355 HP from a 3.5 liter twin turbocharged V6 is nothing to sneeze at, but we've never really heard verified quarter mile times for either the Lincoln MKS or Ford Flex, so we jumped at the chance to run them at Milan Dragway when Ford called us up. After all, big talk about stuff like "fuel economy" and "V8-like performance" isn't squat unless the cars can turn in the numbers. Although we've already driven the Lincoln MKS EcoBoost, we've yet to drive the similarly ecoboosted Ford Flex. We weren't allowed behind the wheel this time either, but we did get to watch as Ford engineers peeled out from the starting tree.

So we hit the "Test and Tune" night at the Dragway, better known as "run whatcha brung." The gates open at 5:00 pm and through them pour a wide spectrum of vehicles, everything from clapped together hoopties we're pretty sure tech looked the other way on to drag rails to snowmobiles. Yes, they race snowmobiles, nine second, 130 MPH snowmobiles. So when three MKS and a Ford Flex showed up, let's just say the crowd didn't exactly go wild. Once we popped the hoods though, those in the know crowded around the cars. "Yes, it's the SHO powertrain" was very often repeated.

And then over the loudspeaker "All street tire cars proceed to the staging area." We were up. It's a very strange thing to stage a quiet, luxurious, $48,000 Lincoln next to snarling, barely-road legal Mustangs and GTO's, but we made our way to the front of the line. We lined up at the lights, windows up, air conditioning off, traction control disabled, brake stand, revs at 3000 rpm and green! The unassumingly Lincoln then proceeded to return a 14.1 second quarter mile with a trap speed of 104.4 MPH. When we parked, there were quite a few more people interested in what was under the hood. Ours wasn't even the fastest time of the evening. Later in the evening, when the temperature had dropped and the cars had cooled down, former Jalopnik hack and Car & Driver man about town Mike Austin managed a 13.9 second run at 104 MPH. Yes, that's right — you can buy a 13 second Lincoln.

But what about that EcoBoost Flex? Well, despite all our ribbing and negotiating, Ford wouldn't let us behind the wheel, but that didn't stop them from having a good 'ole time of it. Would you believe the Flex, with all of it's 4500 lbs of heft and the aerodynamics of a brick wall managed a 14.5 second run at 98 MPH? Turns out 355 HP and a torque curve as flat as Iowa can really wake up a car's performance.

Here's the thing about both of these cars — they were running consistently all night long. If you want to be a bracket racing hero and take the kids out to soccer practice the next day, the Flex will do 14.5 s at 95 to 98 MPH run after run after run. Same with the MKS, speeds were in the 103 to 104 MPH range and we picked up 1/10 of a second for each 5 degrees the temperature dropped, 14.1 to 13.9 as the night grew cooler.

Someone should really tell Ford they need this setup in the Mustang.

If ever there was a Lincoln we could call "hot rod, " this is it, but not in the way you might imagine. The MKS with EcoBoost boasts the same interior refinement and space, amenities and electronic wizardry, pleasant road manners and a price point starting at $47,760 — about ten grand more than the base MKS, but only about $4,000 more than an equivalently-optioned non-EcoBoost MKS. For that added price, you'll get some tasteful upgrades to the already handsome exterior with a subtle lip spoiler at the back, smoked headlights, a chin spoiler and nice wheels.

That sweet twin-turbo V6 moves this thing off the line like a scalded monkey and the transmission stays out of your way when you want it to. The first time you smash the happy pedal and get that whoosh of power you know this is a velvet hammer. Accelerating all the way up to the car's tire-limited 135 MPH top speed is effortless, with the engine providing no hint of protest. Loping along at that speed, burning fossil fuels at 9.5 MPG, it feels planted, with the only drama of speed communicated through the windows. Even at this speed, it's silent as a coffin and steady as a rock. But when you then start exploring the other car's other limits, your brow begins to furl.

Toss it hard into a sweeping corner and accelerate, it's balanced with a hint of understeer, but while the tires aren't protesting the chassis is. It feels... unsettled. You feel as if you're about to oversteer even if the car's understeering. Drop down from a panic stop and the ABS calibration is absolutely perfect, no pulsation, no loss of traction and you're stopping so hard the car leaves behind two perfect tire tracks and a breeze of sublimated rubber blows by as you come to a halt. But the pedal is mushy, there's no real feel in it and the travel before it engages is too long.

We really wanted this car to be an 550i fighter, but it isn't. It's a very big car with a very bad-ass engine which doesn't quite tackle corners with the aplomb we'd like. Don't get us wrong here, it does everything very well. The powertrain is perfect for the segment — fast when you want it fast, quiet when you want it to be quiet and loud when you want it to be loud. It tackles corners respectably and the brakes do their thing, but it doesn't feel right. The MKS is super fun in a straight line, and delightful in the corners to about 80%, but after that it gets spooky, and that final 20% is what makes legends. Which this MKS sadly isn't. But, what it does mean is there's hope that the Taurus SHO and the expected lower weight, suspension tuning and 10 more ponies we'll be seeing later this year will show us the final 20% we're looking for.

To be perfectly fair, we've never successfully used an automatic parallel parking system. On a lark once, we tried out the Lexus GS system and never actually got it to parallel park. We got frustrated somewhere in the middle of the process and gave up, parallel parking in manual mode, which means with our hands and eyes.
We strolled down to the McCormick South parking garage, hopped into the awaiting MKS, and after a very brief bout of instruction from Ford chassis engineer Ali Jammoul we were off to the races. To engage the system you press the park button in the center console; as you drive past a line of parked cars the system uses a long range ultrasonic sensor to measure empty spaces and decide if the car will fit. When it has found a suitable space the driver information center dings to let you know it has one. It then directs you to pull forward until it's happy with the car's position, then directs you to stop and shift into reverse. At this point it's an entirely hands-off affair - press the gas and the car turns the steering wheel itself, providing seamless, parking-professional-level steering. The backup sensors pick up the proximity of the car behind and you brake to a stop, shift into drive and the car tucks you into the spot.

Admittedly, the space here is enormous, estimated at vehicle length plus 60%, but Jammoul assured us the car would easily navigate a space only 20% longer than the car. However, the whole process is so simple and effective as to be almost creepy. This is something which will cause a driver's parallel parking skills to atrophy. Even though it's a gadget we don't particularly want in a car, it's still very impressive.

via TMZ

Lincoln is hoping buyers will sail past cars like the V8-powered Infiniti M45 to look at the Lincoln MKS, which they claim will offer best-in-class highway economy at 25 MPG, and the Lincoln's relatively more powerful V6. Whether or not this actually sways anyone to buy a car from a brand more associated with livery than with living good is another question.

ECOBOOST DEBUT: FUEL-EFFICIENT NEW V-6 ENGINE GIVES FLAGSHIP LINCOLN MKS THE POWER OF A V-8

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2009 – Launched last summer, the Lincoln MKS upholds the luxury and comfort standards unique to Lincoln. Now, with the addition of all-new EcoBoost engines, the Lincoln MKS also will deliver a compelling combination of V-8 power and V-6 fuel economy.

The Lincoln MKS is among the first Ford Motor Company vehicle to introduce a premium twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine for the 2010 model year and is expected to deliver best-in-class highway fuel economy of 25 mpg. By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford Motor Company’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology.

“We are committed to delivering fuel economy leadership in every new vehicle,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.  “We do this with affordable technology that can be applied to the widest number of vehicles. EcoBoost is an important component of that goal.

“The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power. We’re able to decrease the size of the available engine – such as installing a V-6 versus a V-8 – yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque of that larger engine.”

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is expected to attain fuel economy numbers of 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway based on preliminary testing of the all-wheel-drive 2010 Lincoln MKS while producing an estimated 355 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 350 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm.

With its premium EcoBoost engine, the new Lincoln MKS will deliver more power and better highway fuel efficiency than the 2009 Lexus GS460 (24 mpg) or 2009 Infiniti M45 (21 mpg).

“We’re delighted with how well the Lincoln MKS has been received. Customers have really responded to the vehicle’s balanced combination of luxury, comfort and performance,” said Pete Reyes, chief nameplate engineer. “Adding the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is another great enhancement to our luxury sedan. We now can deliver V-8 power without sacrificing fuel economy.”

The Lincoln MKS will be among the first vehicles to receive the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 starting in the summer of 2009, enhancing what’s already a strong package. Standard on the Lincoln MKS EcoBoost series will be 19-inch wheels, steering-wheel paddle shifters to the six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and an expanded technology package that includes Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, ambient lighting, adaptive HID headlamps with Auto Highbeam, rain-sensing wipers and rear-window power sunshade.

“The Lincoln MKS EcoBoost series provides customers the best combination in style, technology and power,” said Pei-Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS Marketing manager. “An EcoBoost appearance package also will be available, offering customers a more aggressive and sporty look that further differentiates the Lincoln MKS from other competitors.”

The EcoBoost program is part of Ford’s ongoing and wide-ranging initiative to deliver innovative fuel-efficient powertrain systems with horsepower and torque performance found in larger-displacement engines.

