Lincoln MKT

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Lincoln MKT
2010 Lincoln MKT -- NHTSA 1.jpg
2010-2012 Lincoln MKT
Overview
Manufacturer Lincoln (Ford)
Also calledLincoln MKT Town Car
ProductionJuly 6, 2009 [1] –October 2019 [2]
Model years 2010–2019
Assembly Oakville, Ontario, Canada (Oakville Assembly)
Designer Andrea di Buduo, John Caswell
Body and chassis
Class Full-size luxury crossover SUV
Body style 5-door SUV
Layout FF layout
All-wheel drive
Platform Ford D4 platform
Related Ford Explorer (2011–2019)
Ford Flex
Ford Taurus (2010–2019)
Lincoln MKS
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L EcoBoost I4 (Town Car fleet)
3.7 L Ti-VCT V6
3.5 L EcoBoost/Twin-turbo GTDI V6
Transmission Ford 6F 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 120.7 in (3,066 mm)
Length2010–12: 208.4 in (5,293 mm)
2013–: 207.6 in (5,273 mm)
Width78.7 in (1,999 mm)
2013–: 76.0 in (1,930 mm)
Height63.9 in (1,623 mm)
2013–: 67.4 in (1,712 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor Lincoln Aviator (first generation)
Lincoln Town Car (livery/limousine version) [3] [4]
Successor Lincoln Aviator (2020) (mid-size) [5] Lincoln Continental (Livery)

The Lincoln MKT is a full-size luxury crossover SUV with 3-row seating marketed by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company over a single generation from 2010-2019. Marketed between the Lincoln MKX (renamed the Lincoln Nautilus) and the Lincoln Navigator, [6] the MKT shared its Ford D4 chassis with the Ford Flex CUV and the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer.

Contents

After the 2019 model year, Ford stopped using its D3/D4 chassis, discontinuing the MKT and counterparts. Within the Lincoln model range, the MKT was not directly replaced.

The MKT was assembled by Ford of Canada at its Oakville Assembly facility at Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

2008 concept

Lincoln MKT concept Lincoln MKT NY.jpg
Lincoln MKT concept

The Lincoln MKT was presented 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. [7] 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. [8]

Model overview

The MKT entered production at the Oakville Assembly plant in July 2009 for the 2010 model year. While the Lincoln division was shifting from SUVs towards crossover SUVs, the MKT had no direct predecessor. Developed as a competitor against the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz R-Class, the MKT was designed as one of the largest and fastest luxury crossovers in its price range. [9] [10]

Chassis

The Lincoln MKT uses Ford's D4 platform, a variant of the Volvo-derived Ford D3 platform designed for SUVs and crossovers. With a 120.7-inch wheelbase, the Lincoln MKT is the longest-wheelbase D4 vehicle and the third-longest wheelbase Lincoln currently produced (only the Navigator/Navigator L are longer). While sharing no common body panels, the Lincoln MKT is mechanically related to the Ford Flex and the fifth-generation Ford Explorer (though the Explorer remains marketed as an SUV and retains a greater degree of off-road driving capability).

Sharing its powertrain with the Lincoln MKS and sixth-generation Ford Taurus, the standard engine for a Lincoln MKT is a 3.7L V6. From 2010 to 2012, the engine produced 268 hp; after 2013, the 3.7L V6 produced 303 hp. As an option, a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 is offered. Initially producing 355 hp in the MKT, in 2013, the 3.5L engine was retuned for 365 hp. [11] Both engines are mated to a Ford 6F 6-speed automatic transmission. [11] A front-wheel drive configuration is fitted to two-wheel drive versions, with all-wheel drive fitted as an option; the latter is standard on versions fitted with the 3.5L V6.

In 2013, a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 became available for the Town Car livery variant as a special-order option.

The MKT features electric power steering over more-traditional hydraulic power steering. [12] 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. [13] According to Lincoln's website, the MKT was discontinued for the 2020 model year. [14]

Body

In the shift from the 2008 concept to the production MKT, relatively few changes were made, with the most notable exception of larger rear quarter windows, the addition of wraparound headlamp units, and a revised lower grille. Retained from the concept, the vertically slatted split grille was a feature first introduced on the 2007 Lincoln MKR concept (along with the use of the Lincoln star emblem as fender side vents).

