Lincoln can’t seem to get enough of its own grille design. First they extended it until it enveloped the headlights and now they’ve come up with a significantly-sized crossover – presumably because that was the only other way to increase the surface
area on the front of a Lincoln.

The rear of the seven-passenger MKT isn’t much better as it seems to fade-off into a point.

Lincoln’s designs may be controversial but according to company execs the Ford luxury brand continues to out-sell Infiniti and Lexus in certain segments.

The new MKT, set to go on sale in the summer of 2009, features a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine with an optional 355hp EcoBoost twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Both engines come with a standard six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Technological highlights on the new MKT include adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitor system.

The MKT will also feature Ford’s new revolutionary Active Park Assist system.

For 2010 the EcoBoost V6 engine will also be available in the MKS, where it will make 355hp, get 10 percent better fuel economy than a V8 and offers more power and torque than the Lexus GS460 and Infiniti M45.

Official release after the jump:

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The new Lincoln MKS and upcoming Lincoln MKT crossover will feature an innovative new computer-controlled auto-park system that, says Ford, is far superior to existing competitors’ systems.

The Active Park Assist system will use ultrasonic waves, rather than video cameras to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the desired steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into position. The driver will still control the gears, throttle and brake and can take control of the situation at any time by grasping the steering wheel.

Direct from the Ford Press release, HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

1. 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.
2. The system then prompts the driver to accept the system assistance to park.
3. 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.
4. A visual and/or audible driver interface advises the driver about the proximity of other cars, objects and people and provides instructions.
5. While the steering is all done automatically, the driver remains responsible for safe parking and can interrupt the system by grasping the steering wheel.

This new innovation is possible because of the use of Ford’s new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system, an advancement from hydraulic systems. Ford claims the EPAS system alone accounts for an improvement in fuel economy by five percent.

Lincoln MKS:

Lincoln MKT

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…