Motortrend MKS Review

[Michael_S]

Originally Posted by wescoent

The chassis has been significantly upgraded over the 2008 Taurus. Different suspension, far stronger, and a healthy dose of NVH improvements.

Goes to show how far Lincoln went to get this car up to luxury sedan standards.

I can understand extra weight. But one piece of luxury is using aluminum and special high strength steels and steel alloys in place of the cheaper metals used in lesser vehicles. As it is, the Taurus Limited AWD has a better power to weight ratio than a Lincoln costing at least $10,000 more.

[EldoFan]

Originally Posted by megeebee

I don't know why y'all think this was such a glowing review. They gave it a passing grade.

Since when has anyone given Lincoln anything other than a few laughs, a sneer and the short end of the stick??

This thing positively spanks the Lucerne and together with the MKS, makes Buick look decidedly behind the times.

Once they get this baby out into the open.......they should bring back their old mantra "What A Luxury Car Should Be".

Long live the land yachts!

[ausrutherford]

Originally Posted by ds91776

I actually really like your proposed lineup for Lincoln, however I have to say tha the MKT is coming for the 2010 model year and the Navigator is probably getting an update with a new nose and engine as well as the possablity of a new or hevily revised interior like its Expedition sister ship. Here is my dream Lincoln Lineup of the future and tell me what you guys think:

-MKZ: Competes with ES, TSX, S40, A3, A4,etc. Base the next gen on the 3rd gen S40/V50 on the premium version of the C2 platform...let's call it C2+. Give it the 2.0/2.5I4 EcoBoost engine that is rumored to make 275hp or so. Have std FWD with optional AWD as well as a hybrid version. Make the next gen car slightly smaller and "go-cart like" but with still a more supple ride and good NVH ratings. Make it the "friendly Lincoln" with a less aggressive face. This car can compete at the lower, non-performance end of the entry-level lux market and would be very fuel efficient yet still powerful, market it as the eco-and wallet friendly luxury car.

MKR: Competes with 3, C, G37, IS, CTS, A4, etc. Based on the premium version of the upcoming RWD platform that I am going to call D3C+ for simplicity's sake. This is the sporty "bad boy" in Lincoln's lineup with aggressive styling right off of the concept with nuremburg handling and a throaty snarl from the engine. Give it 3.7V6-273hp as the base model with the 3.5V6 EcoBoost with 340-360 as an option, with the rumored upgraded version making 415hp as the Sport Model that Lincoln will come up with.

MKS: Competes with: GS, 5, E, M35/45,XF, STS,A6, RL, etc. This is Lincoln's luxury sedan, with a big interior and trunk, with amazing NVH qualities and a good balance between soundhandling and suppleness. It is based on the premium version of Ford's large car platform, the D4+, sharing platforms with future S80, v70, and XC90. Have the 3.5V6 EcoBoost with 340/360hp as standard with the sport model making 415hp.
Give it a hybrid version based upon the rumored 2011/2012 Edge hybrid programs.

MKC: Competes with: LS, 7, CLS, S, XJ, Q45, ETS/DTS, etc. Lincoln's flagship that they could call Continental if they so chose to do so. Make it look like the 2002 Continental Concept with the splitting of the grille at the front, leave everything essentially the same. Give it a standard V8, maybe a premium version of the 6.2 that's coming that could make 420hp or so. Have standard everything except maybe AWD and Vista Roof as options. Make this a bargain car, selling for thousands less yet still able to compete, just like the original Lexus LS did and we all know how that worked out.

MK9: Competes with entry and mid luxury coupes and convertables. Sharing mechanicals and engines with the MKR, the MK9 should be Lincoln's entry into the hard top convertable market...make it look similar to the gorgeous MK9 concept from 2002/2001, with of course the addition of the split-wave grille. This will give Lincoln a halo car to hang its hat on, but not too expensive, starting at the mid thirties and reaching up to the mid forties for the sport model.

MKG: Competes with RDX, EX, and other small, 5 row entry lux CUVs. base it on the premium version that underpins the next gen MKZ as well as the 3rd gen S40/V50/C70. Give it the 2.0/2.5I4 EcoBoost engine making 275hp as standard with a hybrid version as well.