In the interest of fuel economy, Lincoln adapted several weight-saving measures in the construction of the MKT body. The liftgate is constructed using an inner panel of cast magnesium and an outer panel of stamped aluminum. [15] [16] Other places where magnesium replace steel include the radiator support frame and the frames of the rear seatbacks and lower seat cushions.

Although sharing no external body panels with its Ford D4 counterpart Ford Flex, the MKT and the Flex offer the same two seating configurations. A seven-passenger (2-3-2) configuration is standard, with an optional six-passenger (2-2-2) configuration; a second row of bucket seats replaces the three-passenger split bench seat with a full-length center console as an option.

During its production, the Lincoln MKT saw relatively few changes, primarily limited to adjustments in color offerings and option packages. In 2013, in line with the MKZ and MKS, the front fascia of the MKT was redesigned, with the widely slatted grille replaced by a more narrowly-spaced design and a redesign of the lower grille. For 2016, a new Sync 3 infotainment system replaced the previous MyLincoln Touch. In 2017, the front fascia saw a second update, with the vertical grille layout replaced by a widely spaced horizontal design, shared with the Lincoln MKC and 2016-2018 MKX.

Trim

From 2010 to 2016 (with the exception of the Town Car livery variants) the Lincoln MKT was not sold by trim level, with examples largely identified by their engine and drivetrain configuration. To bring the MKT in line with other Lincoln vehicles, for 2017, the MKT adopted a Premiere base model, with the Reserve as the top-trim model.

For the 2019 model year, Lincoln dropped the naturally aspirated 3.7L V6 Duratec engine from the trim lineup making the Twin-Turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost the sole engine.

Safety

2015 Lincoln MKT on IIHS [17]
CategoryRating
Moderate overlap frontal offsetGood
Side impactGood
Roof strengthGood2
2 strength-to-weight ratio: 4.29

The MKT has a rollover risk of 15.1% for the 4-wheel drive version, [18] and 16.4% for the front-wheel drive version. [19]

Sales

Calendar yearAmerican salesRef
20092,580 [20]
20107,435 [21]
20115,024 [22]
20127,094 [23]
20136,014 [24]
20144,800 [25]
20154,696 [26]
20164,028 [27]
20173,005 [28]
20182,324 [29]
20193,388 [30]
2020329 [31]

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. [32] In February 2011, Ford unveiled the Lincoln MKT Town Car to the limousine and livery trade. [4] [33] 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. [32]

Serving as a replacement for the long-running Town Car sedan, the MKT Town Car uses the same body as the production vehicle, with several changes made to the interior. In place of the three-row seating, the rear row of seating is removed; the three-passenger bench seat is moved several inches rearward to increase rear legroom while the third-row seating area is converted to additional luggage space. [32]

The MKT Limousine uses the rear seating configuration of the MKT Town Car, but is designed for conversion to a stretch limousine. As with the previous Lincoln Town Car, Ford Motor Company allows the MKT Limousine to be stretched to a maximum of 120 inches over its original length. [32]

Through a Ford QVM (Quality Vehicle Modifier), the Lincoln MKT is also available for conversion to a hearse, involving many of the same chassis modifications used for a livery vehicle.

In 2013, the 2.0L EcoBoost inline-4 became available for the MKT Town Car, available only through special order; it is not available on a standard production MKT.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln Motor Company</span> Luxury division of Ford Motor Company

Lincoln Motor Company, or simply Lincoln, is the luxury vehicle division of American automobile manufacturer Ford Motor Company. Marketed among the top luxury vehicle brands in the United States Lincoln is positioned closely against its General Motors counterpart Cadillac. However, beginning with the 2021 model year, they only offer SUV and crossover vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Explorer</span> Range of SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company

The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. As the first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Within the current Ford SUV range in North America, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition. As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim package previously offered on the Ford F-Series pickup trucks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln Town Car</span> Full-size luxury sedan (1980–2011)