“Our EcoBoost engines offer more power and better fuel economy,” said Brett Hinds, EcoBoost design manager. “It’s all part of Ford’s strategy to bring adaptable powertrain technology to all kinds of vehicles and all kinds of lifestyles. This technology is affordable and applicable to all gasoline engines.”

The turbochargers recover energy from the exhaust that otherwise would be wasted and put it back in the engine to gain efficiency. Simply, the turbocharging system puts more air into the engine for more power. A compressor increases or “boosts” the pressure of the air entering the engine. An intercooler reduces the air temperature before it enters the engine.

The twin parallel turbochargers, which are water-cooled and operate simultaneously, combine with a direct-injection fuel system to produce power when the driver pushes down on the accelerator pedal. The high-pressure fuel pump operates up to 2,175 psi – more than 35 times the norm seen in a conventional V-6 engine. The high-pressure pump is a cam-driven mechanical pump with a single piston and an electronic valve that controls how much fuel is routed into the fuel rails to the injectors.

As demands on the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine are increased, the control system responds to maintain optimal combustion, timing and injection duration.

On each stroke, six individual jets spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber, mixing with the incoming air. “By bringing the fuel injector right into the combustion chamber, there’s no delay from the time you inject the fuel to when it’s used by the engine,” Hinds said.

The fuel injectors are located on the side of the combustion chamber. When the fuel is injected into the cylinder, it evaporates and cools the air that’s been inducted into the cylinder. “Another benefit of our direct-injection method is that it cools the air right where you’re going to burn it,” Hinds said. “This action both improves the breathing of the engine and minimizes knocking.”

The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder also helps provide a well-mixed air-fuel charge, increasing engine efficiency. Direct injection provides several benefits in terms of fuel burn and lower emissions.

“Because the fuel is directly introduced into the combustion chamber, you don’t get fuel wetting the combustion wall like with port fuel injection, you don’t saturate the ports and you don’t get droplets that might recombine and add to saturation,” Hinds said. “By injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber and under high pressure, the fuel can be directed to exactly where we want it to be for a given combustion cycle.”

The spray pattern for the fuel was optimized after extensive computer modeling work, with the angle of how the fuel is sprayed key to the process. “The better combustion process is a big advantage of direct injection,” Hinds said. “In a port fuel system, at key off it’s possible to have fuel on the walls of the intake port, which migrates to the top of the valve and puddles. So when you key on, you get that emissions spike. Direct injection is much cleaner from that standpoint.”

Turbo lag virtually eliminated
The simultaneous turbocharger operation paired with the direct-injection system help to virtually eliminate turbo lag, one of the main reasons turbocharger technology was not previously more widely used.

The dual-turbocharger setup has several advantages over previous turbocharging systems, including:

The turbochargers are smaller, resulting in more-compact exhaust manifolds, which don’t generate as much heat
Turbochargers are packaged adjacent to the cylinder block and have improved mounting providing NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) improvements
The dual turbochargers spool up quicker, allowing the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine to reach peak torque faster. The turbochargers spin at approximately 170,000 rpm. By comparison, the redline for the engine is approximately 6,500 rpm

“The two turbochargers both operate identically over the speed range of the engine – one is responsible for the left bank of the engine and the other is responsible for the right bank,” Hinds said. “Both spin immediately and produce boost, even at low engine speeds.”

The turbochargers are designed for a life cycle of 150,000 miles or 10 years.

“Our testing is far, far more harsh than could be achieved in the real world,” Hinds. “In an extreme situation, a customer might be able to hit peak power for about 10 seconds – probably not even that much. We test at peak power for hundreds of hours to ensure we can reach our durability and reliability goals.”

The turbochargers are only about the size of an orange, but help provide a big performance advantage to customers. Hinds describes the torque response in terms of linear acceleration – power whenever you need it.

“You get peak torque across a very wide engine speed range,” he said. “It’s available when you pull away from a stoplight or pass someone on a secondary road at a comparatively low speed. You don’t need to wind up the engine to get performance out of it. It’s there all the time.”

Turbocharger “whoosh” is mitigated by electronically controlled anti-surge valves, which proactively relieve the boost in the intake, which can range up to 12 PSI. Careful software calibrations manage the pressures in the intake manifold.

“We control the boost to make sure that customers don’t recognize when the boost is building,” Hinds said. “As the turbochargers spool up, the electronic control system takes over. Our active wastegate control along with the throttle controls the boost and torque levels very precisely and the customer perceives a continuous delivery of torque.”

Extensive durability tests on the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine ensure it will excel in all conditions. Start-up tests, with a wide variety of fuels, were made in conditions ranging from minus 40 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Altitude testing up to 12,000 feet in Colorado also was performed.

“The direct-injection fuel system allows us some real opportunities in terms of optimizing cold start for both emissions and robustness,” Hinds said. “We have multiple injections for each combustion event, and we can essentially tune where those injections should take place to deliver the strongest start possible with the lowest emissions.”

Mated to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine is the 6-speed 6F-55 SelectShift automatic transmission, which is dedicated to the twin-turbocharger engine. The 6F-55 transmission was developed from the successful 6F-50 transmission to specifically respond to the increased torque demands of the EcoBoost V-6 engine. Upgrades were made to the transmission’s friction material in response to the higher shift energies, and a new torque converter has been optimized for performance and fuel economy.

Additionally, the 6F-55 transmission operates more efficiently. The transmission team was able to reduce the fluid level in the transmission, which in turn reduced weight and drag torque on the system. Upgrades to the transmission’s thermal valve mean the system warms up quicker, reducing gear-spin losses.

“We’ve upgraded the gear sets to handle the increased torque,” said Joe Baum, powertrain team leader. “We’ve also adjusted the final drive ratio and matched the gear ratios to provide the optimum performance and fuel economy.

“Our final drive ration is 2.73. With a lower final drive ratio, the engine spins lower at highway speeds, which helps save fuel. And with all the torque, the Lincoln MKS still delivers good low-speed launch performance.”

One harmonious system
Careful powertrain system management ensures the engine, turbochargers and transmission work together harmoniously.

The Lincoln MKS team also was careful to give customers an exhaust note from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that was pleasing but not overpowering. A precision-tuned induction sound tube directed into the cabin complements the feeling of power.

“It has the powerful sound Lincoln MKS customers will respond to,” Hinds said.

With the addition of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, the overall package for the Lincoln MKS is one customers will respond to as well.

“With its elegant styling, wide suite of convenience technology and incomparable ride, the Lincoln MKS is an outstanding luxury sedan,” Reyes said. “We’re pleased and proud to add the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 to an already-great car.”

[Source: Lincoln]

The Lincoln MKS is a good fit for the EcoBoost technology because luxury buyers not only want the power, power the EcoBoost V6 has to spare, they're also willing to pay for the premium. Other than the new engine, and awesome badging, the new MKS is mostly indiscernible from non-EcoBoost MKS models. Press release below.

ECOBOOST DEBUT: FUEL-EFFICIENT NEW V-6 ENGINE GIVES FLAGSHIP LINCOLN MKS THE POWER OF A V-8

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2009 – Launched last summer, the Lincoln MKS upholds the luxury and comfort standards unique to Lincoln. Now, with the addition of all-new EcoBoost engines, the Lincoln MKS also will deliver a compelling combination of V-8 power and V-6 fuel economy.

The Lincoln MKS is among the first Ford Motor Company vehicle to introduce a premium twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine for the 2010 model year and is expected to deliver best-in-class highway fuel economy of 25 mpg. By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford Motor Company’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology.

“We are committed to delivering fuel economy leadership in every new vehicle,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.  “We do this with affordable technology that can be applied to the widest number of vehicles. EcoBoost is an important component of that goal.

“The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power. We’re able to decrease the size of the available engine – such as installing a V-6 versus a V-8 – yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque of that larger engine.”

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is expected to attain fuel economy numbers of 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway based on preliminary testing of the all-wheel-drive 2010 Lincoln MKS while producing an estimated 355 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 350 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm.

With its premium EcoBoost engine, the new Lincoln MKS will deliver more power and better highway fuel efficiency than the 2009 Lexus GS460 (24 mpg) or 2009 Infiniti M45 (21 mpg).

“We’re delighted with how well the Lincoln MKS has been received. Customers have really responded to the vehicle’s balanced combination of luxury, comfort and performance,” said Pete Reyes, chief nameplate engineer. “Adding the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is another great enhancement to our luxury sedan. We now can deliver V-8 power without sacrificing fuel economy.”

The Lincoln MKS will be among the first vehicles to receive the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 starting in the summer of 2009, enhancing what’s already a strong package. Standard on the Lincoln MKS EcoBoost series will be 19-inch wheels, steering-wheel paddle shifters to the six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and an expanded technology package that includes Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, ambient lighting, adaptive HID headlamps with Auto Highbeam, rain-sensing wipers and rear-window power sunshade.

