Lincoln MKT
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Autoblog and Left Lane News has more pics but here is Ford's media release. This is a strange looking beast but at least it looks nothing like a Flex. This type of vehicle is not my cup of tea but I hope it sells like hotcakes so Lincoln can regain some of the prestige and importance that it has lost for the past few years.
That should make gregg_vw happy........
Remember this is a concept, not a pre-production vehicle.
Last - who is the target market for this? The Hilton family? I mean, who's gonna buy an expensive as heck Flex and put the 2 kiddos in those back seats? I just dont see it. Further, this aint no 7 passenger as someone said. Unless the 3 folks in the back are headless.
Kidding aside, I think Ford has learned its lesson on cookie cutter divisional design, even if you personally don't see what all the fuss it about.
Yes, they will probably dumb down the design somewhat for production, but I think we are essentially looking at the Lincoln Flex. And if we are not, then fools are calling the shots on that program.
BTW, I love the cow catcher grill, but Ford is too timid to take such a radical move. The MKS production version is namby pamby by comparison, but the plainer look will likely not hurt sales, and will help with folks like yourself who can't stand the in-yer-face cowcatcher look. Big grills are in now, and bigger ones are coming. Those who don't like that need only wait a few years, as fashions always change. No sense to any of it.
Not at all. I think the exterior will be spot on except maybe the bumpers. I was referring mostly to the interior.
Cripes, the inflation of prices is driving me nuts.
For everyone else here who thinks that "concept" means nothing in terms of future product, please remember that the MKS concept was "just a concept" too.
I think (hope) Lincoln is now past issuing totally dead end concepts like the Continental and Mark 9. Not only does it waste engineering resources and time, but it p*sses off the public as well.
There will be a MKT, it will get a 3.5 or 3.7 Ecoboost engine option and the exterior will look very close to the concept. But the interior will have a 3rd row (at least an an option) and will look more like the MKS (IMO).
If the real mkt is a 7 passenger, then it cannot look like this concept unless it is stretched a couple of feet. There's just no room for 3 passengers back there.
Boy that ecoBoost must be a heckuva technology. Horbury says it makes 340hp on regular gas and 415hp using premium unleaded? Geez, I'll gladly pay the extra 30cents a gallon for an extra 75 hp!!
Ah, and here's the definitive words from Mr Horbury:
"While the concept was built off the Ford Flex platform, Horbury made it clear the MKT is a concept, but admitted, there wouldn’t have to be too many changes made to make the car part of the Lincoln lineup.
“This is not a flight of fancy,” Horbury said. “And it’s not an attempt to replace the Navigator. The utility of adding a third row of seats is a possibility. But this shows Lincoln is back as American luxury.”
So my question at this point is - just what IS the Lincoln Flex? Is it some b_st_rdization of this concept? Or is it more like the half Flex-half Freestyle picture we've seen at Car and Driver?
Finally, again, this thing is a CONCEPT. There will be some changes to get it to production. There'll be a 'normal' type back seat and console, the grille will be toned down, the interior will be from the mkx or s and there it'll be. At least that's my opinion. A 7 passenger version? Not without a whole LOT of changes.
This reminds me of a few years ago when the Continental concept was shown. Shortly thereafter came the Navicross concept and then the Mark 9 and it seems there was one more. Anyway, the contcon and navicross looked very similar to each other in the way mkr and mkt look alike. NONE of the aforementioned 4 concepts were ever heard from again. Will the r and t suffer the same fate? And where is the Mercury version - of any of these cars?
Finally, look around for the concept images of the mks. You'll see a lot of differences from the real thing, especially on the inside.
Fields, Kuzack, Horbury and Mulally have ALL said that Ford won't be building concepts that never make it to production anymore. Mulally was ticked off that the MKR and Interceptor concepts weren't production viable because the RWD platform didn't exist.
I'm not sure how they'll get a 3rd row in there with the rear hatch design, but they will. Remember this is based on the Flex platform so the room is there. Maybe it's a lot bigger in person. We also heard something from Fields about French Doors and I didn't see anything like that. Maybe that's only for the production version. Guess we'll have to wait and see.
As for the MKS concept vs. production - get your vision checked. Except for the MKR style grille which was added at the last minute (the MKR didn't exist with the MKS concept was designed) it's a dead ringer, or as close as a concept can get to reality.