The Lincoln Town Car is a model line of full-size luxury sedans that was marketed by the Lincoln division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company. Deriving its name from a limousine body style, Lincoln marketed the Town Car from 1981 to 2011, with the nameplate previously serving as the flagship trim of the Lincoln Continental. Produced across three generations for thirty model years, the Town Car was marketed directly against luxury sedans from Cadillac and Chrysler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln Continental</span> American luxury car

The Lincoln Continental is a series of mid-sized and full-sized luxury cars produced between 1939 and 2020 by Lincoln, a division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company. The model line was introduced following the construction of a personal vehicle for Edsel Ford, who commissioned a coachbuilt 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr convertible, developed as a vacation vehicle to attract potential Lincoln buyers. In what would give the model line its name, the exterior was given European "continental" styling elements, including a rear-mounted spare tire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Escape</span> Sport utility vehicle manufactured by Ford

The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company since the 2001 model year. The first Ford SUV derived from a car platform, the Escape fell below the Ford Explorer in size; the Escape is currently sized between the Ford EcoSport and Ford Edge. The 2004 Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid-electric vehicle from Ford, and the first hybrid produced as an SUV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford D3 platform</span> Motor vehicle platform

The Ford D3 platform is an automobile platform assembled by Ford Motor Company. In production between the 2005 and 2019 model years, the D3 platform is the fifteenth generation of full-size cars produced by Ford in North America. Marking the adoption of unibody chassis construction, a transverse engine configuration, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and the lack of a V8 engine, the D3 platform is derived from the 1998-2016 Volvo P2 architecture. Since 2008, the related D4 platform has served as a basis for crossover SUVs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Panther platform</span> 1979–2012 motor vehicle platform from Ford Motor Company

The Ford Panther platform was an automobile platform that was used by Ford Motor Company from the 1979 to 2012 model years. Following the downsizing of the General Motors B-bodies and C-bodies by two years, the Panther platform marked the end of production of sedans unencumbered by downsizing. Originally slated for discontinuation during the early 1980s, the Panther architecture was used for 33 model years, making it one of the longest-produced platforms in North American automotive history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford F-Series</span> Series of pickup trucks manufactured by Ford

The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year. The F-Series is marketed as a range of full-sized pickup trucks positioned above the midsize Ranger but below the larger Super Duty in the Ford truck lineup. Alongside the F-150, the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series, which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln Navigator</span> Full-size luxury SUV

The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV marketed and sold by the Lincoln Motor Company brand of Ford Motor Company since the 1998 model year. Sold primarily in North America, the Navigator is the Lincoln counterpart of the Ford Expedition. It is the heaviest production Lincoln ever built, and is also the Lincoln with the greatest cargo capacity and the first non-limousine Lincoln to offer seating for more than six people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln Aviator</span> Mid-size SUV

The Lincoln Aviator is a mid-size, three-row luxury SUV manufactured and marketed under the Lincoln brand of Ford Motor Company — and now in its second generation, with a hiatus from 2006 to 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Fusion (Americas)</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Fusion is a mid-size car that was manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. From the 2006 through 2020 model years, two generations of the Fusion have been produced in gasoline, gas/electric hybrid, and gas/plug-in electric hybrid variants. The Fusion was manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly plant in Sonora, Mexico, alongside the Lincoln MKZ, and formerly the Mercury Milan, both of which share its CD3 platform.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Cyclone engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Cyclone engine, also branded Duratec, is Ford Motor Company's latest DOHC family of gasoline V6 engines introduced in 2006. The Cyclone succeeds Ford's previous V6 engine families, including the Canadian built Ford Essex engine introduced in 1981, the Ford Vulcan engine introduced in 1985, the original Duratec V6 introduced in 1993, and the Ford Cologne V6 engine, whose design dates back to 1962. The first version of the Cyclone engine, a 3.5 L V6, appeared in the 2007 Ford Edge and the Lincoln-badged luxury variant, the Lincoln MKX, as well as the Lincoln MKZ. Mazda badges its versions of the Cyclone MZI as it did with its versions of the Duratec V6.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln MKX</span> Mid-size crossover SUV

The Lincoln MKX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV marketed and sold by the Lincoln brand of Ford Motor Company. Introduced in late 2006, the MKX is the first crossover SUV offered by the Lincoln brand. Initially the smallest Lincoln SUV, it has been slotted between the Lincoln Corsair and the Lincoln Aviator. It is the Lincoln counterpart of the Ford Edge crossover across both generations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln MKS</span> Motor vehicle