MKX: Competes with MDX, RX, etc. Based upon Ford's next gen FWD CD platform, the CD4. Give it three rows this time, but it will be a small third row for little adults and kids. Make the 3.7V6-273 hp standard with the 3.5V6 EcoBoost as an option and possibly a hybrid version if the Taurus/Edge rumors for 2011 are true.

MKT: Competes with GX, R, etc. Large Cuv sharing all mechanicals and engines with the MKS. It is the cool and stylish family CUV with plenty of room for 6-7 people, even adults in the back seat. Offer a hybrid version that is rumored to go into the 2011-2012 Taurus and Edge.

Navigator: Competes with Escalade and Land Rovers, etc. Premium version of the Expedition with a powerful V8 and diesel engines. Lower the weight but keep it tought, people seeking a softer ride with better fuel economy can buy an MKT if that suits there needs better and vice-versa.

Yea i know I forgot the Nav but i simply dont know when they will make it all new , i think it could be MY11 since the F-150 is MY12 and remember the Expy has come out usually 1 year before.

[ausrutherford]

Originally Posted by ds91776

I actually really like your proposed lineup for Lincoln, however I have to say tha the MKT is coming for the 2010 model year and the Navigator is probably getting an update with a new nose and engine as well as the possablity of a new or hevily revised interior like its Expedition sister ship. Here is my dream Lincoln Lineup of the future and tell me what you guys think:

-MKZ: Competes with ES, TSX, S40, A3, A4,etc. Base the next gen on the 3rd gen S40/V50 on the premium version of the C2 platform...let's call it C2+. Give it the 2.0/2.5I4 EcoBoost engine that is rumored to make 275hp or so. Have std FWD with optional AWD as well as a hybrid version. Make the next gen car slightly smaller and "go-cart like" but with still a more supple ride and good NVH ratings. Make it the "friendly Lincoln" with a less aggressive face. This car can compete at the lower, non-performance end of the entry-level lux market and would be very fuel efficient yet still powerful, market it as the eco-and wallet friendly luxury car.

MKR: Competes with 3, C, G37, IS, CTS, A4, etc. Based on the premium version of the upcoming RWD platform that I am going to call D3C+ for simplicity's sake. This is the sporty "bad boy" in Lincoln's lineup with aggressive styling right off of the concept with nuremburg handling and a throaty snarl from the engine. Give it 3.7V6-273hp as the base model with the 3.5V6 EcoBoost with 340-360 as an option, with the rumored upgraded version making 415hp as the Sport Model that Lincoln will come up with.

MKS: Competes with: GS, 5, E, M35/45,XF, STS,A6, RL, etc. This is Lincoln's luxury sedan, with a big interior and trunk, with amazing NVH qualities and a good balance between soundhandling and suppleness. It is based on the premium version of Ford's large car platform, the D4+, sharing platforms with future S80, v70, and XC90. Have the 3.5V6 EcoBoost with 340/360hp as standard with the sport model making 415hp.
Give it a hybrid version based upon the rumored 2011/2012 Edge hybrid programs.

MKC: Competes with: LS, 7, CLS, S, XJ, Q45, ETS/DTS, etc. Lincoln's flagship that they could call Continental if they so chose to do so. Make it look like the 2002 Continental Concept with the splitting of the grille at the front, leave everything essentially the same. Give it a standard V8, maybe a premium version of the 6.2 that's coming that could make 420hp or so. Have standard everything except maybe AWD and Vista Roof as options. Make this a bargain car, selling for thousands less yet still able to compete, just like the original Lexus LS did and we all know how that worked out.

MK9: Competes with entry and mid luxury coupes and convertables. Sharing mechanicals and engines with the MKR, the MK9 should be Lincoln's entry into the hard top convertable market...make it look similar to the gorgeous MK9 concept from 2002/2001, with of course the addition of the split-wave grille. This will give Lincoln a halo car to hang its hat on, but not too expensive, starting at the mid thirties and reaching up to the mid forties for the sport model.

MKG: Competes with RDX, EX, and other small, 5 row entry lux CUVs. base it on the premium version that underpins the next gen MKZ as well as the 3rd gen S40/V50/C70. Give it the 2.0/2.5I4 EcoBoost engine making 275hp as standard with a hybrid version as well.

MKX: Competes with MDX, RX, etc. Based upon Ford's next gen FWD CD platform, the CD4. Give it three rows this time, but it will be a small third row for little adults and kids. Make the 3.7V6-273 hp standard with the 3.5V6 EcoBoost as an option and possibly a hybrid version if the Taurus/Edge rumors for 2011 are true.

