Photography credit: Grant Ray

That really is the question for soccer moms car buyers these days. Frankly, I don't have much experience driving the new car-platformed CUV's, leastwise on pavement and in inclement weather. But as an SUV owner, why would I want to? Having actually taken my four-wheel drive "cute bug" (ask Jonny Lieberman) off-road a few times, my level of confidence translates to on-road driving in lousy conditions. But then, I'm not the CUV's target market. Nonetheless, automakers are falling all over themselves to prove these new Car-UV's (like the General's trio of Lambda-platform vehicles, the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and the Buick Enclave and Nissan's new Rogue) are not only capable in the wet, white wintry stuff, but can do it with without causing a chronic brain rattle. Sensing an opportunity, I thought I'd give it a test by taking the newest jellybean-ness from FoMoCo out for a spin. Sure, I could be hill-climbing in San Francisco, tailgating in Texas or clawing at the desert scrub of New Mexico, places where automakers traditionally show off their most steroided-up new models. But I won't. Instead, I'll be taking a Lincoln MKX to where it's most likely to see action — the highways and byways of this great nation. And I'll be doing it in the middle of the winter. In the middle of a snow and ice storm bearing down on the midwest and east coast. And I'll be traveling from the slippery speedways of Michigan to the fish-school streets of New York City. Sound like a great way to potentially get myself killed? Absolutely. Sound like fun? You bet. With that, here's my diary of the trip:

0.0 Miles
8:40 AM
I'm on my way from Royal Oak, and every air-exposed surface is covered with a thin sheet of ice. Then, as if to hide itself, Mother Nature's decided to top off that ice with a light dusting of snow that just helps to disguise the injurious potential of the slickness below. Yup, the storm, travelling at roughly 45 mph, has already passed here so things look craptastically icy out there. Perfect — let's roll.

1.6 miles
8:46 AM
I just glimpsed my first (of what will more than likely be many) accident of the day at 696 just before the Woodward Avenue off-ramp. Two SUV's of an indeterminate make, model and year. Lucky for any potentially injured occupants, although the police do not appear to have arrived yet, Fox 2 news is on the scene cameras in hand. I'm sure they're there to give them comfort until real help arrives.

6.0 miles
8:51 AM
And now I'm passing my second accident. It's a later-model Suburban and a VW Golf. Looks like the Suburban took the brunt of the impact via the wall. Unlike the previous incident, the overworked State Police are on the scene. I slow down as I watch their cherry-top lights spinning, their bright red glare dancing across the icy highway as I trudge by. As I begin to speed back up, I feel the front wheels spin a bit, and then almost simultaneously, I feel and hear the ca-chigga-chigga-chigga of the AWD kick in for the first time. I feel the rear tires burst into a mini-sprint, kicking the MKX forward, and moving me along my way.

64.5 miles
9:43 AM
I'm now crossing over into Ohio, leaving behind Michigan's highway speed corridors for the modicum of "safety" provided by helicopter-enforced 65 mph speed limits. Yay. Looking on the bright side, I'm finally going to be able to see what the fuel economy's really like in something other than Michigan's Formula-One-like interstate system.

108.3 miles
10:36 AM
Stopped at a turnpike off-ramp in a location the nav system calls "Unknown, Ohio." I won't dispute that. Although the Lincoln doesn't yet need any fuel, I do need some as I skipped breakfast in my rush out the door. I know I probably won't be stopping often, so I fill up with an Einstein bagel and a Starbucks coffee. Mmm, turkey sausage, cheddar and omelet on a potato bagel. Delicious.

265.2 miles
12:58 PM
Just made it into Pennsylvania without any real incidents, but I know the "Pennsylvania Wilds" are where I'll probably hit the worst of the storm. Now that we've got about 150 miles on the vehicle at "normal highway driving speeds," I can say unequivocally I'm going to hate going back to my gas-guzzler of an SUV just because of what it's going to do to my wallet. I'm getting 21.9 MPG. While not amazing, given the base Lincoln MKX AWD weighs in at a hefty 4420 lbs (and this pimped-out version's nav system and the power rear seats alone add 172 lbs more onto that number) it's not bad. I'd actually love to see what the more-svelte Lexus RX 350 or BMW X3 would garner — although with both of those luxe CUV's, it's suggested I should fill up with premium, so there's added costs associated with that.

