LINCOLN MKS

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LINCOLN MKS
'13 LINCOLN MKS (MIAS '12).JPG
2013 LINCOLN MKS
Overview
ManufacturerThe LINCOLN Motor Company (Ford Motor Company)
ProductionMay 2008[1]–2016[2]
Model years2009–2016
AssemblyFord Chicago Assembly,
Chicago, Illinois, USA
DesignerRobert Gelardi (exterior: 2005)[3][4]
Peter Horbury (design chief)
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive / all wheel drive
PlatformFord D3 platform
RelatedMercury Sable
Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus X
Ford Flex
LINCOLN MKT
Powertrain
Engine3.7 L Cyclone V6 DOHC
273 hp (277 PS) at 6250 rpm (2009–2011)
3.7 L Cyclone V6 Ti-VCT DOHC
304 hp at 6500 rpm (2012–present)
3.5 L EcoBoost V6 DOHC
355 hp (360 PS) at 5700 rpm (2010-2012)
3.5 L EcoBoost V6 DOHC
365 hp (360 PS) at 5500 rpm (2013-present)
Transmission6-speed 6F50 automatic
6-speed 6F55 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase112.9 in (2,868 mm)
Length2009–2012: 204.1 in (5,184 mm)
2013–2016 : 205.6 in (5,222 mm)
Width75.9 in (1,928 mm)
Height61.6 in (1,565 mm)
Curb weight4,127 lb (1,872 kg) (Front-wheel drive)
4,276 lb (1,940 kg) (All-wheel drive)
Chronology
PredecessorLINCOLN Continental (2002)
LINCOLN Town Car
SuccessorLINCOLN Continental (2017)

The LINCOLN MKS is a full-sized luxury sedan that was manufactured and marketed by the LINCOLN subdivision of Ford from 2009 to 2016. First shown at the LA Auto Show in November 2007, the MKS began production for the 2009 model year at Ford's Chicago Assembly plant in May 2008 with sales beginning a month later.[5] The MKS was the second LINCOLN to adopt the "MK" nomenclature and the first model to wear it through its entire production run. With the discontinuation of the LINCOLN Town Car in 2011, the MKS at 205.6-inches in length became the longest production sedan sold by an American automaker through 2016.

Sharing the Ford D3 platform with the fifth and sixth-generation Ford Taurus, the LINCOLN MKS offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive (a first in a full-size LINCOLN). Shared with the Taurus SHO, the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 became the first turbocharged gasoline engine in a LINCOLN.[6]

The LINCOLN MKS was discontinued after the 2016 model year and replaced by the new LINCOLN Continental.[7]

2006 MKS Concept[edit]

The LINCOLN MKS made its first appearance as a concept car at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The MKS Concept provided a preliminary view of the design direction that LINCOLN was taking for their new full-size flagship sedan of the same name.

The MKS included LINCOLN's signature waterfall grille with a crosshatching that was later used in the grille for the 2007-2009 LINCOLN MKZ. The concept car's headlights featured adaptive lighting that pivoted the headlight projectors in concert with steering inputs. The headlight assemblies incorporated a series of LEDs that would blink in sequence for turn indication. Side vents at the rear of the front wheel wells were adorned with the LINCOLN star. The MKS Concept featured a large sunroof and moonroof combination that takes the place of a conventional roof. The MKS Concept's rear were LED-based parking and brake lamps and dual chrome, trapezoidal-shaped exhaust tips. The MKS Concept rode on 20x8.5-inch, ten spoke wheels.[8]

The MKS Concept seats were covered in cream-colored Aniline leather while the doors and interior panels were covered in pearl-white suede. The dashboard was covered in dark grey suede. Instrumentation and controls featured satin nickel inserts and chrome trim with backlighting provided by white LEDs. An applique of real maple wood ran across the instrument panel, dividing it into upper and lower sections. Features included Bluetooth device connectivity, a DVD-based navigation system, a 14-speaker, 500-watt audio system, a passive entry system that identifies the driver and allows starting the vehicle by carrying its key fob, and a push button ignition system. Safety was provided by dual front airbags, driver and passenger side airbags, and side curtain airbags.[8]

