And
that Vista Roof I mentioned earlier? It incorporates a 693 by 747 mm (27.3 by 29.4 inch) front sunroof that features a one-touch-open switch for vent and tilt-and-slide operations. The rear moonroof, 400 by 795 mm (15.8 by 31.3 inches), is fixed, and along with the one up front can block rays via dual power sunshades. The optional DVD entertainment system most likely can't be had with the dual sunroofs, as the space in between the two openings isn't wide enough to accommodate the drop-down 8-inch monitor. Lincoln may want to reconsider its entertainment system, and incorporate dual front headrest monitors like its sibling brand Volvo.
And while all of the new features, interior finery and stylish sheetmetal will pull buyers into Lincoln showrooms, what's under the hood and beneath
the floorboards will keep them smiling for years to come, when buyer's remorse might otherwise set in. An all-new engine will debut in the MKX at the same time it gets fitted to the new Ford Edge. The 3.5 boasts 250-horsepower at an estimated 6,250 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, and comes mated to a front- or all-wheel drive configured in-house developed six-speed automatic - not the Aisin-derived six-speed auto currently used by the Lincoln Zephyr and other Ford products - but more on that in a minute. The engine is a 60-degree V, comprised of an aluminum block and heads, 4-valves per cylinder and DOHC technology, of course, plus intake variable camshaft timing.
"Our new 3.5-liter V6 is a key component in Ford's global powertrain strategy, which is to provide what customers want, when they want it," commented Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain Operations, during an introduction to the new engine at Ford's powertrain division, the, in Dearborn last November. "This powertrain is an innovative solution to answering the call for better fuel efficiency, more refinement, more power and clean emissions, without any sacrifices."
The Beech Daly Technical Center is a state of the art facility, incidentally, with some of the most advanced prototype development hardware that the auto industry has to offer, some of which does not exist at any rival auto manufacturer's facility. The 3.5 will be produced at the Lima
Engine Plant, in Ohio. As expected, it's an extremely sophisticated piece of engineering that will quickly elevate Lincoln's pedigree among luxury CUV buyers.
A number of high-tech goodies make the new 3.5-liter V6 stand out in its class, such as cracked-powder metal connecting rods, a composite split plenum intake manifold, an electronic throttle body, high temperature cast aluminum pistons with low-friction coated skirts and low-tension rings, shimless bucket tappets, centrally located spark plugs, and more.
To those less technically adept, all the technical bits add up to reasonably low expected fuel consumption, plus a PZEV capable emissions rating and hybrid adaptability. Ford wouldn't make a new engine that wasn't hybrid ready, being that it is the undisputed domestic leader in HEVs, so expect more alternative powertrain vehicles featuring the automaker's third generation hybrid transaxle to fill up the its three-brand lineup - 250,000 per year to be sold by 2010. One of these will undoubtedly be a hybrid MKX, to go up against Lexus' RX 400h. Still, even without electrical boost, the new 3.5 is extremely efficient.
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| The MKX's optional double moonroofs are just like those in the familial Land Rover LR3. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
And while all of the new features, interior finery and stylish sheetmetal will pull buyers into Lincoln showrooms, what's under the hood and beneath
 |
| Under the hood the all-new 3.5L V6 boasts 250-horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, and comes mated to a front- or all-wheel drive configured, in-house developed six-speed automatic. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
"Our new 3.5-liter V6 is a key component in Ford's global powertrain strategy, which is to provide what customers want, when they want it," commented Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain Operations, during an introduction to the new engine at Ford's powertrain division, the, in Dearborn last November. "This powertrain is an innovative solution to answering the call for better fuel efficiency, more refinement, more power and clean emissions, without any sacrifices."
The Beech Daly Technical Center is a state of the art facility, incidentally, with some of the most advanced prototype development hardware that the auto industry has to offer, some of which does not exist at any rival auto manufacturer's facility. The 3.5 will be produced at the Lima
 |
| While relatively powerful, the new V6 has a lot of weight to pull around at 1,914 kg (4,220 lbs) in FWD trim or 2,004 kg (4,419 lbs) with AWD. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
A number of high-tech goodies make the new 3.5-liter V6 stand out in its class, such as cracked-powder metal connecting rods, a composite split plenum intake manifold, an electronic throttle body, high temperature cast aluminum pistons with low-friction coated skirts and low-tension rings, shimless bucket tappets, centrally located spark plugs, and more.
To those less technically adept, all the technical bits add up to reasonably low expected fuel consumption, plus a PZEV capable emissions rating and hybrid adaptability. Ford wouldn't make a new engine that wasn't hybrid ready, being that it is the undisputed domestic leader in HEVs, so expect more alternative powertrain vehicles featuring the automaker's third generation hybrid transaxle to fill up the its three-brand lineup - 250,000 per year to be sold by 2010. One of these will undoubtedly be a hybrid MKX, to go up against Lexus' RX 400h. Still, even without electrical boost, the new 3.5 is extremely efficient.