305.9 miles
1:36 PM
Stopping for gas in the Pennsylvania Wilds in the sleepy little township of Monroe, I've seen my fuel economy drop in the rolling hills to 19.6 mpg. But that's forgotten when I enter the restroom at the local McDonald's while I wait for the 20-gallon tank to fill up with the regular stuff. I'm greeted by Christian rock playing over the intercom at the urinal. Yup, although the 3.5-liter V6 has become a bit less efficient out here in the "Wilds," at least I know Jesus loves me.

305.9 miles
1:59 PM
Felling "saved," I'm back on I-80 heading again toward New York. I know I'm getting ready to hit the storm front even before I flip on the weather channel on Sirius, just because of the dark and gloomy clouds I'm seeing in front of me. Excellent.

319.1 miles
2:06 PM
With The Who's "Baba O'Riley" playing on channel 29, I'm approaching 80 mph to catch up with the storm in the hills. I feel comfortable at this speed because I know all about Pennsylvania's recent round of budget cuts eschewing increases in State Police funding in favor of yellow signs that say things like "Buckle Up, It's The Law" and "Slow Down, Save A Life." They should have just put up a sign that says "Pennsylvania: Where We Need Yellow Signs To State The Obvious."

378.9 miles
2:59 PM
Temperature's dropped to 28 degrees, so the rain that's been falling here in PA is turning into a thin sheet of glass-like ice or "clear ice" as I've been known to call it...mostly because I believe "black ice" is such a misnomer when you're on concrete pavement. Whatever you want to call it, it's twice caused the front end to slip a bit as I hit the accelerator. But, each time I feel the front end start to lose control, just as quickly, I feel the rear end firmly kick me in the right direction. Oh, and I've lost track of the number of accidents I've passed. This is really fun stuff to be driving in. Why am I doing this again?

543.5 miles
5:42 PM
It's been a couple of hours since my last update — mostly because I've been too busy worrying about the road ahead of me than I have been in keeping track of silly things like how many police cars I've seen behind accident scenes. But now I feel comfortable taking a deep breath and writing. Of course, that's mostly because I'm now in the Poconos stopped and gassing up with the wind whipping around the car. I'm getting 22.3 mpg right now, mostly because I've been traveling between 55 and 60 mph. That's the MKX's radio antenna above, just to give you an idea of how much ice-rain was coating the roads. But I know I've got another 80 miles or so to New York...

– Ray Wert

Picture of MKX in snow by: Cydney

'First shalt thou take out the Ford Edge.
Then, shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shalt
be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting
shalt be three. Four shalt thou not count, nor either count thou two,
excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once
the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou
thy crossover utility from Dearborn towards thou foe, who being naughty
in my sight, shall snuff it.'"

Yeah, just wait until Sir LeClair advises Saint Mulally to count (one, two, five!) before they start this Edge-based recovery of FoMoCo NorAm. – Ray Wert

Ford starts shipping Edge crossovers [Detroit News]

Related:
The Ford Earnings Call: The Way Forward Is Even Better Than The Real Thing [internal]

"A Nov. 10 company memo pinpoints five parts problems that caused lost production. The problems listed are fuel-filler neck quality, hydrobush leak, quarter-trim warp, Lincoln THX audio speaker pop and all-wheel-drive rear-bearing noise."