“The Lincoln MKS EcoBoost series provides customers the best combination in style, technology and power,” said Pei-Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS Marketing manager. “An EcoBoost appearance package also will be available, offering customers a more aggressive and sporty look that further differentiates the Lincoln MKS from other competitors.”

The EcoBoost program is part of Ford’s ongoing and wide-ranging initiative to deliver innovative fuel-efficient powertrain systems with horsepower and torque performance found in larger-displacement engines.

“Our EcoBoost engines offer more power and better fuel economy,” said Brett Hinds, EcoBoost design manager. “It’s all part of Ford’s strategy to bring adaptable powertrain technology to all kinds of vehicles and all kinds of lifestyles. This technology is affordable and applicable to all gasoline engines.”

The turbochargers recover energy from the exhaust that otherwise would be wasted and put it back in the engine to gain efficiency. Simply, the turbocharging system puts more air into the engine for more power. A compressor increases or “boosts” the pressure of the air entering the engine. An intercooler reduces the air temperature before it enters the engine.

The twin parallel turbochargers, which are water-cooled and operate simultaneously, combine with a direct-injection fuel system to produce power when the driver pushes down on the accelerator pedal. The high-pressure fuel pump operates up to 2,175 psi – more than 35 times the norm seen in a conventional V-6 engine. The high-pressure pump is a cam-driven mechanical pump with a single piston and an electronic valve that controls how much fuel is routed into the fuel rails to the injectors.

As demands on the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine are increased, the control system responds to maintain optimal combustion, timing and injection duration.

On each stroke, six individual jets spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber, mixing with the incoming air. “By bringing the fuel injector right into the combustion chamber, there’s no delay from the time you inject the fuel to when it’s used by the engine,” Hinds said.

The fuel injectors are located on the side of the combustion chamber. When the fuel is injected into the cylinder, it evaporates and cools the air that’s been inducted into the cylinder. “Another benefit of our direct-injection method is that it cools the air right where you’re going to burn it,” Hinds said. “This action both improves the breathing of the engine and minimizes knocking.”

The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder also helps provide a well-mixed air-fuel charge, increasing engine efficiency. Direct injection provides several benefits in terms of fuel burn and lower emissions.

“Because the fuel is directly introduced into the combustion chamber, you don’t get fuel wetting the combustion wall like with port fuel injection, you don’t saturate the ports and you don’t get droplets that might recombine and add to saturation,” Hinds said. “By injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber and under high pressure, the fuel can be directed to exactly where we want it to be for a given combustion cycle.”

The spray pattern for the fuel was optimized after extensive computer modeling work, with the angle of how the fuel is sprayed key to the process. “The better combustion process is a big advantage of direct injection,” Hinds said. “In a port fuel system, at key off it’s possible to have fuel on the walls of the intake port, which migrates to the top of the valve and puddles. So when you key on, you get that emissions spike. Direct injection is much cleaner from that standpoint.”

Turbo lag virtually eliminated
The simultaneous turbocharger operation paired with the direct-injection system help to virtually eliminate turbo lag, one of the main reasons turbocharger technology was not previously more widely used.

The dual-turbocharger setup has several advantages over previous turbocharging systems, including:

The turbochargers are smaller, resulting in more-compact exhaust manifolds, which don’t generate as much heat
Turbochargers are packaged adjacent to the cylinder block and have improved mounting providing NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) improvements
The dual turbochargers spool up quicker, allowing the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine to reach peak torque faster. The turbochargers spin at approximately 170,000 rpm. By comparison, the redline for the engine is approximately 6,500 rpm

“The two turbochargers both operate identically over the speed range of the engine – one is responsible for the left bank of the engine and the other is responsible for the right bank,” Hinds said. “Both spin immediately and produce boost, even at low engine speeds.”

The turbochargers are designed for a life cycle of 150,000 miles or 10 years.

“Our testing is far, far more harsh than could be achieved in the real world,” Hinds. “In an extreme situation, a customer might be able to hit peak power for about 10 seconds – probably not even that much. We test at peak power for hundreds of hours to ensure we can reach our durability and reliability goals.”

The turbochargers are only about the size of an orange, but help provide a big performance advantage to customers. Hinds describes the torque response in terms of linear acceleration – power whenever you need it.

“You get peak torque across a very wide engine speed range,” he said. “It’s available when you pull away from a stoplight or pass someone on a secondary road at a comparatively low speed. You don’t need to wind up the engine to get performance out of it. It’s there all the time.”

Turbocharger “whoosh” is mitigated by electronically controlled anti-surge valves, which proactively relieve the boost in the intake, which can range up to 12 PSI. Careful software calibrations manage the pressures in the intake manifold.

“We control the boost to make sure that customers don’t recognize when the boost is building,” Hinds said. “As the turbochargers spool up, the electronic control system takes over. Our active wastegate control along with the throttle controls the boost and torque levels very precisely and the customer perceives a continuous delivery of torque.”

Extensive durability tests on the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine ensure it will excel in all conditions. Start-up tests, with a wide variety of fuels, were made in conditions ranging from minus 40 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Altitude testing up to 12,000 feet in Colorado also was performed.

“The direct-injection fuel system allows us some real opportunities in terms of optimizing cold start for both emissions and robustness,” Hinds said. “We have multiple injections for each combustion event, and we can essentially tune where those injections should take place to deliver the strongest start possible with the lowest emissions.”

Mated to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine is the 6-speed 6F-55 SelectShift automatic transmission, which is dedicated to the twin-turbocharger engine. The 6F-55 transmission was developed from the successful 6F-50 transmission to specifically respond to the increased torque demands of the EcoBoost V-6 engine. Upgrades were made to the transmission’s friction material in response to the higher shift energies, and a new torque converter has been optimized for performance and fuel economy.

Additionally, the 6F-55 transmission operates more efficiently. The transmission team was able to reduce the fluid level in the transmission, which in turn reduced weight and drag torque on the system. Upgrades to the transmission’s thermal valve mean the system warms up quicker, reducing gear-spin losses.

“We’ve upgraded the gear sets to handle the increased torque,” said Joe Baum, powertrain team leader. “We’ve also adjusted the final drive ratio and matched the gear ratios to provide the optimum performance and fuel economy.

“Our final drive ration is 2.73. With a lower final drive ratio, the engine spins lower at highway speeds, which helps save fuel. And with all the torque, the Lincoln MKS still delivers good low-speed launch performance.”

One harmonious system
Careful powertrain system management ensures the engine, turbochargers and transmission work together harmoniously.

The Lincoln MKS team also was careful to give customers an exhaust note from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that was pleasing but not overpowering. A precision-tuned induction sound tube directed into the cabin complements the feeling of power.

“It has the powerful sound Lincoln MKS customers will respond to,” Hinds said.

With the addition of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, the overall package for the Lincoln MKS is one customers will respond to as well.

“With its elegant styling, wide suite of convenience technology and incomparable ride, the Lincoln MKS is an outstanding luxury sedan,” Reyes said. “We’re pleased and proud to add the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 to an already-great car.”

Ford's Active Park Assist looks to be much more controlled than the system Lexus debuted on the LS460 and will be available as an option on the 2010 Lincoln MKS and the upcoming 2010 Lincoln MKT crossover that will debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

Active Park Assist will accompany Ford's new Electric Power Assisted Steering in the 2010 Lincoln MKS and MKT and will be featured in the rest of Ford's lineup in 2012.

A new six-speed auto-transmission with steering wheel flappy paddle shifters will be available on the 2010 Lincoln MKS and upcoming 2010 Ford Taurus. You'll notice them in the video above if you're paying attention. It's the first time these new shifters have been spotted in the wild.

[YouTube via Ford]

Available as an option on both the 2010 Lincoln MKS and the as-yet-unrevealed 2010 Lincoln MKT seven-seat crossover, Active Park Assist accompanies Ford’s new Electric Power Assisted Steering.

Ford explains its new headline technology best:

• The driver activates the system by pressing an instrument panel button, which activates the ultrasonic sensors to measure and identify a feasible parallel parking space.
• The system then prompts the driver to accept the system assistance to park.
• The steering system then takes over and steers the car into the parking space hands-free. The driver still shifts the transmission and operates the gas and brake pedals.
• A visual and/or audible driver interface advises the driver about the proximity of other cars, objects and people and provides instructions.
• While the steering is all done automatically, the driver remains responsible for safe parking and can interrupt the system by grasping the steering wheel.

To see a larger version of the graphic explaining this, click here.

Ford claims that the ultrasonic sensors mounted front and rear lead to greater speed and more user friendliness when compared to its camera-using competitors, specifically the much-publicized Lexus LS’s Advanced Parking Guidance System. Ford’s system can also maneuver downhill into spaces, unlike the Lexus.

Since we’re self-reliant manly men who are embarrassed to ask for help with directions, much less the kind of basic driving skill that’s been passed down from father to son for time immemorial, Ford’s new Electric Power Assisted Steering isn't an option box we see ourselves checking. However, other, less-manly men may find the system will work wonders on their ability to keep their bumpers intact.

