Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKT Crossover

Approximately 3 people were stunned by the surprising debut of the Lincoln MKT crossover vehicle at Cobo Hall today.  The long-expected Lincoln lux version of the Flex crossover vehicle is pretty much what you'd expect: a nicer, arguably prettier version of the Flex, which is already a pretty nice vehicle.

The Lincoln's biggest distinction is it's smoother, less sharp-edged styling.  The MKT gracefully integrates some of Lincoln's  new stylistic elements, including the massive twin wing-shaped chrome grills.  Around back, the full-length LED taillight visually breaks up a large flat space and provides a bit of eye candy.

The MKT is a mixture of soft, organic curves and some strong character lines - this is what makes it look so different from the Flex, even though they're mechanically identical.  There's a lot more rake to the rear end, and the greenhouse pinches up on a haunch in the back, creating a sleek and narrow looking cabin.  Thankfully, the MKT isn't over-adorned with gaudy vents and chrome like the Navigator!  The overall effect is a distinctive and attractive vehicle - that's not just a clear rebadge of the Ford.

The MKT has a similar selection of engines to the Flex.  The big news is the availability of the previously discussed 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo, direct injection V6, good here for 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft.  This engine is only available with Ford's 6-speed automatic transmission and four wheel drive.  If you just don't want that much power (what's wrong with you?) the base model MKT comes with the corporate Duratec 3.7L naturally aspirated V6, which makes 268 horsepower.  This is a slightly larger engine than the base Flex, but I wouldn't count on this combination lighting the tarmac on fire.

I know it's the hoon in me, but the thought of a 4WD twin-turbo V6 SUV with an automatic and a ton of power/torque... reminds me of the GMC Typhoon, one of my personal favorite vehicles.  Unless Ford's notoriously nannylike stability and traction-control systems are going to ruin the fun, I imagine many a Mustang driver are going to be embarassed by a brake torqued, fully spooled and locked up MKT at a stoplight.  With 12psi of boost from two quick-spooling Honeywell GT15 turbochargers, this should be a rather responsive powertrain combination.

The interior of the MKT is as lavish as you'd expect.  It's got all the techie goodness Ford can scrounge up: the proprietary SYNC system Ford loves to brag about, a 14-speaker THX II Surround Sound stereo, rear seat footrests(!), satnav, LED illuminated instrumentation... oh, and a refrigerator!

Lincoln's engineers have retuned the suspension on the MKT to deliver the cushy ride that Lincoln's aged clientele expect from the brand, which is predictable.  Otherwise, the things people love about the Flex are here too: surprisingly good fuel economy for a large, comfortable 7-passenger vehicle, carlike manners, great stability, and modern design and build quality.

The MKT is being pitched as a competitor for the Audi Q7, Volvo XC70, BMW X5, Acura MDX and the ubiquitous Lexus RX series.  The MKT with EcoBoost will be a particularly appealing option in that category, offering the performance of the 4.2L V8 Q7 with the fuel economy of the non-turbocharged XC70 wagon.  Time will tell if there is even a market for vehicles like the MKT in the future, but if buyers are still buying, the MKT seems to have a good chance.