Parts problems contribute to Edge delay (sub. req.) [Automotive News]

Related:
Breaking! FoMoCo Tells Dealers Its Pushing Back Launch Of Ford Edge And Lincoln MKX [internal]

Related:
Lincoln Wants A Jalopnik Editor To Dream A Little Dream Of Them [internal]

Agenda

10-10:30am
Lincoln 'Dreams' Web site presentation

10:30-11am
'Being a Secret Agent' program overview
Track driving instructions

11:00-1pm
Evasive & Tactical Driving Session

1-1:30
Travel time

1:30-3pm
Marksmanship Training
Westland

3-4pm
Travel Time

4-6pm
Martini making
Detroit

6-7pm
Travel Time

7:00pm
Casino Royale Movie Premiere

Related:
Ford What? Lincoln Should Be More Distinct, Designer Says [internal]

Ford pushes back launch of crossover vehicles [Freep]

Related:
Breaking The Bank! Lincoln Prices MKX Starting At $34,795; The Ford Edge And Lincoln MKX: FoMoCo's Sales Dream Or Reality?; The Ford Earnings Call: The Way Forward Is Even Better Than The Real Thing [internal]

GMC Announces Pricing For 2007 Acadia

All-New GMC Acadia Offers Generous List of Standard Equipment in a Package Priced Under $30,000

DETROIT - GMC announced today that pricing for GMC's first crossover SUV, the all-new 2007 Acadia, will begin at $29,990 for a well-equipped front-wheel-drive model.

"The next generation of GMC is here with the all-new Acadia," said John Larson, GMC general manager. "The fuel-efficient crossover has a sleek design and spacious interior that offers all of the people and cargo-carrying capabilities that you would expect in a utility vehicle, along with the smooth ride and responsive handling that feels more like a luxury sedan."

Acadia, which goes on sale at the end of the year, is available in front- or all-wheel-drive models. The base FWD model pricing includes the destination freight charge, is well-equipped, with GM's all-new high-feature 3.6L V-6 engine with variable valve timing. It offers 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm) and EPA ratings of 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway on FWD models. The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission.

The Acadia comfortably seats up to eight adults and has a standard 60/40 split-folding third-row seat. It offers more space than many of its competitors, with nearly 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.

Other standard features on the GMC Acadia include:

*

StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
*

Six air bags - two frontal-impact air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags; and head curtain side-impact air bags that help protect outboard passengers in all three rows
*

Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes
*

OnStar Generation 7 hardware with one-year Directions and Connections service that features new voice-activated Turn-by-Turn Navigation
*

GM's exclusive Smart Slide feature on second-row seating, allowing quick and easy access to the third row
*

AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 players and six-speaker audio system
*

Dual exhaust with chrome tips
*

Rear spoiler
*

18-inch wheels

Also standard on Acadia and new for 2007 is GM's five-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is fully transferable and includes courtesy transportation and roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty. Customers can get a preview of the new Acadia at www.gmc.com.

GMC is a division of General Motors Corp. The division markets Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Envoy, Canyon and Savana. GMC's lineup of Professional Grade trucks and SUVs delivers capabilities and unique features to fit every active lifestyle. GMC sold more than 566,000 vehicles in 2005, and has set divisional sales records 11 times in the last 13 years. More information on GMC and its products can be found at www.gmc.com.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world's leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Related:
GM Going Cross-Eyed On Marketing Crossovers?; Acadia Madness! More On The All-New 2007 GMC Acadia [internal]

Yes, exactly. A "cred" infusion. That's what FoMoCo's latest family haulers need (like a backseat child needs a stomach flu). The above rendering hearkens the handiwork of aftermarket supplier H&R Special Springs of Bellingham, Washington; the two on the next page — an Edge and a vaguely suave Lincoln MKX — are by Newport Beach, California mod shop 3dCarbon. All three will be unveiled at the SEMA show later this month. You're right, this need not happen. [Thanks to Dave for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

Related:
SEMA Preemie: Dodge's Hemi-Powered Nitro Show Truck [internal]

2007 LINCOLN MKX STARTS UNDER $35,000, LEADS LINCOLN'S STRONGEST PRODUCT LINEUP

* Lincoln to launch its first crossover - Lincoln MKX - to compete in fast-growing luxury CUV segment.
* Front-wheel drive Lincoln MKX begins at $34,795. All-wheel drive model starts at $36,445. Prices include $675 destination and delivery.
* Lincoln MKX boasts innovative technologies like available adaptive headlamps, an all-glass panoramic Vista Roof , heated and cooled front seats, THX-II audio, DVD-based navigation and standard AdvanceTrac with RSC .