Second row seating would have gobs of legroom regardless. The wheelbase is 120" which is longer even than the Flex and almost a foot more than the Taurus. That allows more flexible configuring of space within a non-boxy body style.
Again, I think if you want maximum space and funky style, the Flex will be the one. If you want high style and luxury and presence and exclusivity with a bit less hauling capacity for seven passengers, the MKT would work well.
Only question is how long it will take Ford to issue it. The Flex and MKS won't be here until summer at the earliest. The 2009 F150 has now been delayed until fall (they really need it right now). The Verve is not slated before 2010. Ford is still the slowest to bring new models to market. And when are they scheduled to redesign the Taurus? No one even says anything about that, and here is a great bread and butter car that will never sell until they fully restyle its terminal dowdiness. Though it won, the EcoBoost Taurus mule looked silly drag racing,,,sort of like great grandma in a sprint.
BTW what is the future or Mercury? If Lincoln goes upscale it becomes more exclusive. If I cannot afford Lincoln - what I supposed to buy? Or Ford is moving upscale to be more elegant, restrained design (hate that three-bar chrome grill) for grown up men to replace Mercury? Because if Ford remains blue collar, boy racer brand I am not going to buy it.
I'm not sure Ford really knows what to do with Mercury. I personally don't think it will be killed but Lincoln and Ford are getting all the attention right now.
It really is too bad though. Mercury had a rich heritage and was once a contender. Just some examples of multibrand use: GM has plans to keep Chevy, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, Saturn and GMC; Chrysler has three brands; VW sells VW, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti here (with several other brands overseas); and Toyota has grown to include a third division here. Mercedes now sells three brands here with the addition of Smart, and even BMW saw fit the add a second brand here (Mini).
As Allen says, Mercury could be a store for niche vehicles. Or it could go back to competing with near luxury cars, by providing good value with a unique sense of style.It could be Ford's foremost eco-brand. There are lots ot directions they could take it, besides the 100% badge engineering it is now, or killing it. But as we all know, Ford is strapped, concentrating on Lincoln (but still needs to provide even more energy and focus to that moribund brand). The Flex should be in dealerships now, and the MKT should be ready in the fall. However, I wouldn't be surprised at all if it is another 18 months before we see anything like the MKT on sale.
Under the circumstances no one within the place appears to have any clue how to advocate for the Mercury brand. It is the lost child in this company created catastrophe. In retrospect, it is hard to believe how such a large and well-established company as Ford put Bill Ford at the head. History will not be kind.
mkt - I doubt we'll see that before 2011 or 12, at the rate they do things. I mean, the 500/montego been out since, what, 2005? And the first Lincoln version will be a 2009? Well, they fired or gave packages to a whole lot of workers, no wonder it takes them forever to get anything done.
Another question: looks like the new way Ford is going to market all their vehicles is by pushing the 'Sync" feature. Is there *anyone* out there who will buy a FLM over a competitor because you can say "Play Michael Bolton" and it will? I know I remain totally unimpressed. I am getting really sick and tired of all the sync commercials. Didnt take em long to come out with the dumbed-down version where poeple walk into doors because the doors dont open when u tell em to. Gee, do the doors on the Fusion open if you ask em to? That would be impressive.
And just to share the wealth, I am also getting really SICK and tired of GM pushing cars that you can't buy for several years at least (Chevy Volt). GM has some good product NOW, why push vaporware? And enough with E85 already. Corn is for eatin.
Will people buy a Ford to get Sync? OF COURSE! I think you underestimate the number of cell phone/mp3 player users out there. It won't cause a die-hard Honda fan to buy a Fusion but but it will definitely close the deal on customers who would otherwise be on the fence. And it will cause current owners to upgrade sooner than they normally would. What's not to like about being able to use your phone without taking it out of your pocket? Forget the voice control - just being able to plug in your IPOD directly without going through a FM transmitter or audio jack is a big advantage over the competition.
I can't believe that Ford does something truly innovative for a change and you're poo-pooing it like crazy. Even if you don't want it you should be able to appreciate it.
By this time next year, when you are driving a SYNC-equipped MKT, I won't laugh. Promise.
Jeyhoe is getting an MKS with SYNC - not an MKT. I am going to work him over until he cracks!
Well, bruce, if you can hit me with a briefcase full of money, your plan might work!