The MKS Concept was based on Ford's front-wheel drive, Volvo-derived D3 Automobile platform that was already in use in the then-Ford Five Hundred, Ford Freestyle, and Mercury Montego (the version used for the MKS in particular was coded D385). It has independent suspension with MacPherson struts and rearward-facing lower L-arms with a stabilizer bar in the front and a multilink coil over shock setup with a stabilizer bar in the rear. The MKS Concept featured an active all-wheel drive system. Powering the MKS Concept was a Ford/Yamaha 4.4 L DOHC V8 producing 315 hp (235 kW) at 4500 rpm and 320 lb·ft (433 N·m) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine was mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.[9]

MKS (2009–2016)[edit]

2009–2012

The production version of the LINCOLN MKS was unveiled to the public in November 2007 at the LA Auto Show. Sales began in the summer of 2008 as a 2009 model. The front fascia of the production version received a new grille, a chrome, split-wing design. The trapezoidal-shaped chrome exhaust tips of the MKS Concept were replaced with more common circular chrome tips.[10]

The production MKS uses leather seating surfaces, thermoplastic olefin door and interior panels, as well as leatherette for the top of the dashboard. The maple wood instrument panel applique from the concept car was replaced with olive-ash or ebony wood.[10]

The MKS was the first series production LINCOLN with radar autonomous cruise control system. Other features include intelligent access system with a push button start, a keyless entry keypad that is mounted flush inside the driver-side B-pillar with buttons that only appear when touched, and optional adaptive HID headlights.[11] Other features include automatic HID headlights, foglights, an Easy Fuel capless fuel filler, foldable power adjustable mirrors with memory, 18x7.5-inch machined aluminum wheels, a 6-speaker audio system with an AM/FM radio and 6-disc in-dash CD changer, Sirius satellite radio with a six-month prepaid subscription, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass, 12-way, heated and cooled power driver and passenger seats, heated rear seats, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with memory, a universal garage door opener, and LINCOLN SYNC.

Safety features include dual front airbags, driver and passenger side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Three equipment packages include the Navigation Package (a DVD navigation system, a THX II-Certified, 14-speaker, 600-watt audio system with an AM/FM radio and six-disc in-dash CD player, and a rearview camera); Technology Package (adaptive HID headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a forward-sensing system[clarification needed], a power sunshade for the rear window, and the intelligent access system with push button start); the Ultimate Package includes everything in the Navigation and Technology packages and a dual panel moonroof, premium 19x8-inch painted alloy wheels, Ultimate seating trim with color-keyed suede strip in the center of the seat back, and a LINCOLN Star logo embroidered into the front seat headrests; an Aluminum Applique Package (aluminum dash trim in the place of wood, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob), is also available but requires the Navigation, Technology, or Ultimate packages. Options include all-wheel drive, 19x8-inch machined aluminum wheels, 20x8-inch polished aluminum wheels, adaptive cruise control, and a PowerCode remote starter.[12]

Illuminated HID projector low/high beam headlamp

Active Park Assist, a system which uses ultrasonic sensors to find and measure a parking space, then operate the steering wheel to accomplish the parallel parking task, will be available in mid-2009 as an option on the 2010 MKS.[13] This feature is accomplished by using software control of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.[14]