DEARBORN , Mich. , Sept. 22, 2006 - As crossover sales escalate at a blistering pace, the all-new 2007 Lincoln MKX joins the Lincoln showroom this November at a starting price under $35,000. It takes on a highly competitive market, challenging established players with a host of advantages - including value.

Even when exceptionally well equipped with the Ultimate package - which includes features like adaptive headlamps, chrome wheels, and heated and cooled front seats - the Lincoln MKX is still priced below the base sticker of all of its top competitors.

"The new Lincoln MKX delivers the features luxury customers want at the best value in its class," says Al Giombetti, president, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. "It will enter one of the hottest segments in the market and show customers that American luxury can be both desirable and attainable. At the same time, we're building on the success of the Zephyr with the launch of the new Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan. These strong new entries, plus our best Navigator ever and the all-new Navigator L, give us an outstanding opportunity to attract new customers to Lincoln showrooms."

The new Lincoln MKX features a starting manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of $34,795 for front-wheel drive and $36,445 for all-wheel drive models, including $675 for destination and delivery.

A Confident New Player

The Lincoln MKX makes a refined luxury statement with its dynamic American styling. Its distinctive chrome grille, clean, flowing lines and broad-shouldered athletic stance communicate confidence and elegance. Eighteen-inch Euroflange wheels and dual chrome exhaust tips signal power and performance. Wraparound tail lamps and a spoiler complete the rear.

Innovative technologies on the Lincoln MKX combine art and functionality. An all-glass available panoramic Vista Roof allows customers to experience open-air freedom at the touch of a button. Distinctive lighting includes a Lincoln first: available adaptive headlamps that swivel around curves, pivoting as the driver steers and lighting up to 36 more feet of roadway around a corner. In addition, an LED liftgate panel provides edge-to-edge illumination.

Inside, the five-passenger Lincoln MKX delivers exceptional comfort along with Lincoln's hallmark craftsmanship. Its luxurious leather seating features Ford's first application of its patent-pending Active Comfort Engineering process, with specialized contours helping to reduce pressure points and fatigue. The second-row seats recline to a best-in-class angle and can fold and pivot in one movement. Lincoln MKX provides comfort for all passengers, no matter the temperature, with available heated and cooled seats. The spacious center console offers customers versatility, with a standard MP3 audio jack and a power point hidden inside. Three additional power points also are provided in the cabin.

A host of innovative features keeps Lincoln MKX customers connected and in command. An optional a DVD rear-seat entertainment system plays DVDs or CDs with infrared remote. Lincoln MKX also features an intuitive DVD-based navigation system, able to deliver text-to-speech information in English, Spanish or French. An available THX-II sound system and available SIRIUS satellite radio also contribute to the Lincoln business class experience.

The Lincoln MKX delivers smooth power on demand for effortless driving enjoyment. It's powered by Ford's new fuel-efficient 265 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine, paired with the class-exclusive 6-speed transmission automatic transmission. The independent front and rear suspension are luxury tuned for responsive ride and handling. As the quietest Lincoln ever, Lincoln MKX is designed to give customers a quiet ride on virtually any road surface. Ford engineers have introduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) absorbers behind nearly every trim panel of the Lincoln MKX for new levels of refinement and quietness.

The available intelligent AWD system on the Lincoln MKX delivers luxury performance and offers confident all-weather driving. It continuously monitors vehicle speed and throttle input and seamlessly delivers torque to all four wheels as needed, helping improve balance when cornering.

Outstanding Value

The Lincoln MKX is available in a single series, featuring a full complement of standard premium equipment along with select options, making it easy for customers to order. Customers may select standalone options, or choose the Ultimate and Elite option packages for additional value (available for FWD and AWD models).