MKT: Competes with GX, R, etc. Large Cuv sharing all mechanicals and engines with the MKS. It is the cool and stylish family CUV with plenty of room for 6-7 people, even adults in the back seat. Offer a hybrid version that is rumored to go into the 2011-2012 Taurus and Edge.

Navigator: Competes with Escalade and Land Rovers, etc. Premium version of the Expedition with a powerful V8 and diesel engines. Lower the weight but keep it tought, people seeking a softer ride with better fuel economy can buy an MKT if that suits there needs better and vice-versa.

And MkZ should stay mid size, not go to compact, thats what the MkY is for. And it should be Only hybrid since Lexas is getting a compact only hybrid car.

This sign should be over the Lincoln design studio "No 4 Bangers Allowed!!!"

[ausrutherford]

This is my whole Lincoln Lineup, I believe they could complete it by 2025.

MkA-RWD mid size SUV(GL-Class, Q7, LR3, GX)
MkB-RWD mid size crossover(FX, upcoming Lexas JX, Cayanne)
MkC-RWD full size car(GS, E-Class, 5-Series, M)
MkD-RWD traditional full size(LS, S-Class, A8, 7-Series, upcoming Infiniti)
MkF-RWD super sports car(LF-A, SLR)
MkG-RWD rear engine sports car(R8)
MkH-RWD 4 seat sports car(SL-Class, 6-Series, XK, SC)
MkI-RWD 2 seat sports car(SLK-class, Z4, TT)
MkK-RWD mid size 4 door coupe(CLE-Class)
MkL-RWD Full size 4 door coupe(CLS-Class, A7, 8-Series)
MkM-RWD Full size 2 door coupe(CL-Class)
Navigator
MkO-RWD compact crossover coupe(X4)
MkP-RWD mid size crossover coupe(X6)
MkQ-RWD compact car(1-Series, upcoming Infiniti, BLS)
MkR-RWD mid size car(IS, C-Class, 3-Series, G)
MkS-FWD full size car(RL, A6)
MkT-FWD Full size crossover(R-Class)
MkU-RWD sub compact crossover(X1, Q3)
MkV-RWD compact crossover(X3, GLK, Q5, EX)
MkW-RWD hybrid only mid size crossover(upcoming Lexas)
MkX-FWD mid size crossover(RX, M-Class)
MkY-FWD hybrid only compact car(upcoming Lexas)
MkZ-FWD mid size car(ES, A4, TSX, TL)

[igor]

^^^ WOW

talk about overkill

Igor

[Sal Collaziano]

So the new Lincoln "flagship" competes with the entry-level Cadillac CTS?

[2b2]

Originally Posted by ausrutherford

This is my whole Lincoln Lineup, I believe they could complete it by 2025.

MkA-RWD mid size SUV(GL-Class, Q7, LR3, GX)
MkB-RWD mid size crossover(FX, upcoming Lexas JX, Cayanne)
MkC-RWD full size car(GS, E-Class, 5-Series, M)
MkD-RWD traditional full size(LS, S-Class, A8, 7-Series, upcoming Infiniti)
MkF-RWD super sports car(LF-A, SLR)
MkG-RWD rear engine sports car(R8)
MkH-RWD 4 seat sports car(SL-Class, 6-Series, XK, SC)
MkI-RWD 2 seat sports car(SLK-class, Z4, TT)
MkK-RWD mid size 4 door coupe(CLE-Class)
MkL-RWD Full size 4 door coupe(CLS-Class, A7, 8-Series)
MkM-RWD Full size 2 door coupe(CL-Class)
Navigator
MkO-RWD compact crossover coupe(X4)
MkP-RWD mid size crossover coupe(X6)
MkQ-RWD compact car(1-Series, upcoming Infiniti, BLS)
MkR-RWD mid size car(IS, C-Class, 3-Series, G)
MkS-FWD full size car(RL, A6)
MkT-FWD Full size crossover(R-Class)
MkU-RWD sub compact crossover(X1, Q3)
MkV-RWD compact crossover(X3, GLK, Q5, EX)
MkW-RWD hybrid only mid size crossover(upcoming Lexas)
MkX-FWD mid size crossover(RX, M-Class)
MkY-FWD hybrid only compact car(upcoming Lexas)
MkZ-FWD mid size car(ES, A4, TSX, TL)

I would like to register a formal protest
re: your discrimination against the letters "E" "J" & "N"

[ausrutherford]

Originally Posted by 2b2

I would like to register a formal protest
re: your discrimination against the letters "E" "J" & "N"

Ok lol so the 3 can be, and I have considered these, by the way.

