Lincoln MKT
Lincoln MKT | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Lincoln (Ford) |
Also called | Lincoln MKT Town Car |
Production | July 6, 2009[1]–present |
Model years | 2010–present |
Assembly | Oakville, Ontario, Canada (Oakville Assembly) |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Mid-size luxury crossover SUV |
Body style | 5-door SUV |
Layout | FF layout All-wheel drive |
Platform | Ford D4 platform |
Related | Ford Explorer (2011–present) Ford Flex Ford Taurus (2010–present) Lincoln MKS |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.0 L EcoBoost I4 (Town Car fleet) 3.7 L Ti-VCT V6 3.5 L EcoBoost/Twin-turbo GTDI V6 |
Transmission | Ford 6F 6-speed automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 120.7 in (3,066 mm) |
Length | 2010–12: 208.4 in (5,293 mm) 2013–: 207.6 in (5,273 mm) |
Width | 78.7 in (1,999 mm) 2013–: 76.0 in (1,930 mm) |
Height | 63.9 in (1,623 mm) 2013–: 67.4 in (1,712 mm) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Lincoln Aviator (first generation) Lincoln Town Car (livery/limousine version)[2][3] |
Successor | Lincoln Aviator (2019)[4] |
The Lincoln MKT is an automobile marketed by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company. In production since the 2010 model year, the MKT ("T" stands for Touring) is the second SUV produced by Lincoln. The 2nd largest SUV of Ford Motor Company, the MKT is slotted between the Lincoln MKX and the Lincoln Navigator.[5] Sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Flex and Ford Explorer, the MKT has no direct Lincoln predecessor, although a livery variant serves as a replacement for markets served by the Lincoln Town Car sedan.
The Lincoln MKT is assembled at the Ford of Canada Oakville Assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
2009 concept
The Lincoln MKT was unveiled as a concept vehicle at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. Largely a preview of the upcoming production vehicle, it featured a full-length glass roof and a 2+2 seating layout.[6] The MKT concept vehicle was announced to have the 415 hp 3.5 L Cyclone 35 V-6 variant of Ford's new EcoBoost engine family, which uses turbocharging and direct injection technologies to offer the power of larger displacement engines with the fuel economy of smaller engines.[7]
Model overview
The MKT entered production at the Oakville Assembly plant in July 2009 for the 2010 model year. While the Lincoln division was shifting from SUVs towards crossover SUVs, the MKT had no direct predecessor. Developed as a competitor against the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz R-Class, the MKT was designed as one of the largest and fastest luxury crossovers in its price range.[8][9]
Chassis
The Lincoln MKT is based upon the unibody Ford D4 platform, a variant of the Volvo-derived Ford D3 platform designed for SUVs and crossovers. With a 120.7-inch wheelbase, the Lincoln MKT is the longest-wheelbase D4 vehicle and the third-longest wheelbase Lincoln currently produced (only the Navigator/Navigator L are longer). While sharing no common body panels, the Lincoln MKT is mechanically related to the Ford Flex and the fifth-generation Ford Explorer (though the Explorer remains marketed as an SUV and retains a greater degree of off-road driving capability).
Sharing its powertrain with the Lincoln MKS and sixth-generation Ford Taurus, the standard engine for a Lincoln MKT is a 3.7L V6. From 2010 to 2012, the engine produced 268 hp; after 2013, the 3.7L V6 produced 303 hp. As an option, a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 is offered. Initially producing 355hp in the MKT, in 2013, the 3.5L engine was retuned for 365hp.[10] Both engines are mated to a Ford 6F 6-speed automatic transmission.[10] A front-wheel drive configuration is fitted to two-wheel drive versions, with all-wheel drive fitted as an option; the latter is standard on versions fitted with the 3.5L V6.
In 2013, a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 became available for the Town Car livery variant as a special-order option.