Key standard features include:

* New 265 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, certified on regular 87-octane fuel
* Class-exclusive 6-speed automatic transmission
* Luxurious interior, with genuine wood, leather, and satin nickel trim
* 18-inch 8-spoke machined aluminum Euroflange wheels
* Wraparound tail lamps and full-width LED lighting panel
* MP3 audio input jack
* 8-way power adjustable driver/passenger seat
* Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
* Excellent NVH characteristics and unique suspension
* Dual zone electronic automatic temperature control with particulate air filter
* Standard safety features including: industry leading AdvanceTrac with RSC , ABS, Safety Canopy with rollover sensor, front- and front seat side-impact air bags, occupant classification system, adjustable head restraints, LATCH system and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Lincoln MKX Options

Ultimate Package includes:

* Adaptive headlamps
* 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, including power lumbar support
* Heated and cooled front seats
* Driver memory seats and mirrors
* 18-inch 8-spoke chrome-clad aluminum Euroflange wheel
* Power liftgate
* Reverse Sensing System
* Homelink
* EasyFold second-row remote seat release
* Easy entry driver's seat and driver's side electrochromic exterior mirror

Elite Package* includes:

* Panoramic Vista Roof with dual power sunshades
* DVD-based navigation system with a 6.5-inch-wide screen and text-to-speech technology for travel directions aloud in English, Spanish or French
* THX II-Certified audio system with 14 speakers and 600 Watts of power
* SIRIUS satellite radio with six-month subscription

* Each feature in this package is also available as a standalone option.

Additional standalone options include:

* Rear-seat DVD Entertainment System
* Class II trailer tow
* Heated rear seats

The Lincoln MKX already is turning heads as it crosses the U.S. in a 10-city tour, "Savor the Dream," which gives consumers an advanced look and test-drive opportunity before the vehicle arrives in showrooms later this fall. "Savor the Dream" is a lifestyle showroom tour that plays into a key passion of Lincoln consumers: fine food served in a casually elegant setting. It encourages consumers to enjoy all of life's best moments. The tour features celebrity chef Rocco Dispirito and top local chefs from each market. Thousands of consumers are turning out to see the Lincoln MKX, along with the new Lincoln MKZ, the new Navigator and all-new Navigator L. The tour runs through mid November.

With crossover sales projected to reach 3 million units by the end of the decade, Lincoln's first luxury crossover offers the brand a unique opportunity to reach new consumers. Lincoln MKX already is generating considerable buzz. Since January, more than 380,000 consumers have visited the Lincoln MKX Build & Price Web site on www.lincoln.com, producing more than 140,000 configurations. About 65 percent of respondents said they were somewhat or very likely to purchase or lease the vehicle they configured.

Related:
If This Is The Future of Lincoln... [internal]

FORD EDGE BUILT TO LEAD FAST-GROWING CUV MARKET

By Mike Ureel, FCN

DEARBORN, Sept. 8, 2006 — The new Ford Edge will be the next home run in the company's product-led turnaround, say Ford Motor Company officials, and a bold contender in the fast-growing crossover utility vehicle segment.

"We have good reason to be optimistic as we launch another customer-driven product that's right for today's market," said Paul Mascarenas, vice president, Product Engineering, The Americas. "We believe Edge has what it takes to follow in the Fusion's footsteps — it will be a success."

The Edge and Lincoln MKX are set to join a red-hot CUV market that has grown from 500,000 sales in 2000 to 2.4 million in 2006. This year, the crossover segment is expected to outsell traditional truck-based SUVs for the first time ever. There are 43 different models now and there is projected to be more than 70 models by 2009.

"The growth of the CUV business and the decline of the SUV business is the most dramatic shift in product that I've ever observed," said George Pipas, U.S. sales analyst for Ford.

The sport-ute segment has been evolving since Ford introduced the revolutionary Explorer in 1990, which brought refinement and comfort to the spartan, off-roading utility vehicles of the 1980s.

"The SUVs of the 1990s that came after the Explorer were more refined and had high levels of equipment and features, such as leather interiors and moonroofs," said Pipas. "It was the family car of the '90s."

While these truck-based SUVs dominated sales in the 1990s, the Japanese automakers by necessity were the first to introduce car-based sport utes in 1996 with Toyota's RAV4.

