Lincoln’s MKT ‘concept’ shown at the 2008 North American International Auto Show is to go into production as a three-row, seven-seat crossover next year with an EcoBoost engine option, Ford has confirmed.
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It will join the recently launched MKX two-row crossover, MKZ mid-size sedan and flagship MKS luxury sedan in the premium brand’s range.
The MKT will go on sale in 2009 alongside an upgraded MKZ and a new MKS version powered by an EcoBoost engine.
The MKT, to be built at Ford’s Oakville assembly plant in Ontario, Canada, will offer both a 3.7-litre normally aspirated V6 engine and a 340hp EcoBoost 3.5-litre V6 engine that will deliver an estimated 340 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Ford brand’s Flex crossover is also due to get EcoBoost engine technology.
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By GlobalDataEcoBoost engines use a turbocharger and direct fuel injection for a claimed up to 20% better fuel economy and 15% reduced emissions than larger-displacement engines. Ford said the MKS and MKT have the fuel economy of a V6 but the “performance feel” of a V8.
Within five years, the automaker plans to make 750,000 EcoBoost vehicles a year – using the new engine in vehicles ranging from small cars to full-size pickup trucks world-wide.
“The Lincoln MKT reinforces our commitment to further expand America’s fastest-growing luxury brand, providing an all-new vehicle to the showroom that’s been crafted and honed for a new kind of customer,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas.
“The MKT will offer the comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a crossover and the performance of a sports sedan, courtesy of its EcoBoost engine,” he claimed.
Ford said the production MKT would have many of the styling features of the motor show concept.
Standard equipment would include a new version of the Sync connectivity technology that integrates passengers’ Bluetooth gadgets including mobile phones and MP3 players.
Next-generation navigation and new safety and security features will be available, including the recently introduced blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert system.
