2007 Lincoln MKX Preview

And the last news is probably the best news for those who may have not caught wind of Ford's big shakedown announced

The MKX has been designed to absorb impact, no matter from what angle, thanks to a reinforced body structure. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Monday (see yesterday's news). The MKX, along with the new Edge, will join Ford's Freestar minivan, for as long as it stays in production, at Ford's Oakville, Ontario Assembly Complex. While such news won't affect those in the west at all, other than making it less likely for Ontario to slip into have-not status, and therefore make certain Alberta and BC's transfer payments (the only two other provinces that pay for less fortunate jurisdictions) won't rise. Auto workers in Canada's manufacturing sector can therefore breathe a sigh of relief that the Oakville facility will be held high as an example of plant flexibility, while many from the automaker's St. Thomas location, who are willing to relocate, might be crossing there fingers for a major Edge and MKX success story, and the resultant need to build the new crossovers around the clock.

"As Ford's

Yes, don't worry MP3 fans, iPods and other audio devices can be plugged in via the spacious armrest bin. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

first flexible manufacturing facility in Canada, Oakville Assembly Complex will deliver innovative products more often and faster than ever before. Flexible manufacturing allows quick response to shifts in market demand helping to build a strong future for our operations," commented OAC plant manager Frank Gourneau. While the future of many of Ford's employee's hardly looks promising, the automaker's new products are truly inspired.

Oh, and Lincoln's decision to move from real names to a complicated letter scheme? Not smart. Face it, while the luxury brand's MK system has history on its side, there's a lot of buyers that have trouble remembering a given brand name let alone what a specific model is called. Names like

That storage compartment features dividers that, if removed, can hold a small laptop computer. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Continental, Navigator and even Aviator have done well for Lincoln, and now being lumped in with all the German, Japanese, Swedish and sole British entry-level premium marques, fighting it out with the X5, ML, Q7, MDX, RX, FX, XC, and, well, Jaguar doesn't have a CUV yet, but Cadillac does in its SRX, won't make the new MKX stand out, or a new buyer's job finding it any easier. If you ask me, Lincoln should have named the concept the MKX and the production vehicle Aviator.

Nevertheless, the Lincoln MKX, on sale in late 2006, looks to be an extremely competitive vehicle, and onethat could do wonders for the luxury division's bottom line.

Preliminary Specifications (may change for Canada):

• Price Range (estimated MSRP): $41,000 - $55,000 
  
• Body Type: 5-door CUV 
  
• Layout: front engine, FWD (optional AWD)
• Engine: 250-hp, 240 lb-ft of torque, 3.5L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
• Transmission: 6-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Seating Capacity: 5
• External Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,737 / 1,925 / 1,706 w/o roof rack or 1,752 w/roof rack / 2,824 mm (186.5 / 75.8 / 67.2 w/o roof rack or 69.0 w/roof rack / 111.2 in)
• Track Width (frt/rr): 1,656 / 1,648 mm (65.2 / 64.9 in)
• Ground Clearance: 203 mm (8.0 in)
• Curb Weight (base FWD/AWD): 1,914 / 2,004 kg (4,220 / 4,419 lbs)
• Weight Distribution (frt/rr): 60 / 40 
• Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row/1st row): 906 / 1,945 L (32.0 / 68.7 cu-ft)
• Towing Capacity (max): 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs)
• Payload Capacity (max FWD/AWD): 435 / 443 kg (958 / 977 lbs)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Buick Rendezvous, Cadillac SRX, Chrysler Pacifica, Infiniti FX35, Lexus RX 330, Mercedes-Benz ML350, Nissan Murano, Saab 9-7X, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90
• Web Site: www.ford.ca