Lincoln aims at luxury crossovers with MKT

In an effort to grow the brand to customers who normally buy imports, Lincoln will offer up a full-size crossover, the MKT, that is due in dealerships in late summer.

We saw the Lincoln MKT at the Detroit Auto Show.

As sales of full-size sport/utility vehicles decline--Lincoln says industry-wide sales are down 5.2 percent for 2008--sales of crossovers are growing. People still need to haul stuff and other people, they'd just rather do it in a car-based vehicle.

Lincoln marketers hope the MKT, with its three rows of seats and long list of luxury options, will be able to compete against segment leaders such as the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Cadillac SRX and Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

"For sure, the MKT is a niche player," said Mike Crowley, group marketing manager for Lincoln. "In this segment, styling is key. Safety is key. And it has to be fun to drive with ride comfort, expressive styling and a luxurious interior. That's the MKT."

Gordon Platto, chief designer for the crossover, said the exterior design wears the new look that is Lincoln. "This is where we are going with the looks ... and the quality."

The interior has hand-stitched leather and all the surfaces are soft to the touch. The three rows of seats are standard, with optional one-touch power seats available. The second row, which Lincoln says offers best-in-class legroom, can be fitted with the standard 60:40 split bench or captains chairs.

Riding on the Ford Flex platform, the MKT--whichhas about the same overall length as a Lincoln Navigator--has a sculptured look to the body with chrome accents all around. The "zero-offset" bumpers are a new look for Lincoln, as are the full-width taillights riding on the vehicle's bustle back. All MKTs will come with a fixed glass vista roof with built-in sunshade, with a power roof optional.

There will be two engines to choose from, the standard 3.7-liter V6 with 267 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, or the optional 3.5-liter V6 Ecoboost making 350 hp and 350 lb-ft. Both engines will be fitted to a six-speed automatic transmission. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters will be standard.

Lincoln promises the MKT's ride will be more supple than the Flex but with the Flex's same precise handling.

The MKT will also be available with several new electronic goodies Ford recently announced, including adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation system that pre-loads the brakes if it deems it necessary; blind spot information system and an active park assist. Ford execs making the announcement said the active park assist system that directs the driver to use the throttle or brake and to shift from forward to reverse. "It's very intuitive, very easy to use. And it's better than the system in the Lexus," said Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas.

Detroit Auto Show News

By Roger Hart