The reworked Zephyr suspension also features MacPherson-struts mounted to an isolated subframe featuring hydro-bushings
to reduce steering wheel vibration. The rear setup includes a four-link independent suspension replete with stamped steel control blades and monotube shocks, for what Lincoln describes as "precise suspension tuning". The luxury brand has also mounted the rear shocks outboard and behind the wheel centre to improve ride and handling characteristics.
Also, in case you were wondering, Lincoln's new MKX comes standard with ABS-enhanced four-wheel disc brakes.
While front wheel drive will come standard in the states, it's probable that the Canadian division will only offer all-wheel drive, which is normally the case among SUV and CUV makers. And that all-wheel drive system is said to be quite effective.
"Lincoln MKX has an available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that we tuned with an emphasis on luxury performance and confident all-weather driving," said Marcos Oliveira, executive director, Unibody Vehicles.
According to
Lincoln, the system "actively and seamlessly delivers torque to all four wheels, even before wheel slippage occurs."
Nothing in Lincoln's press release says whether its optional all-wheel drive system will be sourced from Haldex, the Swedish company that supplies Volvo, as well as the S80/XC90-based Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle and U.S.-only Mercury Montego. It makes sense that it is a Haldex system, being that Mazda's new Mazdaspeed6 derives its all-wheel drive from the same supplier, but being that the Zephyr won't offer all-wheel drive until model year 2007, it's entirely possible that Lincoln, and therefore Ford with its Edge, will sport an in-house all-wheel drive system, or possibly something altogether different. Nevertheless, it uses an
active on-demand coupler, just like the Haldex system, which delivers torque to the rear wheels, although defaults to the wheels in front when conditions aren't slippery. It can also shift torque from side-to-side, making it more sophisticated than many other AWD systems.
The MKX also feature's Ford's engine-managed AdvanceTrac traction control, as well as Roll Stability Control (RSC), working together with all-wheel drive to keep the CUV in control during slippery conditions.
"Lincoln MKX's confident handling helps drivers avoid accidents, especially when paired with our innovative active-safety technology," said Stephen Kozak, Ford Safety chief engineer. "If an accident should occur, Lincoln MKX also has Ford's comprehensive set of passive safety features."
That list includes six standard air bags, two in front, two for side-impacts and two side-curtain airbags, while Lincoln points out the MKX's steering wheel, knee bolster and glove box are "energy-absorbing components". Of course, the new CUV has also been designed to absorb impact, no matter from what angle, thanks to a reinforced body structure.
 |
| While MacPherson struts are up front, the rear setup includes a four-link independent suspension replete with stamped steel control blades and monotube shocks, for what Lincoln describes as "precise suspension tuning". (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Also, in case you were wondering, Lincoln's new MKX comes standard with ABS-enhanced four-wheel disc brakes.
While front wheel drive will come standard in the states, it's probable that the Canadian division will only offer all-wheel drive, which is normally the case among SUV and CUV makers. And that all-wheel drive system is said to be quite effective.
"Lincoln MKX has an available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that we tuned with an emphasis on luxury performance and confident all-weather driving," said Marcos Oliveira, executive director, Unibody Vehicles.
According to
 |
| Lincoln brings back a light-bar type tail lamp system with the MKX, a design it hopes to be appealing to its target market. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Nothing in Lincoln's press release says whether its optional all-wheel drive system will be sourced from Haldex, the Swedish company that supplies Volvo, as well as the S80/XC90-based Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle and U.S.-only Mercury Montego. It makes sense that it is a Haldex system, being that Mazda's new Mazdaspeed6 derives its all-wheel drive from the same supplier, but being that the Zephyr won't offer all-wheel drive until model year 2007, it's entirely possible that Lincoln, and therefore Ford with its Edge, will sport an in-house all-wheel drive system, or possibly something altogether different. Nevertheless, it uses an
 |
| The MKX's centre stack features an attractive layout and all "necessary" features within easy reach of the driver and front passenger. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
The MKX also feature's Ford's engine-managed AdvanceTrac traction control, as well as Roll Stability Control (RSC), working together with all-wheel drive to keep the CUV in control during slippery conditions.
"Lincoln MKX's confident handling helps drivers avoid accidents, especially when paired with our innovative active-safety technology," said Stephen Kozak, Ford Safety chief engineer. "If an accident should occur, Lincoln MKX also has Ford's comprehensive set of passive safety features."
That list includes six standard air bags, two in front, two for side-impacts and two side-curtain airbags, while Lincoln points out the MKX's steering wheel, knee bolster and glove box are "energy-absorbing components". Of course, the new CUV has also been designed to absorb impact, no matter from what angle, thanks to a reinforced body structure.