RideLust

2010 Lincoln MKT

On Friday, Ford gave the official green light for production of the 2010 Lincoln MKT, Ford Motor Company’s luxury crossover vehicle. Developed under the codename “D472″, the Lincoln MKT was originally introduced in January at the 2008 North American International Auto Show as a Ford Taurus/Lincoln MKS/Volvo S80 inspired concept vehicle. In the fall of 2009, the Lincoln MKT vision will become a reality when 2010 models hit dealer floors.

In the midst of several rapid, major changes within its parent company, the Lincoln MKT is rumored to represent Ford’s commitment to revamping and re-marketing their Lincoln and Mercury lines. No longer in direct competition with Cadillac, the Lincoln MKT is intended to stand up next to similar luxury vehicles like the Acura MDX and the Audi Q7. Featuring the trademark Continental grill, the most notable of the new Lincoln MKT’s features is its V6 EcoBoost engine whose fuel efficient technology is expected to result in a 15% higher average mpg rating. The V6 EcoBoost, which engineered to run on either regular gasoline or E85 ethanol, boasts an impressive 415-hp and 400lb-ft of torque – working out to about 118 hp-per-liter. Offered with a 6-sp automatic transmission with select-shift AWD, the Lincoln MKT is intended to provide the perfect combination between “the comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a full-size utility and the performance of a sporty roadster.”