The Lincoln MKS is a full-sized luxury sedan that was manufactured and marketed by the Lincoln subdivision of Ford from 2008 to 2016. First shown at the LA Auto Show in November 2007, the MKS began production for the 2009 model year at Ford's Chicago Assembly plant in May 2008 with sales beginning a month later. The MKS was the second Lincoln to adopt the "MK" nomenclature and the first model to wear it through its entire production run. With the discontinuation of the Lincoln Town Car in 2011, the MKS at 205.6-inches in length became the longest production sedan sold by an American automaker through 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln MKZ</span> Motor vehicle

The Lincoln MKZ, is a four-door, five-passenger mid-size luxury sedan manufactured by Ford and marketed as the Zephyr and as the MKZ by Ford's Lincoln brand across two generations in both gasoline and hybrid gas/electric models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln MKR</span> Motor vehicle

The Lincoln MKR concept car was a premium 4-door fastback sedan design, as introduced during the 2007 North American International Auto Show by Lincoln. Its chassis was based on the Ford D2C platform as used in the Ford Mustang. The MKR signaled the next-generation of premium Lincoln vehicles, introducing the new TwinForce engine family and a restyled "bow wave" waterfall grill. The concept car was first unveiled to the media and the public in a press release on 1 January 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Freestyle</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Freestyle is a crossover utility vehicle that was sold by Ford from 2005 to 2009. Largely marketed as the successor to the Ford Taurus station wagon, the Freestyle was the CUV counterpart of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego four-door sedans. Sharing the Ford D3 platform with the Five Hundred and Montego, the Freestyle was produced with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations and six- or seven-passenger seating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Flex</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by the Ford over a single generation, from 2009-2019 — as the successor to the Ford Taurus X

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Taurus (sixth generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The sixth generation of the Ford Taurus is the final generation of the model range manufactured by Ford. Introduced for the 2010 model year, the sixth-generation Taurus is the second generation of the model line produced as a full-size car; it was the heaviest sedan sold under the Ford brand worldwide. While sharing its D3 chassis underpinnings with the previous generation, the sixth generation marked the first North American use of Kinetic Design design language.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln Nautilus</span> Mid-size crossover SUV

The Lincoln Nautilus is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV marketed and sold by the Lincoln brand of Ford Motor Company. The Nautilus was initially renamed from the MKX as part of a mid-cycle update in 2018 for the 2019 model year, as Lincoln phased out its use of "MK" model names. The name 'Nautilus' is derived from the ancient Greek word nautes, meaning "sailor," as in nautical or astronaut.

