Lincoln MKX Crossover Utility Vehicle and MKS Concept Sedan

Lincoln MKX Crossover Utility Vehicle and MKS Concept Sedan

by Lincoln PR

tags: concept sedans cuvs lincoln mks lincoln mkx

DETROIT, Jan. 9 FCN! – One is about to enter the crossover marketplace "sweet spot" in late 2006, the other is a concept that hints at the future design direction for an upcoming full-size luxury sedan. Both carry the challenge of re-defining 21st century luxury within Ford Motor Companys Lincoln brand.

The 2007 Lincoln MKX pronounced "Mark X"! crossover utility vehicle CUV! and the Lincoln MKS "Mark S"! concept sedan were both introduced Monday during Lincoln Mercurys media event at the 2006 North American International Auto Show NAIAS! in Detroit.

How they, and the recently launched 2006 Lincoln Zephyr entry-level sedan, are received is how Lincoln will be judged in its efforts to lure a new generation of luxury buyers to the brand.

That change, according to Ford Motor Company executive vice president and chief operating officer, Anne Stevens, began by re-evaluating what Lincoln had been delivering to customers.

"We admit that Lincoln has meant a lot of things to a lot of people in the past, but our vision going forward is quite simple," Stevens said. "Lincoln will be about growth... by becoming Americas luxury vehicle. We have no aspirations for Lincoln to compete on the world stage, because the competition is here at home. It is about winning the hearts and minds of Americans living the American Dream."

"Peoples attitudes about luxury are shifting," said Peter Horbury, executive director, North American Design. "This is an opportunity for Lincoln to reclaim its rightful place in the American luxury market."

2007 Lincoln MKX

To begin earning back some of that market share, Lincoln is "crossing over" to where the customers are with the introduction of the MKX.

As a five-passenger CUV to be powered by an all-new 3.5-liter engine with a 6-speed transmission, the MKX gives Lincoln its first entry into the red-hot crossover market. Many analysts have predicted that CUV sales would overtake traditional SUVs by the end of the decade, but many now feel it will happen this year.

"CUV sales have grown from about 500,000 units in 2000, when there were 15 models available, to over 2.2 million units last year across 41 nameplates," said U.S. sales analyst George Pipas. "Thats an increase of 14 percent last year. By comparison, traditional SUV sales came in at about 2.4 million units in 2005, after having peaked at 3 million units a year as recently as 2002. No one will argue that CUVs will be considered the vehicle of this decade."

"Crossover vehicles are the hottest segment in America with a growth curve thats even outpacing that of SUVs during the 90s," said Horbury. "These buyers are looking for a combination of SUV passenger and cargo flexibility plus car-like agility, ride and fuel economy. Qualities that are embodied in the Lincoln MKX."

Billed as having the quietest Lincoln interior yet, the MKX also offers an optional all-glass panoramic Vista Roof, a 27-by-29-inch forward moon roof for both driver and front-seat passenger with one-touch open capability. A fixed 15-by-31-inch rear moon roof also gives rear-seat passengers an outside view.

Adaptive front lighting, heated and cooled front seats heated rear seats!, a 14-speaker THX audio system and DVD navigation are some of the other interior luxury amenities available. And with the front passenger and rear seats folded, Lincoln says the MKX delivers the largest cargo area in its class.

Lincoln MKX also comes standard with a four-wheel anti-lock braking system ABS!, Roll Stability Control, dual-stage front airbags and an optional intelligent all-wheel-drive AWD! system.

Horbury calls the Lincoln MKX the first "distinctly American" entry in the luxury mid-size CUV market.

"We think the opportunity is particularly strong in the luxury CUV segment," he said.

Lincoln MKS concept sedan

"Strongly hinting" at the design direction Lincoln will take with its future flagship sedan is the MKS concept.

With an exterior that includes Lincolns trademark waterfall grille and 20-inch tires, the largest ever on a Lincoln sedan, the MKS combines a new all-aluminum 4.4-liter V-8 engine 315 horsepower! with a six-speed transmission.

"Its a concert of robust and confident acceleration, very good fuel efficiency and low emissions," said Horbury.

Inside, MKS features heated and cooled seats with 14-way power adjustments, the panoramic Vista Roof and a variety of entertainment and convenience features including an advanced navigation system, Bluetooth and DVD-audio surround sound.

"This type of innovative and intuitive technology will be the hallmark of Lincolns going forward," said Horbury.

Along with an array of safety features, the Lincoln MKS is also equipped with a steering column that tailors its rate of collapse to a drivers size and safety-belt use in the event of a serious collision.

"Lincoln has historically excelled at full-size luxury sedans, its been our hallmark" said Darryl Hazel, vice president, Marketing. "With the Lincoln MKS were reaffirming what we stand for and signaling our intent to introduce a new full-size performance luxury sedan in the very near future."

"Luxury customers have very high expectations for vehicle design, performance, comfort and service," said Stevens. "Innovation is something they expect and demand. And they will buy brands that deliver it. Lincoln is becoming their luxury brand."