In addition to the help with parking, Ford claims EPAS improves fuel economy 5% compared to hydraulic systems. The basic premise is that electric motors are more efficient than hydraulic pumps. Ford says it plans to fit EPAS to 90% of the Ford, Lincoln, Mercury lineup by 2012. That also means the 2012 Ford Focus could get park assist as an option. Here's the full release from Ford:

FORD’S NEW ‘ACTIVE PARK ASSIST’ MAKES PARALLEL PARKING A BREEZE FOR LINCOLN MKT AND MKS OWNERS

• New Active Park Assist helps drivers parallel park with the touch of a button and without ever touching the steering wheel

• Available in mid-2009 on Lincoln MKS sedan and all-new Lincoln MKT crossover

• Active Park Assist uses ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering to steer the vehicle into a parking spot

• Electric Power Assisted Steering also improves fuel economy up to 5 percent, while reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing performance, compared with traditional steering

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 30, 2008 – The often stressful and frustrating task of parallel parking soon will be as easy as pressing a button for owners of the Lincoln MKS flagship sedan and all-new Lincoln MKT seven-passenger luxury crossover, thanks to an exclusive new technology from Ford Motor Company called Active Park Assist.

Available in mid-2009 as an option on the 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan and new Lincoln MKT crossover, Active Park Assist uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot.

“With the touch of a button, Lincoln MKS and MKT drivers can parallel park quickly, easily and safely without ever touching the steering wheel,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “This is another example of exclusive Ford smart technology, such as Ford SYNC, that makes the driving experience easier and more enjoyable for our customers.”

Active Park Assist system uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide the vehicle into a parking space. The technology is a major leap forward in speed and ease of use compared with the camera-reliant systems offered by competitors, including a video camera-based system offered by Lexus. Ford’s system requires less driver interface and reduces the risk of selecting a parking spot that is too tight. Ford’s Active Park Assist also works in downhill parking situations, unlike competing systems.

Here’s how Active Park Assist works:
• The driver activates the system by pressing an instrument panel button, which activates the ultrasonic sensors to measure and identify a feasible parallel parking space.
• The system then prompts the driver to accept the system assistance to park.
• The steering system then takes over and steers the car into the parking space hands-free. The driver still shifts the transmission and operates the gas and brake pedals.
• A visual and/or audible driver interface advises the driver about the proximity of other cars, objects and people and provides instructions.
• While the steering is all done automatically, the driver remains responsible for safe parking and can interrupt the system by grasping the steering wheel.

Active Park Assist is enabled by Ford’s advanced EPAS technology. In addition to helping with parallel parking, EPAS improves fuel economy up to 5 percent, while reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing steering performance compared with traditional hydraulic powered-assisted steering systems. EPAS saves fuel primarily because the steering system is powered by an electric motor connected to vehicle’s battery, as opposed to engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering systems.

By 2012, Ford plans to fit nearly 90 percent of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup with EPAS.

“As we use advanced technology like Electric Power Assisted Steering to improve the fuel efficiency across our vehicle lineup, we have the opportunity to introduce new comfort and convenience innovations like Active Parking Assist,” said Ali Jammoul, Ford’s chief engineer for chassis engineering and steering systems. “This is technology not for the sake of technology, but technology designed to meet the needs and wants of customers.”

As Ford introduces EPAS in more vehicles, it will be able to offer Active Parking Assist in more models. In addition, Ford is working on using EPAS and other sensors for other smart technologies, including one that could prevent a vehicle from drifting out of lane on the highway.

Active Park Assist works in tandem with other new technologies that will be offered on the 2010 MKS and MKT and other Ford Motor Company vehicles, including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) and Cross Traffic Alert. BLIS employs a sensor on the outboard rear quarter panel that monitors the traditional blind spot area, and can notify the driver with a warning indicator light in the corresponding side view mirror if the sensors in this optional system detect a vehicle in the blind spot. Cross Traffic Alert uses BLIS sensors to help detect cross traffic when backing out of a parking space.

More details about the new Lincoln MKT seven-passenger luxury crossover will be available when it debuts at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

The Lincoln MKS sedan – which went on sale this summer with strong initial sales that have helped Lincoln gain share in the luxury segment in the second half of this year – raises the bar on exclusive technologies offered in a luxury car. The Lincoln MKS features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to set and maintain the vehicle’s speed, while a radar monitors traffic ahead. This optional system automatically adjusts speed and slows the vehicle to maintain the set distance behind traffic ahead.

• Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, which allows the driver to enter the Lincoln MKS and start the engine without using the key. Drivers simply carry the special fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the keyless entry keypad on the B-pillar, open the door and, with the brake pedal engaged, start the engine by pushing a button.

• SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad, which is the next generation of a feature familiar to many Lincoln owners. It allows access to Lincoln MKS by unlocking the driver’s door by entering a pre-set five-digit code. The newest version is now flush-mounted to the B-pillar with backlit numerals that illuminate to the touch.

• Adaptive Headlamps with Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps, which enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road ahead. Sensors monitor the vehicle’s speed and steering wheel input to engage headlamp movement and increase the driver’s field of vision.

• Rain-Sensing Wipers, which use an optical sensing system to gauge precipitation and automatically activate and adjust the wipers. The Lincoln MKS driver can choose among five sensitivity settings.

• EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, which provides a hassle-free and more consistent seal than a manual fuel cap. EasyFuel self seals when refueling is complete.

• SYNC, which is standard on the Lincoln MKS. This award-winning voice activated communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft fully integrates Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle. SYNC incorporates 911 Assist, which can notify a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying incident. SYNC Vehicle Health Report feature can keep the driver notified of scheduled maintenance, service intervals and vehicle system health information.

[Source: Ford]

LINCOLN MKS, FORD FOCUS STAND OUT AT SEMA

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 31, 2008 – With its sleek design and strong wheel base, the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS is opening doors in the aftermarket for customization enthusiasts looking for a full-size sedan to make their own.

To demonstrate the personalization potential of Lincoln’s new flagship sedan, Ford will shine the spotlight on three MKS project vehicles at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which will be held Nov. 4-7 in Las Vegas.

“The MKS has many different facets,” said Ford designer Melvin Betancourt. “You can hot rod it, add a body kit and still maintain that luxury feel, or you can simply dress it up with a nice set of wheels.”

Custom rims are hot in the aftermarket, and unlike many of its competitors in the full-size luxury segment, the MKS was designed to accommodate larger wheels. The stock vehicle comes with 18-inch wheels, and 19- and 20-inch wheels are optional.

“The larger wheelbase gives the option to migrate to a more aggressive, sporty appearance,” said Pei-Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS marketing manager. “It gives customers a way to make the vehicle unique for themselves.”

Ernie Bunnell, owner of 3dCarbon, had 22-inch NC Forged aluminum wheels custom designed for his 3dCarbon MKS. He also dressed the vehicle in a five-piece custom body kit.

“The styling of the MKS is very appealing to begin with, but the body kit makes a dramatic difference,” he said. “It really jazzes it up and gives it a more European feel.”

A “more European feel” is also what Robert K. Smith, president and CEO of RKSport, was trying to achieve with the MKS he customized for the SEMA show.

“We did the car in silver with 20-inch wheels and black rims, and we also brought the car down to a lower profile as far as ride height is concerned to make it more European-looking,” he said.

To give the car a more muscular feel, Smith says he added an extractor hood with carbon fiber components that look a little more aggressive than the stock hood. He finished off the look with a black Roadwire leather interior.

“The interior on the MKS is extremely nice,” he said. “We applied a bit of silver in the seating area and in the door panels to contrast with the exterior and give it a little more pizzazz.”

In addition to the MKS, the 2009 Ford Focus Coupe will also have a presence at the SEMA show with three project vehicles designed to show that a fuel-efficient small car – it gets 35 mpg on the highway — doesn’t have to fall short on performance and style.

“Based on feedback from our customers, we redesigned the Coupe for 2009 to include new front and rear fascias, a new roof-line spoiler and standard 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SES model,” said Sam De La Garza, Focus marketing manager. “The vehicle is positioned for the youth market as a good value for the money in terms of power and overall feature content, which really gives us a good step in the right direction for this car in the aftermarket.”

Stout Performance worked together with the Barber Driving Experience (BDX) to customize a Focus Coupe for the SEMA show. Chris Stout says he chose the Focus because it offers a very good platform to build upon.

“It’s lightweight. The chassis is very stiff, and the suspension geometry is world-class to the point that it was copied by a few other manufacturers,” he said.

Stout, who is also an instructor for BDX, says he plans to use the vehicle to teach performance driving on the tracks.

“We added a six-point roll cage, which not only makes the car safer for occupants but it stiffens the chassis a bit, which is what you need on a road course,” he said. “We modified the suspension, and we added an F2 Turbo kit for power. So you get better compression, better dampening and a lot more power.”

Bunnell, who also customized a Focus for the SEMA show, enhanced the exterior styling with wheels and a custom body kit.