"Japanese automakers didn't have the proven truck platforms to adapt to SUVs, but they had proven car platforms," said Pipas. "They thought that, with the Big Three dominating the truck-based SUVs, a better strategy was to develop car-based SUVs."

The CUV segment took off slowly at first but by the time Ford launched the Escape CUV in 1999, which was marketed as an SUV, the segment began growing. Ford has had a strong portfolio of CUVs, and the Escape (and sister Mercury Mariner) has been the top-selling CUV in the U.S., though it's been marketed as an SUV, said Pipas. Ford added the Freestyle CUV in 2004 and since then has been well-positioned in this fast-growing segment.

What's behind this booming segment? Baby boomers themselves, said Pipas. The first of the 75 million-person boomer market is now entering retirement age. Many are empty-nesters who want smaller vehicles.

"Baby boomers are entering a new life stage," said Pipas. "The need for the larger passenger and load hauling ability of traditional SUVs isn't as necessary for many of them. And they don't want to have a step-ladder to get into the larger SUVs."

Today's CUVs match the benefits of a passenger car — lighter weight and fuel-efficient with versatility and cargo — without the size of an SUV.

"Consumers will buy what the manufacturer produces as long as there is a need. And there is a need for CUVs, because of baby boomers," said Pipas. "I think the Edge is a statement not just about what it offers consumers — car-like ride, handling and versatility — but also a unique design."

Since its unveiling at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, almost 40,000 potential customers have expressed interest in the bold-looking Edge, through its Web site and other media. About 750,000 people have visited the Edge site, with 140,000 completing Build & Price configurations online.

"The Edge has generated a lot of interest, and we've gotten a lot of great reaction from the press," said Jeri Ward, Edge marketing manager, Ford Division. "And we've gotten a lot of traffic to the Web site very early on, and what's great is that momentum has continued."

The Ford Edge is distinguished by its bold, American design. Equipped with an all-new 250-horsepower V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the Edge is expected to deliver performance, quietness and fuel efficiency. Edge is packed with Ford innovation, too, with its panoramic glass roof, laptop-friendly center console and advanced safety features.

Will the CUV spell the demise of the truck-based SUV?

"By the end of the decade, I think CUVs will likely be the largest vehicle category in the U.S. auto market," said Pipas. "SUVs will remain a significant segment in the U.S. auto market because this product catagory is better suited for off-roading, hauling several passengers, or pulling a boat or trailer."

Related:
Exercises in Cross-Branded Synergy: Ford and Gillette [internal]

AutoWeek runs down the next three 2007 product launches from Ford, gauging them in terms of crucialness in the company's plan for rebirth. These launches are, in order of importance, the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator and 2008 F-Series Super Duty. Get our take after the jump.

1. The 2007 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers.
Plan 1 in Ford's move away from the minivan market. They're neck-in-neck with GM to see who can get this new breed of half-caf SUVs in front of the country's moms quicker. But will Lincoln's MKX lure buyers away from the Acura RX?; and will a set of 27s with spinner hubs even fit on one? Importance: Off the charts.

2. The 2007 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.
Considering its latest sales figures for large SUVs, GM — which has beaten Ford to market with its redesigned large SUVs for 2007 — found that better may not be enough in this tough market. They also need, say, cheaper gas and a national uptick in pleasure-boat sales. Still, they need the high profit margins, if not the CAFE credits. Importance: Big.

3. The redesigned 2008 F-series Super Duty.
The big boy. Could start an arms race among plumbing contractors and the electricians who sweat their pipes. Importance: 240V.