References

  1. ↑ "2009 Order Cutoff - 2010 Startup" (PDF). ARI. June 29, 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 16, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  2. ↑ "Retrospective: Ford Flex Stood Out as Bold, Fun and Fashionable in a Crowded Minivan/SUV Segment | Ford Media Center" (Press release).
  3. ↑ "Fleet Showroom" (PDF) (Press release). fleet.ford.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 17, 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  4. 1 2 Snavely, Brent (February 14, 2011). "Lincoln's new limos to keep Town Car name". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved February 19, 2011.
  5. ↑ "Lincoln Aviator Concept". New York Daily News .[ dead link ]
  6. ↑ "2010 Lincoln MKT". Autoblog.com.
  7. ↑ Simona (14 January 2008). "2008 Lincoln MKT". Top Speed.
  8. ↑ "EcoBoost brochure" (PDF). Media.Ford.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-06.
  9. ↑ For the Lincoln MKT, Different May Be Good NYTimes, 2009
  10. ↑ "Four Threes: 2013 Infiniti JX35, 2012 BMW X5, 2013 Lincoln MKT, 2012 Acura MDX". Automobile. 11 April 2012.
  11. 1 2 "2010 MKT Technical Specifications". Media.Ford.com (Press release). Archived from the original on 2009-10-04. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
  12. ↑ "Lincoln unveils ultimate touring vehicle concept; Premium utility features elegance, space, efficiency". Media.Ford.com (Press release). January 14, 2008. Archived from the original on January 16, 2008.
  13. ↑ "Ford's New 'Active Park Assist' Makes Parallel Parking a Breeze for Lincoln MKT and MKS Owners". PR Newswire . December 30, 2008.
  14. ↑ https://www.lincoln.com/luxury-crossovers/mkt/
  15. ↑ "Light-weight Magnesium, Aluminum in Lincoln MKT Liftgate Cuts Weight, Boosts Fuel Economy". Media.Ford.com (Press release). Archived from the original on 2009-10-04. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
  16. ↑ "Auto Parts Maker Wins PACE Award". London Free Press . May 6, 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-06.
  17. ↑ "2015 Lincoln MKT Midsize luxury SUV / 2010 Lincoln MKT 4-door 4wd". IIHS . Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  18. ↑ "2016 Lincoln MKT SUV AWD". U.S. Department of Transportation . Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  19. ↑ "2016 Lincoln MKT SUV FWD". U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  20. ↑ "FORD CAPS 2009 WITH 33 PERCENT SALES INCREASE, FIRST FULL-YEAR MARKET SHARE GAIN SINCE 1995 | Ford Motor Company Newsroom" (Press release). Media.ford.com. 2010-01-05. Archived from the original on 2010-08-26. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  21. ↑ Pipas, George. "FORD'S 2010 SALES UP 19 PERCENT – LARGEST INCREASE OF ANY FULL-LINE AUTOMAKER; FOUNDATION SET FOR GROWTH IN 2011" (PDF) (Press release). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-01-24. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  22. ↑ "2011 Ford Brand Sales up 17 Percent for the Year in U.S.; Fuel-Efficient Cars, Utilities, Trucks Drive Sales Gains" (PDF) (Press release). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-01-31. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
  23. ↑ "Ford Motor Company Posts 2,250,165 Sales in 2012; Focus, F-Series Post Big Gains". Motor Trend Magazine . 3 January 2013.
  24. ↑ "Ford Motor Company Delivers Best Sales Year Since 2006" (PDF) (Press release). Media.ford.com. 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2014-01-06.
  25. ↑ "Ford Posts Best U.S. December Sales Results since 2005" (PDF). Media.ford.com. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2015-01-07.
  26. ↑ "New Products Make Ford Best-Selling Brand for Sixth Straight Year" (PDF). Media.ford.com (Press release). 2016-01-05. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
  27. ↑ "Ford U.S. December Retail Sales up 5 Percent - a 12-Year High; Ford America's Best-Selling Brand for Seventh Year" (PDF) (Press release). media.ford.com. 2017-01-04. Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  28. ↑ "Ford SUVs Post Record Sales While F-Series Marks 41 Years as America's Best-Selling Pickup; Ford Achieves 8th Consecutive Year as the Country's Favorite Brand" (PDF) (Press release). media.ford.com. 2018-01-03. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
  29. ↑ "Ford F-Series Marks 42 Straight Years as America's Best-Selling Pickup, Topping 900,000 Sold in 2018; Ford Hits Nine Straight Years as America's Best-Selling Brand; Lincoln SUV Sales Up" (PDF) (Press release). Ford Motor Company. March 2022.
  30. ↑ "F-Series Hits 43rd Straight Year as America's Best-Selling Pickup; Ford Achieves 10 Straight Years of Leadership as America's Best-Selling Brand; Lincoln SUV Sales Best in 16 Years" (Press release). media.ford.com. 2020-01-06. Retrieved 2020-01-06.
  31. ↑ "Truck Customers Make F-Series America's Best-Selling Pickup For 44 Straight Years; Ford Brand Achieves 11 Straight Years as America's Best-Selling Brand; Ford Explorer Claims Top Spot in 2020; Luxury Customers Propel Lincoln SUVs to Highest Sales in 17 Years". Ford Media Center (Press release). Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  32. 1 2 3 4 Shunk, Chris (2010-10-04). "Lincoln MKT limousine, livery models announced, will replace Town Car — Autoblog". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
  33. ↑ "Limousine & Livery Use of the Lincoln MKT". Brightstar Limos. Retrieved 24 August 2016.[ dead link ]
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