The MKT features electric power steering over more-traditional hydraulic power steering.[11] The electric steering system is combined with ultrasonic sensors to form a hands-off "Active Park Assist" system that steers the vehicle into parallel parking slots.[12]
Body
In the shift from the 2008 concept to the production MKT, relatively few changes were made, with the most notable exception of larger rear quarter windows, the addition of wraparound headlamp units, and a revised lower grille. Retained from the concept, the vertically slatted split grille was a feature first introduced on the 2007 Lincoln MKR concept (along with the use of the Lincoln star emblem as fender side vents).
In the interest of fuel economy, Lincoln adapted several weight-saving measures in the construction of the MKT body. The liftgate is constructed using an inner panel of cast magnesium and an outer panel of stamped aluminum.[13][14] Other places where magnesium replaces steel include the radiator support frame and the frames of the rear seatbacks and lower seat cushions.
Although sharing no external body panels with its Ford D4 counterpart Ford Flex, the MKT and the Flex offer the same two seating configurations. A seven-passenger (2-3-2) configuration is standard, with an optional six-passenger (2-2-2) configuration; a second row of bucket seats replaces the three-passenger split bench seat with a full-length center console as an option.
During its production, the Lincoln MKT has seen relatively few changes, primarily limited to adjustments in color offerings and option packages. In 2013, in line with the MKZ and MKS, the front fascia of the MKT saw a redesign, with the widely slatted grille replaced by a more narrowly-spaced design and a redesign of the lower grille. For 2016, a new Sync 3 infotainment system replaced the previous MyLincoln Touch. In 2017, the front fascia saw a second update, with the vertical grille layout replaced by a widely spaced horizontal design, shared with the Lincoln MKC and 2016-2018 MKX.[1]
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2010 Lincoln MKT
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2010-2012 Lincoln MKT dashboard
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6-passenger Lincoln MKT, third row seats folded and stowed
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2013-2016 Lincoln MKT (China export)
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2013-2016 Lincoln MKT (China export)
Trim
From 2010 to 2016 (with the exception of the Town Car livery variants) the Lincoln MKT was not sold by trim level, with examples largely identified by their engine and drivetrain configuration. To bring the MKT in line with other Lincoln vehicles, for 2017, the MKT adopted a Premiere base model, with the Reserve as the top-trim model.
Safety
Category | Rating |
---|---|
Moderate overlap frontal offset | Good |
Side impact | Good |
Roof strength | Good2 |
- 2 strength-to-weight ratio: 4.29
The MKT has a rollover risk of 15.1% for the 4-wheel drive version,[16] and 16.4% for the front-wheel drive version.[17]
Sales
Calendar Year | American sales |
---|---|
2009[18] | 2,580 |
2010[19] | 7,435 |
2011[20] | 5,024 |
2012[21] | 7,094 |
2013[22] | 6,014 |
2014[23] | 4,800 |
2015[24] | 4,696 |
2016[25] | 4,028 |
2017[26] | 3,005 |
Livery use
In October 2010, Ford announced the development of livery and limousine variants of the MKT as potential replacements for the Lincoln Town Car.[27] In February 2011, Ford unveiled the Lincoln MKT Town Car to the limousine and livery trade.[28][29] To accommodate the weight of the heavier vehicle, the all-wheel drive powertrain is fitted to all limousines, along with heavy-duty brakes, suspension, and electric power steering,[27]
Serving as a replacement for the long-running Town Car sedan, the MKT Town Car uses the same body as the production vehicle, with several changes made to the interior. In place of the three-row seating, the rear row of seating is removed; the three-passenger bench seat is moved several inches rearward to increase rear legroom while the third-row seating area is converted to additional luggage space.[27]
The MKT Limousine uses the rear seating configuration of the MKT Town Car, but is designed for conversion to a stretch limousine. As with the previous Lincoln Town Car, Ford Motor Company allows the MKT Limousine to be stretched to a maximum of 120 inches over its original length.[27]
Through a Ford QVM (Quality Vehicle Modifier), the Lincoln MKT is also available for conversion to a hearse, involving many of the same chassis modifications used for a livery vehicle.