MkE-Rwd super sports sedan(Like Caddy 16 concept)
MkJ-RWD compact 4 door coupe
MkN-Navigator, that one is a given

My list isnt that big, at BMWs rate of expansion they will have double of this by 2025. The only way to make a profit in the future is to have a model in every segment, becuse of all the competetion.

[syr74]

Originally Posted by Sal Collaziano

So the new Lincoln "flagship" competes with the entry-level Cadillac CTS?

Something I think is important to remember here is that this newest Lincoln is likely being compared to the CTS because, to be blunt, it's the only existing Cadillac sedan of significance. The MKS doesn't have a snowballs chance in South Miami of being as well received as the CTS has been, but any new luxury sedan from an American manufacturer is almost assured to be compared to the CTS because of the above

[EldoFan]

Originally Posted by syr74

Something I think is important to remember here is that this newest Lincoln is likely being compared to the CTS because, to be blunt, it's the only existing Cadillac sedan of significance. The MKS doesn't have a snowballs chance in South Miami of being as well received as the CTS has been, but any new luxury sedan from an American manufacturer is almost assured to be compared to the CTS because of the above

[Michael_S]

Originally Posted by Sal Collaziano

So the new Lincoln "flagship" competes with the entry-level Cadillac CTS?

Their prices overlap, but the CTS has about the same interior volume as a Malibu or Camry while the MKS is at the top end of the large sedan segment.

[blank disk]

Originally Posted by syr74

Something I think is important to remember here is that this newest Lincoln is likely being compared to the CTS because, to be blunt, it's the only existing Cadillac sedan of significance. The MKS doesn't have a snowballs chance in South Miami of being as well received as the CTS has been, but any new luxury sedan from an American manufacturer is almost assured to be compared to the CTS because of the above

You mean the 9K preordered is no indication of it's impending success?

Not sure of the demographic for the MKS, but I am sure it is about 10 years higher than the CTS. Those people will easily prioritize a luxury bias with plenty of room as well. I have not compared them exactly, but it seems the MKS offers more total luxury too, which is also prioritized.

[Astra RL]

Originally Posted by ausrutherford

Ok lol so the 3 can be, and I have considered these, by the way.

MkE-Rwd super sports sedan(Like Caddy 16 concept)
MkJ-RWD compact 4 door coupe
MkN-Navigator, that one is a given

My list isnt that big, at BMWs rate of expansion they will have double of this by 2025. The only way to make a profit in the future is to have a model in every segment, becuse of all the competetion.

One car for every letter is excessive but hey if they can achieve it why not. Also, could you make Mercury the Hybrid brand at Ford, both mainstream and luxury.

[ausrutherford]

Originally Posted by Astra RL

One car for every letter is excessive but hey if they can achieve it why not. Also, could you make Mercury the Hybrid brand at Ford, both mainstream and luxury.

Well my plans for Mercury are:

Bobcat-compact retro wagon
Comet-RWD 2 seat sports car(MX-5 based)
Cougar-RWD pony car
Cyclone-mid size crossover(Built on Taurus platform for lighter weight)
Indigo-2 seat rear engine RWD sports car(the Ford concept from 1996)
Marader-RWD full size car(Falcon from Australia)
Mariner-compact crossover
Messenger-2 seat RWD sports car(built on platform borrowed from Saleen)
Meteor-Full size RWD muscle car
Milan-RWD mid size car
Moon-Mid size MPV(Ford I-Max from Taiwan)
Mountaineer-RWD full size crossover(Territory from Australia)
Lynz-compact Hybrid only car
Puma-Compact coupe/convertible
Sable-Full size car
Topaz-4 seat rear engine RWD sports car(goes up against Lotus Eagle)

My plan is for Mercury to be a Green Muscle brand, all of these car would be available with hybrid powertrains except for Topaz,Meteor, Messenger and Indigo. The lynz would have the choice of a 2.0 hybrid, 2.5 hybid, and 2.5 Hybrid ecoboost.