“We added 19-inch wheels and a five-piece body kit that gives the car a sporty look that’s lower to the ground without actually lowering the vehicle per se,” he said.

In addition to the new MKS and Focus Coupe, Ford will feature other vehicles at SEMA, including the Lincoln MKX, the Ford Edge, Escape and the new Transit Connect. This year’s project vehicles include:

2009 Lincoln MKS by 3dCarbon

Lincoln’s newest luxury vehicle, the 2009 MKS, defines the future of luxury with a sleek, road-hugging stance and elegant design that exudes power and luxury. Now, this breakthrough American luxury car gets a touch of European flare and luxury styling courtesy of 3dCarbon’s “Euro Series” styling kit.

Outfitted with 3dCarbon’s five-piece body kit and NC Forged wheels, this MKS looks ready to drive off the showroom directly onto the autobahn. The dramatic 5-piece “Euro Series” styling kit includes front air dam, side skirts, rear lower skirt, and deck lid spoiler.

2009 Lincoln MKS by Godfather Customs

Designed with crafted precision and intuitive technologies, the 2009 Lincoln MKS is already a vehicle that’s in a league of its own. Godfather Customs has moved this singular luxury car even further from the rest of the field with their own version of the MKS.

Building upon the luxurious Lincoln sedan, Godfather added even more refinement to the interior with an OEM integration that allows full control of the audio and video systems. An additional three video screens provide back seat drivers with their own access to state-of-the-art navigation. At the same time the superior audio quality has been further enhanced with the addition of Excelon components. On the outside, signature 22-inch wheels and tires make a statement that can’t be ignored. With this edition, Godfather Customs moves the MKS from luxurious elegance to pure extravagance.

2009 Lincoln MKS by RKSport

Not all cars are created equal. Designed with crafted precision and intuitive technologies, the 2009 Lincoln MKS offers a unique, personalized driving and ownership experience that represents the ultimate convergence of performance and luxury.

RKSport started with the signature styling and performance powertrain and added a unique look and enhanced performance that make the 2009 Lincoln MKS even more distinctive to own and exciting to drive. Wherever it goes, this car will make a statement about the discerning owner and provide a personalized luxury performance experience second to none.

2009 Ford Focus Coupe by 3dCarbon

Small cars are big news and the 2009 Ford Focus is a solid contender in this fast growing, quickly evolving segment. 3dCarbon brings their experience and expertise to this important market with the introduction of the 2009 Ford Focus Coupe “Euro Series” Styling Kit.

This radically modified “Euro Series” Focus is outfitted in 3dCarbon’s all-new five-piece styling kit that includes a front air dam, side skirts, rear lower skirt and deck lid spoiler. Add high-performance BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires mounted on R1 Racing GTR-4 wheels and you’ve got a small car that delivers on the promise of its sporty European good looks. This modified Focus makes for a vehicle that exudes confidence with a brash stance and aerodynamic, road-hugging attitude. On the inside, it features fine and fun touches that include Katzkin leather trim, a suede headliner and Sundial tinted windows.

2009 Ford Focus Coupe by Stout Performance and Barber Driving Experience

The 2009 Ford Focus is built to deliver serious fun. Starting with this capable platform, Stout Performance worked with the Barber Driver Experience to create a vehicle also built for serious competition.

This modified Focus offers dual purpose use, both as a contender in time attack races and as vehicle for the Barber Driving Experience performance driving instruction. It features functional aerodynamics, chassis stiffening via a roll cage, and a high output powerplant. With only mods that are in the spirit of street class competition, this specially prepared Focus will be a true contender on the race course.

2009 Ford Focus Coupe by FSWerks

The 2009 Focus SES coupe has a sharp new look and a long list of equipment designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. Focus SES is the coupe for those who want it all…great fuel economy, attention-getting style and responsive performance.

Drawing on years of performance tuning success, the FSWerks crew has taken the newly restyled Focus coupe and transformed it into a head turning example of performance and cutting edge style. It has a bold, bad, attention-grabbing look and the guts to with it, delivering more than double the horsepower and torque of the sporty Focus SES. Yet, this high performance, high-profile coupe is still refined enough for daily driving in comfort and style.

(No photo available at publication)

2008 Lincoln MKX by Street Concepts

The 2008 Lincoln MKX combines capability with luxury and performance in a head-turning package that gets noticed wherever it goes. The available intelligent all-wheel-drive system helps drivers handle the curves and keep a grip on things in any weather while traveling in style and comfort.

The Street Concepts version adds some serious attitude to the Lincoln MKX with 22-inch MOZ Wheels, Continental Tires, 3DCarbon’s body kit and monochrome blackout exterior treatment. On the inside, it entertains and connects with a complete Kenwood audio and video system that includes a Visulogic VMOD unit for wireless internet within the vehicle. For added driving excitement, this proven performer gets a sweet-sounding Magna flow cat back exhaust system and easy breathing K&N air intake system.

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid by EcoTrek

For those who really care about saving gas and saving our planet, Ford made Escape Hybrid the most fuel efficient SUV on the planet. Now for the ultimate environmentalist, EcoTrek offers a Ford Escape Hybrid with the ultimate “Environmental Integration” package.

In this uniquely green vehicle, EcoTrek augments the earth-friendly features of Ford’s revolutionary hybrid SUV with premium components made from recycled and recyclable materials. The interior includes rugged yet luxurious faux leather suede seat covers and carpeted floor mats made from recycled plastics. Key exterior parts, including the tires, wheels, running boards and the skid plate, are all made from reusable materials. Despite this serious commitment to being green, the Escape Hybrid from EcoTrek is also equipped for ultimate fun with enhanced off-road capability and a Hobie watercraft used to assist San Francisco’s Heal the Bay efforts.

2009 Ford Escape by HPA Motorsports Inc.

For active people with demanding lifestyles, the 2009 Ford Escape delivers driving fun and practical utility in the city or in the wilderness. The “Sport” Edition 2009 Ford Escape from HPA Motorsports takes this unique blend of off-road potential and urban performance to the extreme.

Custom wide body flares and brawny exterior styling cues present a street stance worthy of the sure-footed “intelligent” 4WD system. The finely tuned suspension delivers no-compromise handling on or off the road while passengers can chill out and enjoy the comfortable ride with today’s hottest in-car-entertainment.

Ford Transit Connect Concept by H&R Special Springs, LP

The award-winning Transit Connect has established a reputation as the best small cargo van in Europe. In the summer of 2009 this segment busting versatile workhorse will be coming to America.

H&R has taken the popular Ford Transit Connect, redefined it into a get-up-and-go stylin’ street van like no other. Their Transit Connect has been lowered 3 inches in the front, and 4 inches in the rear, enhancing the visual impact of the huge 19-inch tires and wheels. Piloti shoes drew on their design expertise to create a unique interior that employs fine high fashion materials showcasing a palette of colors and textures with the finest workmanship. This unique treatment of a breakthrough vehicle explores the range of customization possibilities for Transit Connect.

2009 Ford Edge "Sport" Edition by Steeda

The 2009 Ford Edge Sport offers a factory-quality, customized crossover for buyers who want added attitude. This customized version of America’s best-selling crossover is available from Ford dealers with many of the appearance mods seen here, including 22-inch polished aluminum rims, an attractive 8-piece body kit, blackout headlamps and taillamps, a dark brushed interior center stack, bold contrast stitching on the shift knob and steering wheel, and the Edge Sport badging.

Drawing on two decades of experience working exclusively with Ford products, Steeda took the 2009 Ford Edge Sport to another level. A host of performance mods provide added power and even sportier handling. On the inside, leather seats and billeted trim deliver increased comfort and amped-up attitude. Unique Steeda graphics let the whole world know that this Edge Sport is something very special.

[Source: Ford]

The Lincoln MKS is the biggest car I've driven in 6 years, I'll admit. It rides low enough to the road that I'd be concerned about scraping its cute-as-a-penny bottom in more than a few steep driveways, but it does look pretty damn cool — much more so than any Lincoln we've seen since the era that brought us Ben's personal project car hell. In the pre-driving presentation the design guys kept droning on and on and on about their new paint color "tuxedo black," which contains bits of glass to make it sparkle in a different way. But then they told us we'd be driving for two hours before getting to the next presentation, so I was more concerned with running for the bathroom and missed the assembled auto journalists making cute cooing noises when they got outside and saw it in the sun. At least I think they were. It was either "ooooh!" or "eeeeww!" — it's hard to tell from the bathroom stall. But it really does look like they poured glitter in the paint, though, so I felt like maybe it wasn't a total "old person" car.

Then they partnered me up with another to-remain-nameless reporter and we went rock-paper-scissors for who got to drive first and I lost, damn him. He started up the car and admitted he doesn't own one and never drives, so I knew I'd at least have one up on him even if he did go first. But for the moment, I looked at the route of windy back roads and hoped to God the airbags worked as we started off. Since he had to pay so much attention to the road, I got to play with the gadgets — it didn't read my off-brand MP3 player (but I guess if you buy a $46,000 car you'll probably also have an iPod), the jukebox selection was lame and just as I was settling on a musical choice the ass coolers kicked in. The seat blows cold air on your butt, which feels good for about a minute before it feels weird to have cold puffs of air constantly assaulting your ass and thighs.