OK, so the boy racers and hip-hop crowd will love sync. Didnt know there were so many of those types here!
Phone thing is cool, but u dont need sync for most of that functionality.
I'd really love to know how many people want to be able to talk to the radio in their car. Personally, I'D RATHER HAVE A RELIABLE GOOD LOOKING WORLD CLASS RWD VEHICLE. But I guess that's just me. When Ford does THAT (again - referring to LS) CALL ME.
Yes, you can get hands free bluetooth built into the car, but you won't get voice command and it won't read text messages to you. You can also get an Ipod interface but again it won't provide voice control. Just being able to play mp3s from a thumb drive is pretty amazing.
Welcome to the 21st century!
Hope my point wasnt lost though that I cant buy a NEW one, not from Ford anyway.
Well, that's not quite correct. I COULD buy a JAG XF, which is the replacement for the S-Type. See Jaguar (Ford) took the S-Type and modernized it into a fantastic vehicle. Lincoln (Ford) OTOH threw in the towel on the XFs predecessor, the LS and ... ah what's the use? It'll soon be the TATA XF anyway.
Thanks! Many times I didnt think I'd make it.
But me? I dont have no stinkin IPOD. I dont have no stinkin MP-3. My 8 year old has one. Is that Ford's target market? Also my 20 year old has one. She cant afford a new car either. And lets not forget this innovative technology costs $795 on the Edge (you MUST also buy the convenience package - last time I checked anyway.) Thats a dam sight more money than bluetooth. And some of that money goes to Bill Gates, a modern-day robber-baron.
Finally I'll tell you something for certain - SYNC wont sell any Lincolns. The people I see driving Lincolns most certainly do NOT have IPODs or MP-3 players. Victrolas maybe. I saw a beautiful silver LS yesterday. 2002 with the ground-effects package. Nice. As I pulled alongside, I prepared to wave to a fellow traveler. But she didnt look. Probably arthritis kept her head from turning to the left. Her hair was a nice shade of blue though. Went well with the silver paint.
Dont take this personal anyone, but I think that anyone who buys a Ford, Mercury or Lincoln over something else because of sync is intellectually challenged.
Some of my co-workers are wondering why I am sitting in my office chuckling. Thanks for the entertaining post! I am sure that blue haired lady uses the RWD balance, Formula 1 inspired suspension, and select-shift transmission to their fullest potential.
Yeah, that's it.
I would encourage folks to read our friend the autoextremist today. Reports on the Detroit show. He was real positive about Ford ... said it looks like they might actually have a future. He was less positive about the 'Mickey-T' calling it a "bustle-back monstrosity". Sounds about right, now that I saw the rear view in his article.
OTOH, his biggest praise was for GM. The CTS-V, the CTS coupe, etc. Geez, when I think back to 2000 when the LS came out and GM had the Catera. What a shame 8 years later we have the Mickey-Z and town car.
Also, compare the Cadillac Provoq concept to the monstrosity to see what coherent design focus vs a 'let's try this now' design attitude can get ya.
Oh and as for the debate about Mercury, which our Alan and the real Ford Alan says is safe, Mercury apparently wasn't even present at the show. Nothing, not even a sign.
It will get attention more in the way the the clumsy locomotive look of the current Rolls does, rather than the retarded design of the Aztec. Once again it is a good sign that Lincoln is creating things people hate or love, rather than careful pablum like the MKZ.
I think though that you might have something - bringing the Aztek into the discussion. THis Mickey-T thing will sell as well as the Aztek if it sees the light of day looking the way it does. But it won't. I dont think.
U know, it still boggles my mind that the same company that produced a beautiful, tasteful almost universally acclaimed concept like the Continental would kill that and then create a panned combination steam locomotive+AMC Pacer+Ford Model A and decide to build THAT one.
Personally, given the wherewithall to do it, I'd buy a RWD Continental concept in a heartbeat and be proud to drive it. OTOH this Mickey-Mouse Bustle-Back answer to a question NO ONE is asking should go straight to Mattel.
This isn't just a luxury sedan - it's a luxury people mover whether it's classic seating for 7 or super luxury seating for 2 or 3.
The RWD vehicles are coming, but up until a few months ago there was no platform in the plans for them to be built on. The Continental concept was unfortunately just a concept - not production capable.
