Detroit 2010: Lincoln MKX

Ford has had quite a past few months for product and overall progress. Ford Fusion has received the Car of the Year award from Motor Trend, the production Fiesta was introduced as well as other new things like the return of the 5.0-liter Mustang.

Now at the North American International Auto Show, fresh of Car and Truck of the Year wins with the Fusion and Transit Connect, Ford turns its attention to the Lincoln brand with the new 2011 Lincoln MKX.

This is update is what is known as a Mid-Cycle Refresh (MCE). The MKX is getting updated significantly, with a new look to match the brand's recent direction. The MKS, MKT and MKZ show this new design philosophy from Lincoln.

The look is characterized by the large front grille and return of the horizontal rear taillight design theme. Oddly, with the MKX they actually took out the horizontal light unit. Something about the taillights looks a little odd now with the extra piece on the liftgate flanking the main unit. Must have been just a change for the sake of it.

Overall though, it is a look that works really well, helping to separate Lincoln visually on the road. CarThrottle liked the theme in person during our test of the MKT Crossover last year.

Inside, the MKX gets with the program as well. The interior pictures came out last week when Ford released information about the MyTouch system. The leather dashboard, metallic center stack with wood accents and Ford's excellent infotainment system feature, this time revamped under MyLincoln. The MKX will be the first Lincoln car to debut the system.

These new updates result in a completely refreshed, competitive Lincoln lineup. It should help the MKX gain further traction in the market. In addition, it has a new trump card - MyLincoln. We can't wait to give it a go for ourselves.