"The 3.5-litre V6 is capable of achieving PZEV certification by delivering low cold-start emissions and enabling rapid catalyst
light-off, which is a significant accomplishment for a larger displacement V6 engine," stated Tom McCarthy, engine systems manager for the 3.5-litre V6 engine program.
Ford confidently claims its high compression 3.5 is extremely smooth-running thanks to a low vibration valve-train, for one, plus reduced powertrain bending, a high-tech term for engine block stiffness, the result of a high pressure die casting method. It reportedly delivers great off-the-line acceleration and more than enough power during passing maneuvers. Fuel economy and emissions concerns have been addressed also, with special attention paid to reducing toxins during cold startup.
The six-speed automatic will do its share in improving performance and reducing fuel consumption and emissions too, and will do so, partially at least,
by lowering the final drive ratio to 0.74:1. Takeoff is enhanced due to a low 4.48:1 first gear ratio, and thanks to having four cogs in between first and sixth, intervals on the way up through the gears should be smooth and quick, optimizing the engine's power band at all times.
To put all this into a quantifiable perspective, the six-speed is expected to reduce fuel consumption by about seven percent, or in dollars and cents, about $3.50 for every 20-gallon fill.
Samardzich promises the new six-speed will deliver minimized shift hunting and optimized engine speed, while gear whine is said to be dramatically reduced resulting in "superior NVH characteristics".
The electronically shift controlled transmission also features a variable displacement pump, which matches the amount of fluid that gets pushed through the transmission to driver demand, making it more efficient.
Lincoln also promises great towing characteristics, a regular request from its customer
base. The transmission was designed to be capable of 300-hp and 250 lb-ft of torque in its current configuration, but Samardzich promises it can be bolstered to handle more if necessary.
Its wide front and rear track measurements, at 1,656 and 1,648 mm respectively (65.2 and 64.9 inches), combine with a four-wheel independent suspension system for what should be athletic handling, at least if the Zephyr it's based on is any indication of what can be expected. Of course, handling may not be as tight if only because of a taller centre of gravity and greater curb weight, but among midsize luxury crossovers, the MKX should fare pretty well. And if you're still questioning its cornering ability, unwilling to believe that it can provide car-like sensations, keep in mind that the MKX is no Aviator or Navigator. While these vehicles serve those looking to tow heavy loads, their truck-sourced frames can't deliver the rigidity the new CUV's unibody construction allows.
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| The new V6, six-speed automatic combination should help the MKX cruise quickly on the highway. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Ford confidently claims its high compression 3.5 is extremely smooth-running thanks to a low vibration valve-train, for one, plus reduced powertrain bending, a high-tech term for engine block stiffness, the result of a high pressure die casting method. It reportedly delivers great off-the-line acceleration and more than enough power during passing maneuvers. Fuel economy and emissions concerns have been addressed also, with special attention paid to reducing toxins during cold startup.
The six-speed automatic will do its share in improving performance and reducing fuel consumption and emissions too, and will do so, partially at least,
 |
| The six-speed automatic will do its share in improving performance and reducing fuel consumption, plus emissions too. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
To put all this into a quantifiable perspective, the six-speed is expected to reduce fuel consumption by about seven percent, or in dollars and cents, about $3.50 for every 20-gallon fill.
Samardzich promises the new six-speed will deliver minimized shift hunting and optimized engine speed, while gear whine is said to be dramatically reduced resulting in "superior NVH characteristics".
The electronically shift controlled transmission also features a variable displacement pump, which matches the amount of fluid that gets pushed through the transmission to driver demand, making it more efficient.
Lincoln also promises great towing characteristics, a regular request from its customer
 |
| The MKX should handle quite well, despite a heavy curb weight and its tall proportions. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Its wide front and rear track measurements, at 1,656 and 1,648 mm respectively (65.2 and 64.9 inches), combine with a four-wheel independent suspension system for what should be athletic handling, at least if the Zephyr it's based on is any indication of what can be expected. Of course, handling may not be as tight if only because of a taller centre of gravity and greater curb weight, but among midsize luxury crossovers, the MKX should fare pretty well. And if you're still questioning its cornering ability, unwilling to believe that it can provide car-like sensations, keep in mind that the MKX is no Aviator or Navigator. While these vehicles serve those looking to tow heavy loads, their truck-sourced frames can't deliver the rigidity the new CUV's unibody construction allows.