The production MKS rides on Ford's D3 platform. The MKS features an independent suspension with MacPherson struts and rearward-facing lower L-arms with a 26 mm (1.0 in) stabilizer bar in the front and a multilink coil over shock setup with stamped steel lower control arms and cast upper control arms in the rear; "LINCOLN Drive Control" with continuously controlled damping (CCD) available as optional feature. The car features four-wheel antilock disc brakes (12.25-inch (311 mm) rotors in the front and 12.75-inch (324 mm) rotors in the rear) with standard AdvanceTrac traction control and Roll Stability Control (RSC). Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. In a significant departure from the MKS Concept and past LINCOLN flagship sedans, the production MKS does not offer a V8 engine. In the place of the 4.4 L Ford/Yamaha V8 found in the MKS Concept, the production MKS is powered by an all-aluminum 3.7 L Duratec DOHC V6, a larger bore derivative of the Duratec 35 and a member of Ford's Cyclone engine family. The engine was designed to accept either regular grade, 87 octane gasoline or premium grade, 91 octane gasoline. Using regular grade gasoline, the 3.7 L V6 produces 273 hp (204 kW) at 6250 rpm and 270 lb·ft (366 N·m) of torque at 4250 rpm. Using premium grade gasoline results in a small boost in output to 275 hp (205 kW) at 6250 rpm and 276 lb·ft (374 N·m) of torque at 4250 rpm. Power from the MKS' V6 is transmitted to the wheels via Ford's 6F50 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is equipped with SelectShift which simulates the operation of a manual transmission.[12] A road test by Car and Driver magazine of an AWD-equipped MKS recorded acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and a quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds at 90 mph (140 km/h). Testers noted the MKS' heavy weight of over 4300 lbs.[15] Ford introduced its EcoBoost V6, an all-aluminum, twin-turbocharged, direct injection 3.5 L DOHC V6, in the 2010 MKS[16] arriving in showrooms in the summer of 2009.[6]

The EcoBoost engine provides 355 hp (265 kW) and 350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) of torque.[17]

2013 facelift[edit]

2013–2016

The facelifted 2013 MKS debuted at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show, with a mildly refreshed exterior and interior (front "Multicontour" seats) as well as safety updates such as auto high beam, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping system. The new MKS also grew slightly in overall length to 205.6 in (5,222 mm), making it the longest domestic production sedan.

Reception[edit]

A reviewer from Canada's National Post gave the MKS a positive reception in a comparison test with the Cadillac STS and Infiniti M45, two cars that Ford picked to bring along.[18]

The MKS has dimensions comparable to the 2010 Audi A8 4.2 FSI quattro, a sedan with all-wheel drive which is equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.2 L V8 engine with direct gasoline injection. The MKS is almost an inch longer than the A8L (long-wheelbase version), an inch wider and five inches (127 mm) taller, has four more cubic feet of trunk space, and extra 25 lb⋅ft (34 N⋅m) of torque, while being 100 lb (45 kg) lighter. The MKS starts at $30,000 less than the base A8.[19]

While praised for its large interior and long list of luxury features, the MKS has been criticized for not being as refined as other luxury sedans in a similar price range. It is also noted that the MKS's platform-mate, the Ford Taurus, offers the same powertrain and many available technological features, starting at an MSRP of $10,000 less than the MKS.[20]

End of production[edit]

Due to declining sales, the LINCOLN MKS was replaced by a new car based on the LINCOLN Continental concept in 2016.[7] The Chicago Assembly Plant where the MKS was produced continued to manufacture the Ford Taurus (until March 2019). The plant continues to build the Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor vehicles.[21]

Yearly American sales[edit]

Calendar year Total sales
2008 12,982[22]
2009 17,174[23]
2010 14,417[24]
2011 12,217[25]
2012 12,524[26]
2013 10,793[27]
2014 8,160[28]
2015 6,877[29]
2016 4,951[30]
2017 153[31]
Total sales: 100,248

References[edit]