In 2013, the 2.0L EcoBoost inline-4 became available for the MKT Town Car, available only through special order; it is not available on a standard production MKT.
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Lincoln MKT Town Car (New York City)
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Lincoln MKT stretch limousine (Toronto)
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Lincoln MKT hearse
References
- ^ "2009 Order Cutoff - 2010 Startup" (PDF). ARI. June 29, 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 16, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Fleet Showroom" (PDF). fleet.ford.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 17, 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Snavely, Brent (February 14, 2011). "Lincoln's new limos to keep Town Car name". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
- ^ http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/news/lincoln-aviator-concept-preview-article-1.3899183
- ^ "2010 Lincoln MKT". Autoblog.com.
- ^ Simona (14 January 2008). "2008 Lincoln MKT". Top Speed.
- ^ "EcoBoost brochure" (PDF). Media.Ford.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-06.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ For the Lincoln MKT, Different May Be Good NYTimes, 2009
- ^ "Four Threes: 2013 Infiniti JX35, 2012 BMW X5, 2013 Lincoln MKT, 2012 Acura MDX". Automobile. 11 April 2012.
- ^ a b "2010 MKT Technical Specifications". Media.Ford.com. Archived from the original on 2009-10-04. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Lincoln unveils ultimate touring vehicle concept; Premium utility features elegance, space, efficiency". Media.Ford.com. January 14, 2008. Archived from the original on January 16, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Ford's New 'Active Park Assist' Makes Parallel Parking a Breeze for Lincoln MKT and MKS Owners". PR Newswire. December 30, 2008.
- ^ "Light-weight Magnesium, Aluminum in Lincoln MKT Liftgate Cuts Weight, Boosts Fuel Economy". Media.Ford.com. Archived from the original on 2009-10-04. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Auto Parts Maker Wins PACE Award". London Free Press May 6, 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-06.
- ^ "2015 Lincoln MKT Midsize luxury SUV / 2010 Lincoln MKT 4-door 4wd". IIHS. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
- ^ "2016 Lincoln MKT SUV AWD". U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
- ^ "2016 Lincoln MKT SUV FWD". U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
- ^ "FORD CAPS 2009 WITH 33 PERCENT SALES INCREASE, FIRST FULL-YEAR MARKET SHARE GAIN SINCE 1995 | Ford Motor Company Newsroom". Media.ford.com. 2010-01-05. Archived from the original on 2010-08-26. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-01-24. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-01-31. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Ford Motor Company Posts 2,250,165 Sales in 2012; Focus, F-Series Post Big Gains". Motor Trend Magazine. 3 January 2013.
- ^ "Ford Motor Company Delivers Best Sales Year Since 2006" (PDF). Media.ford.com. 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2014-01-06.
- ^ "Ford Posts Best U.S. December Sales Results since 2005" (PDF). Media.ford.com. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2015-01-07.
- ^ "New Products Make Ford Best-Selling Brand for Sixth Straight Year" (PDF). Media.ford.com (Press release). 2016-01-05. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
- ^ "Ford U.S. December Retail Sales up 5 Percent - a 12-Year High; Ford America's Best-Selling Brand for Seventh Year" (PDF). media.ford.com. 2017-01-04. Retrieved 2017-01-04.
- ^ "Ford SUVs Post Record Sales While F-Series Marks 41 Years as America's Best-Selling Pickup; Ford Achieves 8th Consecutive Year as the Country's Favorite Brand" (PDF). media.ford.com. 2018-01-03. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
- ^ a b c d Shunk, Chris (2010-10-04). "Lincoln MKT limousine, livery models announced, will replace Town Car — Autoblog". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
- ^ "Limousine & Livery Use of the Lincoln MKT". Brightstar Limos. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
- ^ http://www.freep.com/article/20110214/BLOG40/110214055/With-poll-Lincoln-s-new-limos-keep-Town-Car-name-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CAutoNews Archived October 1, 2015, at the Wayback Machine