I am not in the market for a CUV like the MKT. However, I do think it is distinctive in a Rolls sort of way: creative, polarizing and not derivative of anything else. The very odd Infiniti RX has sold well, because it dared to be daring, almost to the point of cartoonish, without the total lack of grace in the were the lines of the Aztec.
The MKT has the same sort of daring as the RX: it will turn some people off (some very strongly, like you), but others will be very drawn to its wow factor. No one thought the Aztec was anything more than homely or clumsy. It is like the difference between the Honda Element (or Scion Xb) and the Aztec. Some people equated them all as awful, but of those who did not, they still found the jumble of different and noncontiguous neighborhoods on the surface of the Aztec off-putting.
Ford should sell Volvo, continue to rebuild Lincoln's image and move it slightly upmarket, and position Mercury as the entry level Luxury brand. Mercury does not need any trucks. Just focus on an upscale mid-size sedan, an upscale full-size sedan, and a sporty luxury coupe.
The upscale mid-size sedan should use the Mazda/Fusion/Milan platform but have amenities more like the current MKZ. The full-size sedan should use the upcoming RWD platform. Continue the old Grand Marquis until the new RWD platform is ready. The sporty luxury coupe should be based on the Mustang but be much more refined and luxurious. They don't need the Sable or Mariner at all.
It's a legacy from family members like Elena and Bill (I hope there is no inbreeding going on). Bill Ford is a nice enough dude, he also proved quite capable of running a family business into the ground. The idea that old family feuds could affect objective decision-making about a venerable marque like Lincoln is beyond ludicrous. They should have all been spanked. Oh, I guess they were, when you look at all the Ford wealth that went poof with the well-deserved stock plunge.
I honestly don't think they've made a decision either way, and probably won't for another couple of years.
As for the MKT, the bustle back is kind of interesting and daring, as is the grille. The front end is no more cow catcher than Caddy's CTS. I hope Lincoln doesn't dumb down the exterior too much. No doubt they'll be criticized for taking a chance with controversial styling, but they'd likely be criticized for taking the safe route, too, so go ahead, take that chance!
What I wonder is, does Lincoln really need both the MKT and the MKX? What are their target markets for these? I suppose the MKT might offer the third row the MKX lacks, and the MKX might be of a more compact size than the MKT. It'll be interesting to compare the two and see what shakes out.
In any event, I see no evidence yet that Lincoln has sped up the release of new models. A tepid re-do of the MKZ and some tweaks to the Edge, er, I mean MKX is not going to cut it in this market (Lincoln sales were down nearly 15% last month). Right now, Lincoln needs something more than one new model every year or so. It needs a model or two that no one can characterize as duller than day old [non-permissible content removed] water.
Knowing all along that Lincoln was getting a model based on the Flex apparently did little to overcome the corporate inertia. By delaying it until 2009, I hope they are able to offer it with some innovation in the drivetrain. The way things are going, gas could be $5 a gallon by then. Lincoln has to start leapfrogging the competition at some point soon, or it won't be just curtains for Mercury.
I agree that Lincoln needs to move faster, but to be fair I don't think Lincoln got the green light for more products and more investment until sometime last year after Mulally took over. So I don't expect anything earth shattering from Lincoln for another 2 years.
The MKZ probably won't get all new sheetmetal until the next gen platform arrives combining the CD3 and EUCD platforms. MKX should also be at least 2 years away from unique sheetmetal. Not sure if the Navigator should even be a priority with the price of gas.
Not so fast, Gregg. What I said back in January was that the MKT would be out NEXT summer or fall, as opposed to THIS COMING summer or fall. All of the info I had ever heard was that the Flex would be out summer 2008 with the Lincoln version about a year behind.
I was replying to Joe's comparison to the MKS which comes out 3 (or is it 4) years after the 500 debuted on the same platform.
I'll be more clear next time, though.
I do think the MKT will get a lot more press and attention than the MKX ever did, because it is much more creative and unique. However, with all the manufacturers out there churning out new models like buckshot, some of its thunder will likely be stolen by summer of 2009. Here's hoping it works out. A three row CUV with suggestions of a touring sedan in its lines could really take off.
I think they're just out of resources and can't do everything at once, even if they wanted to, at least not in North America. Remember they're launching one significantly updated vehicle (F150) plus 2 all new vehicles this year plus a mid cycle refresh for the CD3s. That's a lot, even with a full staff.