  1. ^ Aziz, Nick (August 9, 2006). "2008 LINCOLN MKS (production)". Left Lane News. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  2. ^ http://blog.caranddriver.com/exit-the-LINCOLN-mks-enter-the-uh-continental/
  3. ^ https://tm.linkedin.com/in/robertgelardi
  4. ^ robertgelardi.com/design-folio/
  5. ^ "LINCOLN MKS orders start strong, car is "do-or-die" debut". Motor Trend. June 2, 2008. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b "Ford to Equip Half a Million Vehicles with EcoBoost Engine Technology for Up To 20% Better Fuel Economy". Media.Ford.com (Press release). January 6, 2008. Archived from the original on July 28, 2013.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b Bunkley, Nick (March 30, 2015). "LINCOLN to bring back Continental name". Automotive News. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b "2006 MKS Concept Overview". Media.Ford.com (Press release). January 9, 2006. Archived from the original on May 25, 2011. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  9. ^ "2006 MKS Concept Technical Specifications". Media.Ford.com (Press release). 2006. Archived from the original on 2011-05-25. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b "MKS Showcases Signature LINCOLN Design Cues". Media.Ford.com (Press release). 2008. Archived from the original on April 24, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  11. ^ "2009 MKS Special Features". Media.Ford.com (Press release). 2008. Archived from the original on May 1, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b "2009 MKS Technical Specifications". Media.Ford.com (Press release). 2008. Archived from the original on April 24, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  13. ^ "Ford makes parallel parking a breeze with new 'Active Park Assist'". Media.Ford.com (Press release). April 6, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-08-26. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  14. ^ "Ford builds on electric power steering technology to enhance drive quality, enable more features". Media.Ford.com (Press release). March 12, 2009. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  15. ^ Bedard, Patrick (October 2008). "2009 LINCOLN MKS AWD - Road Test". Car and Driver.
  16. ^ "EcoBoost debut: Fuel-efficient new V6 engine gives flagship LINCOLN MKS the power of a V8". Media.Ford.com (Press release). May 14, 2009. Archived from the original on June 18, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  17. ^ Sutton, Mike (May 2009). "2010 LINCOLN MKS With EcoBoost - Short Take Road Test". Car and Driver. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  18. ^ Booth, David (May 22, 2009). "Preview: 2010 LINCOLN MKS". National Post. Retrieved 2009-09-10.[dead link]
  19. ^ "2010 LINCOLN MKS". Autoblog.com.
  20. ^ "2010 LINCOLN MKS Reviews". Edmunds.com. March 9, 2010. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  21. ^ Mays, Kelsey (June 11, 2015). "Ford is killing off the LINCOLN MKS sedan". USA Today. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  22. ^ "F-Series drives Ford to higher market share for third consecutive month" (PDF). Media.Ford.com (Press release). January 5, 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 6, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  23. ^ "FORD CAPS 2009 WITH 33 PERCENT SALES INCREASE, FIRST FULL-YEAR MARKET SHARE GAIN SINCE 1995" (PDF). Media.Ford.com (Press release). January 5, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 11, 2011. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
  24. ^ "December 2010 Sales: Ford Motor Company - Cheers & Gears Forums". Cheersandgears.com. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
  25. ^ "2011 Ford Brand Sales up 17% for the year in U.S." (PDF). Media.Ford.com (Press release). January 4, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 31, 2012. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
  26. ^ "Ford Cars, Utilities and Trucks All Post U.S. Sales Gains in 2012" (PDF). Media.Ford.com (Press release). January 3, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 23, 2013. Retrieved 2013-01-03.
  27. ^ "Ford Motor Company Delivers Best Sales Year Since 2006" (PDF). Media.ford.com (Press release). January 3, 2014. Retrieved 2014-01-06.
  28. ^ "Ford Posts Best U.S. December Sales Results since 2005" (PDF). Media.Ford.com (Press release). January 5, 2015. Retrieved 2015-01-07.
  29. ^ "New Products Make Ford Best-Selling Brand for Sixth Straight Year" (PDF). Media.Ford.com (Press release). January 5, 2016. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
  30. ^ "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.
  31. ^ "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.

External links[edit]

« previous LINCOLN, a luxury division of Ford Motor Company – road car timeline, 1980–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
Mid-size Versailles Continental Continental Continental Zephyr / MKZ MKZ
LS
Full-size MKS Continental
Continental Town Car Town Car Town Car
Personal luxury car Continental Mark VI Continental/LINCOLN Mark VII LINCOLN Mark VIII
Compact CUV MKC Corsair
Mid-size CUV MKX MKX / Nautilus
Full-size CUV MKT
Mid-size SUV Aviator Aviator
Full-size SUV Navigator Navigator Navigator Navigator
Pickup truck Blackwood Mark LT Mark LT‡
Notes      ‡The LINCOLN Mark LT was exclusively sold in Mexico after the 2008 model year.
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