But, it turns out, even with one of the world's least experienced drivers at the helm, the car handled pretty good, and I only worried about going off the road three or four times, so I looked around some more. They designed the glove compartment so that only one edge shows (which sounds good, but really just makes it easier to manufacture). For as big as it looked on the outside, it wasn't really all that spacious. The dashboard is all stitched leather, the seats were comfy and the moonroof extends into the back seat besides — but while opening it is pretty intuitive, it isn't quite as easy to get it shut. I probably should've read the manual, but I didn't want to be too much of a girl.

It was also a damn quiet ride, which made it hard to hear the engine shifting on the hills and such, but the tachometer said that, even on hills, the RPMs were pretty low. It's also a little strange to be roaming around the Virginia countryside (looking out for cops, even) in a huge car that feels like something a driver would drive you around in if you had a driver, but maybe that's just me.

When we got to switch positions, I realized that my companion was a rather unassertive driver. My concerns about pickup and handling were pretty much assuaged when I had to take a left turn across 4 lanes of highway traffic to head back to D.C. and laid rubber in the parking lot and didn't fishtail in the left lane, though I'm not sure he felt the same way about it.

As a short person, my problem with driving big cars is that I often can't visualize the corners because I can't get up high enough or forward enough without bumping my chest up against the steering wheel. Somehow, despite the size, I was able to get the MKS's seat adjusted to a point where I didn't feel like the air bag would kill me in a collision and I could see enough of what I was driving to take curves at appropriate speeds without worrying if I was over the line, and I never once felt that sliding sensation that the car was about to lose it no matter what the curve was or how fast I stopped. For a car that's bigger than my dining room, that's a pretty impressive accomplishment.

My biggest concern, other than not getting pulled over by the cops when my lead foot got the better of me, was how much gas I was using. On a 20 gallon tank, we went somewhat less than 200 miles on back roads (most of which was not in traffic, thankfully) and used up about half a tank, meaning we'd spent about $40 in gas to just tool around. Do people still buy huge leather-filled cars with backseats they'll never use (and navigation systems that will tell them sports scores, but not while the car is moving) when gas is this expensive? It was a question that I pondered pretty heavily as I sat in traffic in I-66 on the way back into the city to give the car back and retrieve my cuckolded Corolla.

If you allow us to speculate even further, this is some kind of test mule for a secretive Lincoln-Mercury product. That would be cool. All things considered, this is likely just a pre-production MKS. Do you, dear readers, have any fun theories? (Thanks to The Mayor for catching this)

FORD SHOWCASES FUTURE OF IN-CAR SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AT INTERNATIONAL CES 2008

• Popular Ford SYNC system upgrades and other new in-car communications technologies to be unveiled at consumer electronics show on Sunday
• Announcements include Ford's new SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system, which gives drivers and passengers up-to-the-minute information on current gas prices, traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions, sports scores and movie listings
• New SIRIUS Travel Link system is coupled to Ford's next-generation navigation - developed with industry leader Xanavi
• The system includes full music "jukebox" capability - with space for up to 2,400 tracks and Gracenote® technology for album cover art and music voice control
• All-new 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan - on sale this summer - is first vehicle with Ford's full suite of new in-car communications technologies
• Every new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle will be available with Ford's award-winning SYNC system by year end; 85 percent of Ford's retail volume will be offered with SYNC - including Bluetooth connectivity

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 4, 2008 - Building on the success of SYNC, Ford Motor Company unveils the next generation of in-car communications at the International CES on Sunday.

The company will announce what comes next for SYNC -developed in partnership with Microsoft - as well as introduce International CES attendees to Ford's new SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system.

"Ford's goal is to deliver the smart, connected in-car experience that customers today demand and to lead the industry into a new era of in-vehicle connectivity," says Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development, who will attend the International CES, the world's largest consumer trade event and showcase for new technologies.

"Ford is answering the call with the best technology solutions from companies like Microsoft and SIRIUS, connecting customers with mobile devices, important information they need on the road and bringing the experience to life with the latest in navigation technology and branded audio," Kuzak adds.

SYNC is one of the rising stars in the auto industry today and is on track to reach 1 million sales in early 2009. SYNC connects people and their favorite portable devices while in the vehicle, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones.

In addition to new SYNC features to be revealed at the International CES, Ford has confirmed that nearly every new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle will be available with SYNC by year end, when approximately 85 percent of company's retail volume will be offered with SYNC - including its Bluetooth connectivity.

Ford SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system
At the International CES, Ford also will announce it is moving in-car connectivity further forward with the launch of a next-generation navigation system, available for the first time ever with SIRIUS Travel Link.

With Travel Link, drivers and passengers will have access to up-to-the-minute information and entertainment content through the vehicle's navigation system. This includes: current gas prices from an estimated 120,000 filling stations; local, real-time traffic information for 78 markets; coast-to-coast weather conditions with five-day forecasts; sports scores, and movie listings.

Travel Link works through the existing SIRIUS satellite and repeater infrastructure - offering uninterrupted, coast-to-coast coverage. Specifically, the Ford SIRIUS Travel Link system provides information on:

• Traffic Data: SIRIUS Travel Link combines real-time traffic speed and flow data with accident and incident information to allow the user to navigate around congested areas.

• Weather: SIRIUS Travel Link shows coast-to-coast weather data, current conditions and five-day forecasts, detailed storm cell information, hurricane and tropical storm tracking, local wind speeds, and even ski resort conditions.

• Fuel Prices: Drawing on information from more than 120,000 gas stations, SIRIUS Travel Link sorts fuel options by price, distance or alphabetically. If requested, the navigation system can route users to the gasoline station with the lowest fuel price.

• Sports: No matter your passion - NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, NCAAF, NCAAB, and golf - SIRIUS Travel Link provides scores and schedules and can be personalized for the user's selected teams.

• Movies: With listings from more than 4,500 movie theaters, SIRIUS Travel Link helps consumers plan ahead by providing movie times, theater addresses, ratings and run lengths. Using the Ford navigation system, the data can be sorted by distance. If requested, the navigation system can route users to the selected movie theater.

"Having this information in a car is game-changing," said Doug Wilsterman, SIRIUS senior vice president and general manager for automotive OEMs. "This is technology that drivers will use everyday."

When introduced this summer, the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS will be one of the first vehicles with Ford's full suite of new in-car communications technologies, including Travel Link. The service will be offered on multiple Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles by the end of the year.

A six-month introductory subscription to the SIRIUS Travel Link service - combined with the SIRIUS Satellite Radio audio service - will be included in every Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle equipped with Ford's next-generation navigation system.

In-Car Communications Popularity Soars
American consumers increasingly expect to stay connected and enjoy instant access to information, studies show. Approximately 243 million Americans have mobile phones today and four of every five adults have regular access to the internet.

By 2009, trends indicate there will be as least 250 million portable media players in use.

A third of U.S. consumers are very interested in having Internet access in their vehicles, and the number is close to 50 percent for survey respondents between the ages of 16 and 25, according to a 2007 J.D. Power Automotive Emerging Technologies study.

"Consumers are increasingly demanding seamless connectivity between their house and office and car," noted Sheryl Connelly, Ford Global Trends and Futuring manager. "They want to be able to access information 'just in time' or on-demand, because they are used to having access to it wherever they go. More than anything, they want to stay connected and informed."

# # #

2009 LINCOLN MKS: ALL-NEW FULL-SIZE FLAGSHIP SEDAN TO WIN NEW BUYERS THROUGH DESIGN, FEATURES, VALUE

The new Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan aims to attract new buyers with its timeless design, fuel-efficient powertrain and an unparalleled suite of features and technologies.
Class-leading convenience features include SYNC™ voice-activated, hands-free in-car communications; EasyFuel™ capless fuel filling; THX-certified audio; SIRIUS Travel Link™; voice-activated navigation; and a next-generation keyless entry keypad.
Lincoln-exclusive fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V-6 and all-wheel drive provide smooth driving.
Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford's new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology - which provides the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 - less than a year after launch.
An outstanding value starting below $38,000, Lincoln MKS orders are now being accepted; customers can visit HYPERLINK "http://www.lincoln.com" www.lincoln.com to build and price their vehicle.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2007 - The all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan debuts today, providing customers understated style, first-of-a-kind convenience features, advanced safety and one of the best values in the luxury market.

Unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, the new Lincoln flagship is designed to help fuel Lincoln's growth by attracting new customers.

"Lincoln has reestablished itself as a quality and design leader with award-winning products like the Lincoln MKZ, MKX and Navigator," says Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president of The Americas. "With the Lincoln MKS, we are raising the bar even higher with unparalleled amenities and performance, and a price that should be irresistible to luxury customers."

The New Lincoln Flagship: A Strong Contender in the Luxury Sedan Segment
The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan aimed at bringing new and younger buyers into the Lincoln fold. Not traditional luxury buyers who shop based on name and price tag alone, Lincoln MKS customers are under 50 and value beautiful modern design, more fuel efficiency and good value.

