKT: Who is better at parallel parking? Human vs. Lincoln MKT: Who is better at parallel parking? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
Lincoln blog
Dutch tuning and styling
Super Cars
Green Cars, Reviews & Buying tools
Streetcars
Luxury Sports Cars
|
