The flagship MKS sedan isn’t the only revamped Lincoln model on display at the 2011 LA Motor Show. The MKT crossover has also received a makeover to bring it in line with the rest of the brand’s offerings.
Like the MKS, the MKT now has an all-new split front grille with more densely placed vertical slats and reshaped bumper.
Max Wolff, Lincoln design director, says: “The effort behind the new look was to change the proportion of the MKT from the front view. We helped make it feel wider and a bit less tall, less vertical. The execution of the new MKT’s grille is a lot more refined an elegant.”
Inside, Lincoln claims that the changes it has made to the three-row interior, which is still available in six- and seven-seat configurations, give it a more luxurious, as well as technologically advanced feel.
Noticeable upgrades include the new instrument panel with a central speedometer flanked by two configurable 4.2-inch LCD screens that are controlled via steering wheel-mounted buttons.
An 8-inch LCD touch screen in the center console enables the driver and front passenger to view, as well as to control, the climate control and the upgraded MyLincoln Touch infotainment system. The latter, apart from its usual functions, can be combined with either the standard 210-Watt audio system of the optional THX II-certified, 700-Watt one with SiriusXM satellite radio.
In the powertrain front, the base 3.7-liter V6 has received a 32HP boost, for a total of 300HP, while the 3.5-liter, 355HP EcoBoost V6 carries on unchanged.
The most important change as far as the MKT mechanical components are concerned is the addition of the Continuously Controlled Damping system on the EcoBoost model.
The system receives data from 46 sources and can make 500 calculations per second, adjusting the suspension’s settings in just 11 milliseconds.
The MKT, which goes on sale in the States in spring 2012, is also available with the Drive Control system that offers three driving modes: Normal, Comfort and Sport. In the Comfort setting, the MKT’s suspension is up to 15% more compliant than the (default) Normal, while selecting the Sport mode stiffens up the dampers by 25-30% for better handling.
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