Pricing for Lincoln MKS starts at less than $38,000, a strategic move aimed at attracting new customers to the brand. Many will be first-time luxury buyers, with a significant number expected to migrate from imports. In fact, up to 60 percent of those buying the luxury sedan are expected to be new to Lincoln.

"We're playing to win with the Lincoln MKS, especially in California, where more luxury vehicles are sold than anywhere else. We will do so by offering confident, understated, respectful luxury - not something that will go out of fashion in a year or two," said Mike Richards, Lincoln General Marketing Manager. "We're also making an extra effort to reach out to African American and Hispanic buyers who want and deserve luxury in their lives, in part, through new marketing relationships with artists Common and Juanes."

Juanes, a 12-time Latin Grammy award winning artist, will help introduce SYNC, which is standard on Lincolns and widely available on Ford and Mercury products, to the Hispanic market. Juanes was recognized by Time magazine as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" for his belief in the possibility of social change through music.

Common, an accomplished musician, children's author and actor, will represent Lincoln beginning in 2008. The partnership will feature multiple levels of advertising, marketing and promotional activities between Lincoln and Common's wide-ranging businesses and his community service program. Common is currently appearing in the Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington in the Ridley Scott-produced film American Gangster.

Consumers can visit HYPERLINK "http://www.lincoln.com" www.lincoln.com to build and price their ideal Lincoln MKS and place their order at their local Lincoln dealer immediately.

To be built at Ford Motor Company's Chicago Assembly Plant, the Lincoln MKS will begin arriving in Lincoln showrooms next summer.

Loaded with Convenience and Technology: Lincoln MKS offers unprecedented amenities
The Lincoln MKS offers a suite of technologies and features not found on other luxury sedans. They include:
SYNC, a hands-free, voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities.
THX®-certified audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and Voice-Activated Navigation, which provides superior sound quality - plus real time traffic updates, movie listings, Doppler radar weather forecasts and even directions to the closest local gas stations with the best prices.
Lincoln's Next-Generation Keypad, which uses heat-sensing technology to bring alive the keypad of LED backlit numerals embedded in the driver side B-pillar. The driver enters a five-digit code to unlock the vehicle.
EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, a customer convenience that helps reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed, and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which allows the driver to set the car's speed and maintain that speed without using the accelerator pedal. The radar-based system also can monitor the vehicle in front (up to 600 feet) and adjust the speed of the Lincoln MKS to keep it a safe distance behind the lead vehicle. Four settings accommodate different driving styles.
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, which is a first for Lincoln and allows the driver to enter the Lincoln MKS and start the engine without using a key. Drivers simply carry the special fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the keyless entry pad on the B-Pillar, open the door and with the brake pedal engaged, start the engine by pushing a button.
Adaptive Headlamps with Automatic High Beams and Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, which enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road and reducing glare from oncoming traffic. Sensors monitor vehicle speed and steering wheel input engaging electric motors that pivot the left headlamp up to five degrees and the right headlamp up to 15 degrees to increase the driver's field of vision. Plus, automatic high beams switch to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected.
Rain-Sensing Wipers, which are moisture-activated and programmable.
Forward Sensing System, which determines how close front objects are while parking.
Rearview Camera System, which is mounted beneath the Lincoln Star on the decklid and activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a view of what's behind the vehicle. The system works in conjunction with the vehicle's reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display.

Understated Design: Lincoln MKS debuts new design DNA
The Lincoln MKS is the first vehicle to embrace Lincoln's new design DNA.

"Every element of this luxury sedan reflects the culture of Lincoln - from its well-proportioned athleticism to the design cues we have painstakingly developed, modernizing the best elements over time," says Peter Horbury, executive director of Design for The Americas.

Its most striking exterior design feature is its double-wing grille, which sweeps up into the jewel-like headlamps, wrapping around the front fascia and forming a sharp crease that defines the high beltline. A subtle kick-up over the rear wheel calls back cue found on many classic Lincolns. Strong shoulders, dramatic C-pillars, clean body sides, a tall rear deck and large wheels and tires lend the Lincoln MKS a confident stance.

Modern luxury carries through inside, as well. Space is abundant, with a class-leading interior package. In fact, the MKS has the largest rear cabin in its class in every important dimension, including head, leg and shoulder room. And Lincoln tends to passengers' comfort with standard heated rear seats, an overhead skylight and a sun shade for the backlight.

Its interior is sleek. For instance, the Lincoln MKS's symmetrical instrument panel has fewer break lines than other luxury vehicles. The flow-through center stack is clean and uncluttered, with an information screen integrated at the top. The large center console has a split, two-piece, padded upper section. Each section slides forward individually to form an armrest.

"Luxury buyers still expect rare beauty, but today, they also seek authenticity," Horbury said.

"This is space Lincoln can rightfully reclaim, given the design of our vehicles and the way we've chosen to adorn the MKS with the finest real leathers, rare woods, real aluminum and chrome accents - in a more environmentally responsible way."

For example, the leather used for the seats is perfected with vegetable dyes and a chromium-free tanning process to create the softest leather ever used in a Lincoln.

It is supplied by Bridge of Weir Leather, the same company that provided hides for the Ford Model T and the iconic Continental Mark II, as well as the Concorde, the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Burj Al Arab, the world's first 7-star hotel.

Ebony wood used for some models is reclaimed from furniture makers and others sources, offering a rare wood with minimal environmental impact. Also offered is Olive Ash, a wood with a distinctive grain pattern created when the roots of two trees grow together.

Smooth Power: Fuel-efficient V-6 today; V-8 power with V-6 efficiency tomorrow
The Lincoln MKS is powered by a Lincoln exclusive new 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX, which was voted one of Ward's 10-Best Engines for 2007.

Both engines share the same strong, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight four-valve heads for smooth operation at high RPMs. The 3.7-liter's larger cylinders contribute to the increase in horsepower and torque. This engine delivers 270 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy, acceleration and the option to manually select gears.

"This engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque to improve performance where it's needed most - standing acceleration and passing," says Michael Celentino, chief engineer.

Less than a year after launch, the Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford's new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology.
The premium engine - which offers the power and torque of a V-8 with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 - will make the Lincoln MKS the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel drive luxury sedan in the market.

Lincoln MKS also is available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that provides a confident driving experience in all weather. It uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels - up to 100 percent in either direction - to avoid wheel slip. The AWD system works with the standard Advance Trac® stability control system to provide additional stability, transferring torque from side-to-side.

An all-new independent rear suspension design features vertically mounted shock absorbers mounted at the outboard end of the suspension arms near the wheels, maximizing suspension travel and allowing for more precise suspension tuning.

The MacPherson strut and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension also was designed to maximize suspension travel and tuned to work in harmony with the rear suspension. As an added benefit, the new suspension design can accommodate larger, 20-inch wheels and tires without compromising ride comfort.

The Lincoln MKS comes standard with 18-inch bright, machined, cast aluminum painted 10-spoke wheels. Nineteen-inch 10-spoke painted, polished or machined aluminum or a class-exclusive 20-inch, 11-spoke, highly polished, cast aluminum wheel are available options.

Building on a Heritage of Safety Leadership
The Lincoln MKS is equipped with a comprehensive package of the latest in active and passive safety features to provide the highest level of protection for all occupants.

Standard safety features include: dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, driver seat positioning sensor, side air bags and Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags with roll-fold technology and four-wheel ABS brakes.

Additional standard safety features include an anti-theft perimeter alarm, Battery Saver, Belt-Minder®, Child Safety Locks, glow-in-the-dark trunk release, illuminated entry, LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children) and a tire pressure monitoring system.
# # #
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding the company and its products visit www.ford.com.

Phil: What does that replace. It's smaller than the Town Car, I think.
Ray: Yeah, I dunno. I think it replaces the huge hole in the heart that is the Lincoln lineup. And by heart, I mean sedans. And by sedans I mean any product in general.
Phil: What Cadillac is it supposed to compete against? The BLS?
Ray: Yeah, probably they built this US car to compete with the European-only BLS — that sounds about like the Ford/Lincoln/Mercury product strategy we've all come to know and love.
Phil: But seriously how big is this car? Lieberman, do you know anything about this car?
Jonny: It's a Ford Fusion, right? Isn't it?
Ray: No Jonny, it's not. But it might as well be.
Jonny: There's an all AWD version like my Subie, right?
Ray: Oy — actually it's the Ford Taurus.
Phil: Just what the world needed — a more expensive Mercury Sable.
Ray: Ooh, is that tuna?
Jonny: Wait — what the hell is the MKS?

