Manufacturer Lincoln (Ford) Production July 6, 2009–present | Also called Lincoln MKT Town Car Body style 5-door SUV | |
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Assembly Oakville, Ontario, Canada (Oakville Assembly) Class Full-size luxury crossover SUV | ||
The Lincoln MKT is a full-size luxury crossover SUV built and marketed by the Ford Motor Company's Lincoln Motor Company division since the 2010 model year. The MKT (the "T" stands for Touring) was introduced as Lincoln's second crossover in the lineup, slotted above the Lincoln MKX mid-size crossover and below the larger Ford Expedition-based Lincoln Navigator full-size sport utility vehicle. Sharing a common platform with the Ford Flex, the MKT does not have a direct predecessor. Instead, the MKT and smaller MKX both serve as replacements of the Lincoln Aviator, as the division moved into the luxury crossover market.
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2009 concept
The Lincoln MKT was unveiled as a concept vehicle at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. Largely a preview of the upcoming production vehicle, it featured a full-length glass roof and a 2+2 seating layout. The MKT concept vehicle was announced to have the 415 hp 3.5 L Cyclone 35 V-6 variant of Ford's new EcoBoost engine family, which uses turbocharging and direct injection technologies to offer the power of larger displacement engines with the fuel economy of smaller engines.
Production MKT (2010-present)
The MKT entered production at the Oakville Assembly plant in July 2009 for the 2010 model year. It shares the same unibody Volvo-designed D4 platform as the Ford Flex and the fifth generation Ford Explorer. The MKT, however, has an entirely different design and uses completely different body panels, with design cues from the Lincoln MKR concept vehicle and the Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan, the latter of which is built onto a smaller version of the MKT's platform. The MKT offers a choice between two three rows seating arrangements: either a seven-passenger seating capacity with two persons in the front, three in the middle, and two in the back; or a six-passenger variant, where there is a center console in place of a middle seat in the second row.
The production version MKT comes standard with the normally aspirated, direct injection 268 hp (200 kW) 3.7 L Cyclone 37 V-6 as used in the Lincoln MKS sedan. The twin turbocharged 3.5 L Cyclone EcoBoost engine rated at 355 hp (265 kW), which is also available on the MKS, is available. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed 6F automatic transmission.
The MKT features electric power steering over more-traditional hydraulic power steering. The electric steering system is combined with ultrasonic sensors to form a hands-off "Active Park Assist" system that steers the vehicle into parallel parking slots.
The fuel economy of the MKT is enhanced by many advanced weight saving developments. The liftgate of the MKT is manufactured from an inner panel of cast magnesium and an outer panel of stamped aluminum. The MKT also utilizes magnesium in the radiator support, rear seat back and cushion frame.
Mentioned competitors in the full-size (three-row, seven-passenger) luxury crossover niche include the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60,and Mercedes-Benz R-Class. The all wheel drive, 355-horsepower EcoBoost V-6 powered top of the line MKT model has better acceleration and fuel economy than the V-8 powered Audi Q7 4.2 FSI quattro.
2013 refresh
The 2013 Lincoln MKT made its world debut at the 2011 LA Auto Show, with a newly refreshened exterior and interior. Horsepower of the base 3.7 L Cyclone 37 V-6 increased 12% to 303 hp (226 kW). The 3.5 L Ecoboost V6 also received an increase in power, up 10 hp to 365 hp (272 kW). The MKT Town Car is also still available with the smaller 2.0L Turbo EcoBoost motor, via fleet orders only.
Changes to the 2014 and 2015 models were largely limited to color choices and option package adjustments. For 2016, a new Sync 3 infotainment system replaced the previous MyLincoln Touch. For 2017, the MKT has received a new horizontal grille design. [1]
Safety
2 strength-to-weight ratio: 4.29The MKT has a rollover risk of 15.1% for the 4-wheel drive version, and 16.4% for the front-wheel drive version.
Livery use
In October 2010, Ford announced the development of livery and limousine variants of the MKT as potential replacements for the Lincoln Town Car, and in mid-February it was displayed to the Livery/Limousine trade with the name "MKT Town Car".
The MKT Town Car (livery) and MKT limousine variants differ primarily in size; the MKT Town Car uses the same body as the production vehicle, while the limousine is stretched in varying lengths, to a maximum of 120 in (3,048 mm) added to the original length. To increase rear-seat room, both versions have the third-row seat converted to a luggage area and a three-passenger rear seat moved rearward to increase rear legroom.
To accommodate the weight of the heavier vehicle, the all-wheel drive powertrain is fitted to all limousines, along with heavy-duty brakes, suspension, and electric power steering,
The MKT is also Lincoln's offering in the funeral vehicle market; it can be ordered as a hearse chassis, through one of Ford's approved QVM's (Quality Vehicle Modifiers).