2009 Lincoln MKS Preview

Introduction

Lincoln has struggled to compete in the heart of the luxury market with the likes of the BMW 3 and 5 Series, Lexus GS, Infiniti G and M, or Cadillac CTS for many years. The company unveiled a possible competitor in that segment at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the form of the MKS sedan concept. Now, Lincoln is making good with a production model for the 2009 model year.

The split, "double-wing" grille of the concept and production car is reminiscent of Lincolns from the 1940s. The concept car had a 4.4-liter V-8 engine, but the production model will feature a 3.7-liter V-6 engine with the promise of a turbocharged V-6 engine in the future. While more and more luxury makers are returning to rear-wheel drive, the MKS will have a choice of FWD or AWD. The MKS will seat five and go on sale in the summer of 2008.

Model LineupComplete information isn't finalized yet, but the 2009 Lincoln MKS will most likely be offered in one trim level with FWD or AWD. Standard equipment will include cruise control; dual-zone automatic climate control; Bridge of Weir leather upholstery; 12-way power front seats that are heated and cooled; heated rear seats; memory for the steering column, driver's seat and mirrors; heated power exterior mirrors; power windows and locks; keyless entry with push-button starting; AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer and 6 speakers; Sirius satellite radio; Sync in-car communications system; power tilt/telescoping steering column; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; wood and aluminum interior trim; auto-dimming rearview mirror; rain-sensing wipers; vehicle information center; universal garage door opener; theft-deterrent system; high-intensity discharge headlights; fog lights; Ford's Easy Fuel capless fuel-filler system; and P235/55R18 tires on bright aluminum wheels. It will also have Ford's next-generation keyless entry keypad-which is ordinarily invisible but uses heat-sensing technology to light up when you wave your hand over it. Options will include olive ash wood interior trim; a power rear window sunshade; THX II audio system with 5.1 surround sound, 600 watts and 14 speakers; adaptive headlights that point into turns; dual panel sunroof with an opening front panel; radar-based adaptive cruise control that maintains a set following distance; front park assist; rearview camera; 19- and 20 inch wheels; and a voice-activated navigation system with Sirius Travel Link that provides real-time traffic, weather forecasts, fuel prices, movie listings and sports scores.