2009 LINCOLN MKS: ALL-NEW FULL-SIZE FLAGSHIP SEDAN TO WIN NEW BUYERS THROUGH DESIGN, FEATURES, VALUE

The new Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan aims to attract new buyers with its timeless design, fuel-efficient powertrain and an unparalleled suite of features and technologies.
Class-leading convenience features include SYNC™ voice-activated, hands-free in-car communications; EasyFuel™ capless fuel filling; THX-certified audio; SIRIUS Travel Link™; voice-activated navigation; and a next-generation keyless entry keypad.
Lincoln-exclusive fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V-6 and all-wheel drive provide smooth driving.
Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford's new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology - which provides the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 - less than a year after launch.
An outstanding value starting below $38,000, Lincoln MKS orders are now being accepted; customers can visit HYPERLINK "http://www.lincoln.com" www.lincoln.com to build and price their vehicle.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2007 - The all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan debuts today, providing customers understated style, first-of-a-kind convenience features, advanced safety and one of the best values in the luxury market.

Unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, the new Lincoln flagship is designed to help fuel Lincoln's growth by attracting new customers.

"Lincoln has reestablished itself as a quality and design leader with award-winning products like the Lincoln MKZ, MKX and Navigator," says Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president of The Americas. "With the Lincoln MKS, we are raising the bar even higher with unparalleled amenities and performance, and a price that should be irresistible to luxury customers."

The New Lincoln Flagship: A Strong Contender in the Luxury Sedan Segment
The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan aimed at bringing new and younger buyers into the Lincoln fold. Not traditional luxury buyers who shop based on name and price tag alone, Lincoln MKS customers are under 50 and value beautiful modern design, more fuel efficiency and good value.

Pricing for Lincoln MKS starts at less than $38,000, a strategic move aimed at attracting new customers to the brand. Many will be first-time luxury buyers, with a significant number expected to migrate from imports. In fact, up to 60 percent of those buying the luxury sedan are expected to be new to Lincoln.

"We're playing to win with the Lincoln MKS, especially in California, where more luxury vehicles are sold than anywhere else. We will do so by offering confident, understated, respectful luxury - not something that will go out of fashion in a year or two," said Mike Richards, Lincoln General Marketing Manager. "We're also making an extra effort to reach out to African American and Hispanic buyers who want and deserve luxury in their lives, in part, through new marketing relationships with artists Common and Juanes."

Juanes, a 12-time Latin Grammy award winning artist, will help introduce SYNC, which is standard on Lincolns and widely available on Ford and Mercury products, to the Hispanic market. Juanes was recognized by Time magazine as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" for his belief in the possibility of social change through music.

Common, an accomplished musician, children's author and actor, will represent Lincoln beginning in 2008. The partnership will feature multiple levels of advertising, marketing and promotional activities between Lincoln and Common's wide-ranging businesses and his community service program. Common is currently appearing in the Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington in the Ridley Scott-produced film American Gangster.

Consumers can visit HYPERLINK "http://www.lincoln.com" www.lincoln.com to build and price their ideal Lincoln MKS and place their order at their local Lincoln dealer immediately.

To be built at Ford Motor Company's Chicago Assembly Plant, the Lincoln MKS will begin arriving in Lincoln showrooms next summer.

Loaded with Convenience and Technology: Lincoln MKS offers unprecedented amenities
The Lincoln MKS offers a suite of technologies and features not found on other luxury sedans. They include:
SYNC, a hands-free, voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities.
THX®-certified audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and Voice-Activated Navigation, which provides superior sound quality - plus real time traffic updates, movie listings, Doppler radar weather forecasts and even directions to the closest local gas stations with the best prices.
Lincoln's Next-Generation Keypad, which uses heat-sensing technology to bring alive the keypad of LED backlit numerals embedded in the driver side B-pillar. The driver enters a five-digit code to unlock the vehicle.
EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, a customer convenience that helps reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed, and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which allows the driver to set the car's speed and maintain that speed without using the accelerator pedal. The radar-based system also can monitor the vehicle in front (up to 600 feet) and adjust the speed of the Lincoln MKS to keep it a safe distance behind the lead vehicle. Four settings accommodate different driving styles.
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, which is a first for Lincoln and allows the driver to enter the Lincoln MKS and start the engine without using a key. Drivers simply carry the special fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the keyless entry pad on the B-Pillar, open the door and with the brake pedal engaged, start the engine by pushing a button.
Adaptive Headlamps with Automatic High Beams and Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, which enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road and reducing glare from oncoming traffic. Sensors monitor vehicle speed and steering wheel input engaging electric motors that pivot the left headlamp up to five degrees and the right headlamp up to 15 degrees to increase the driver's field of vision. Plus, automatic high beams switch to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected.
Rain-Sensing Wipers, which are moisture-activated and programmable.
Forward Sensing System, which determines how close front objects are while parking.
Rearview Camera System, which is mounted beneath the Lincoln Star on the decklid and activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a view of what's behind the vehicle. The system works in conjunction with the vehicle's reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display.

Understated Design: Lincoln MKS debuts new design DNA
The Lincoln MKS is the first vehicle to embrace Lincoln's new design DNA.

"Every element of this luxury sedan reflects the culture of Lincoln - from its well-proportioned athleticism to the design cues we have painstakingly developed, modernizing the best elements over time," says Peter Horbury, executive director of Design for The Americas.

Its most striking exterior design feature is its double-wing grille, which sweeps up into the jewel-like headlamps, wrapping around the front fascia and forming a sharp crease that defines the high beltline. A subtle kick-up over the rear wheel calls back cue found on many classic Lincolns. Strong shoulders, dramatic C-pillars, clean body sides, a tall rear deck and large wheels and tires lend the Lincoln MKS a confident stance.

Modern luxury carries through inside, as well. Space is abundant, with a class-leading interior package. In fact, the MKS has the largest rear cabin in its class in every important dimension, including head, leg and shoulder room. And Lincoln tends to passengers' comfort with standard heated rear seats, an overhead skylight and a sun shade for the backlight.

Its interior is sleek. For instance, the Lincoln MKS's symmetrical instrument panel has fewer break lines than other luxury vehicles. The flow-through center stack is clean and uncluttered, with an information screen integrated at the top. The large center console has a split, two-piece, padded upper section. Each section slides forward individually to form an armrest.

"Luxury buyers still expect rare beauty, but today, they also seek authenticity," Horbury said.

"This is space Lincoln can rightfully reclaim, given the design of our vehicles and the way we've chosen to adorn the MKS with the finest real leathers, rare woods, real aluminum and chrome accents - in a more environmentally responsible way."

For example, the leather used for the seats is perfected with vegetable dyes and a chromium-free tanning process to create the softest leather ever used in a Lincoln.

It is supplied by Bridge of Weir Leather, the same company that provided hides for the Ford Model T and the iconic Continental Mark II, as well as the Concorde, the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Burj Al Arab, the world's first 7-star hotel.

Ebony wood used for some models is reclaimed from furniture makers and others sources, offering a rare wood with minimal environmental impact. Also offered is Olive Ash, a wood with a distinctive grain pattern created when the roots of two trees grow together.

Smooth Power: Fuel-efficient V-6 today; V-8 power with V-6 efficiency tomorrow
The Lincoln MKS is powered by a Lincoln exclusive new 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX, which was voted one of Ward's 10-Best Engines for 2007.

Both engines share the same strong, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight four-valve heads for smooth operation at high RPMs. The 3.7-liter's larger cylinders contribute to the increase in horsepower and torque. This engine delivers 270 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy, acceleration and the option to manually select gears.

"This engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque to improve performance where it's needed most - standing acceleration and passing," says Michael Celentino, chief engineer.

Less than a year after launch, the Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford's new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology.
The premium engine - which offers the power and torque of a V-8 with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 - will make the Lincoln MKS the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel drive luxury sedan in the market.

Lincoln MKS also is available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that provides a confident driving experience in all weather. It uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels - up to 100 percent in either direction - to avoid wheel slip. The AWD system works with the standard Advance Trac® stability control system to provide additional stability, transferring torque from side-to-side.

An all-new independent rear suspension design features vertically mounted shock absorbers mounted at the outboard end of the suspension arms near the wheels, maximizing suspension travel and allowing for more precise suspension tuning.

The MacPherson strut and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension also was designed to maximize suspension travel and tuned to work in harmony with the rear suspension. As an added benefit, the new suspension design can accommodate larger, 20-inch wheels and tires without compromising ride comfort.

The Lincoln MKS comes standard with 18-inch bright, machined, cast aluminum painted 10-spoke wheels. Nineteen-inch 10-spoke painted, polished or machined aluminum or a class-exclusive 20-inch, 11-spoke, highly polished, cast aluminum wheel are available options.

Building on a Heritage of Safety Leadership
The Lincoln MKS is equipped with a comprehensive package of the latest in active and passive safety features to provide the highest level of protection for all occupants.

Standard safety features include: dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, driver seat positioning sensor, side air bags and Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags with roll-fold technology and four-wheel ABS brakes.

Additional standard safety features include an anti-theft perimeter alarm, Battery Saver, Belt-Minder®, Child Safety Locks, glow-in-the-dark trunk release, illuminated entry, LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children) and a tire pressure monitoring system.
# # #
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding the company and its products visit www.ford.com.