Mission Critical [AutoWeek]

Related:
Like OMG, LOLROTFL: The Lincoln MKX on MySpace; Ford Launches 2007 Expedition at Houston Auto Show; Spy Photos: 2008 Ford F250 Super Duty [internal]

It's like an alternate sci-fi universe where every sellable product is anthropomorphized to become a kind of friendly sidekick — a glorified pen pal ready to laugh at your jokes, instant-message streams of abbreviated expressions of delight long into the evening and post naked pictures of itself with all the naughty bits blurred out. But it's not an alternate sci-fi universe, it's MySpace. The latest automaker to jump aboard the Dateline NBC "Predator" Express (c'mon, we kid MySpace) is Lincoln, whose upcoming MKX crossover is apparently a 30-year-old female from the United States with requisite friends and a breathlessly self-absorbed curriculum vitae. No, FoMoCo marketers can't drop the hyperbolic bullshit for even a second, can they:

Who I'd like to meet:

Self-made optimists who are proud of who they are and where they came from

Entrepreneurial spirits who are always looking for the next opportunity

Successful men and women who balance their busy lifestyles with style and flair

Embracers of life's challenges and celebrators of its successes

Those who are driven to do more and to dare more

ROTFL.

Lincoln MKX [MySpace]

Related:
More on MySpace; Photo Dump: Lincoln MKX, MKS [internal]

Our man Spencer was travelling the byways and coastal highways of greater Los Angelos yesterday and snapped some pics of some sort of SUV/CUV/Minivan and we're of a few minds on what this one is. Although the taillights look Lincoln-y, like maybe the MKX — the caboose looks all Chrysler. Spencer thinks it may be a GM or VDub. But with that much cladding and fascia obscura, who really knows for sure? We're pretty sure it's the MKX, but we're gonna let our readers decide — what do y'all think it is? (More pics after the jump.)

Picture #2

Picture #3

Related:
Photo Dump: Lincoln MKX, MKS [internal]

Man, how easy it is to default to the stereotype when we're writing about Canada. With that in mind, we'd like to offer a couple of news items from the Great White North: 1.) Somewhere in Canada, a man named Neil just cracked open a beer. 2) Ford of Canada will build hybrids at its Oakville Assembly Complex west of Toronto beginning in 2010, including volume production of its Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX hybrids. That plant is already undergoing a $1 billion upgrade that will allow it to produce multiple models on separate platforms. In the two crossovers, Ford will employ its full hybrid system, which like Toyota's can drive the vehicle's wheels using electric power alone or use the electric motor to assist the gas engine, like in GM's and Honda's mild hybrid systems. Also, just like at Toyota's Canadian plants, Neil will not be allowed to drink on the job.

Related:
Ford Taps Muppet for Escape Hybrid Super Bowl Spot [internal]

There are two kinds of people at the Detroit show, those that call the Lincoln MKX the M-K-X, and those that call it, rightly, the Mark Ten. The confusion likely stems from the name of its its sister ship, the MKS concept sedan (is the S a Roman Numeral, or what)? Nonetheless, Lincoln's car-based luxobox (sorry, CUV) and its conceptual sedan cousin could be the most stylish shapes lincoln has come up with since the, well, see for yourself.

Related:
If This is the Future of Lincoln [internal]

So we got an e-mail at midnight last night offering up pics of the new Lincoln MkX crossover and MkS concept sports sedan, which are being unveiled as we speak. We checked the website and found the above splash screen, which if it's too small for y'all to make out, reads, "In a short time, the future of Lincoln will be revealed. Come back on Monday, January 9th and discover the exciting new vehicles that are re-energizing Lincoln." We've seen the future, and frankly, we're kinda "meh" on the whole thing. Nevertheless, click through to see it. After all, it's your portal to the future...

The Future! Holy Crap!

Related:
Test for Echo!: New Lincoln MKX Crossover to Have THX Sound [Internal]

Damn you, Simpsons! Ever since this clip, we can't talk about THX sound technology without thinking of that guy's head popping like a balloon. Nonetheless, Lincoln's new alphabet-soup crossover SUV, the 2007 MKX (think Ford Edge) will be fitted with a THX II Certified audio system including 14 speakers, 600 watts of power and three optimized seating position modes. The system is on display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and will be shown in Detroit where the MKX will be unveiled. Lincoln, which is hoping to attract younger buyers to the brand with several new models, wants to head off audiophiles' trip to the aftermarket for accessories. The system will also be offered in the Lincoln Zephyr midsize sedan.

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Lincoln Aviator [internal]