By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
For 2013 the Lincoln MKT offers a dramatically improved ride, sharper handling, better fuel economy and new safety technologies, providing customers benefits and features that match more expensive competitors. The MKT with Continuously Controlled Damping delivers a surprisingly vibrant blend of ride and handling, it’s more than you expect from a full size, three row luxury crossover.
CCD is fitted to the new MKT with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. The adjustable suspension enables a more confident driving experience that defines the Lincoln DNA balance of ride comfort and handling. Regardless of road conditions, drivers will enjoy a smoother, more controlled ride because CCD is always tuning and refining the ride quality.
Lincoln Drive Control is always at work refining the vehicle’s dynamics. Enabled by features including CCD and electric power-assisted steering, the system continuously integrates handling performance, ride firmness, throttle response, shift feel, steering response and traction control/electronic stability control parameters.
In addition to its automatic operation, Lincoln Drive Control enables drivers to change the driving personality of the MKT, when the gear selector is in Drive; it delivers the ideal Lincoln ride, balancing comfort with confident control and handling. This mode provides a comfortable driving experience and a direct connection to the road without sacrificing the expected ride smoothness.
When the gear selector is in Sport, Lincoln Drive Control transforms this crossover’s personality into a more performance-oriented machine, the CCD suspension switches from operating in its comfort range to its firmest sport range, emphasizing handling, the engine responds more directly to the driver’s inputs and the transmission up shifts at higher rpm, down shifts become more aggressive, traction control and electronic stability controls settings are also modified to allow a more spirited driving. The 3.5-liter gasoline turbo direct-injected engine produces 365 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and an expansive torque curve that plateaus at 350.-ft of torque from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm.
Lincoln MKT EcoBoost is equipped with the six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The more powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 uses the heavy duty 6F-55. This transmission features high energy friction materials, a larger ring gear and a specific torque converter that optimize the 6F-55 to handle the high torque output of the twin turbo 3.5-liter.
The gear box offers the driver a choice between fully automatic operation and manual control. Unlike some competitive transmissions, SelectShift won’t second guess the driver with an override shift; the manual control is truly controlled by the driver.
All-wheel drive is standard with the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. In good weather over smooth roads at modest speeds when AWD is not needed the system routes power only to the front wheels, improving fuel efficiency.
To match the engine extra power and the suspension’s additional handling capabilities; Lincoln has significantly upgraded the MKT braking system for 2013. The new vented front discs measure 13.86 inches; to enhance brake cooling, the hat portion of the front brake disc is also vented.
Additionally, the diameter of the rear discs increased 0.58 of an inch to 13.58 inches and the discs are now vented. Brake pad area and total swept area increased significantly to improve braking performance, reduce brake fade under heavy use and provide the driver with a more direct and linear braking feel.
Inside the MKT offers functional styling and safety updates transforms the already distinctive and roomy interior into an even more welcoming, luxurious and technologically advance space.
The all new instrumentation features a central speedometer flanked by two full color reconfigurable LCD screens. The 4.2 inch screens are controlled by five way buttons on the steering wheel. The 8 inch multi-function LCD touch screen dominates the center stack and provides the visual and control interface for the entertainment system, phone, navigation and climate control.
Lincoln MKT offers a complete collection of driver assist technologies in addition to the array of six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and AdvanceTrac with RSC.
The newly available Lane Keeping System adds to the advanced capabilities already offered, including collision warning and BLIS. Collision warning helps prevent common traffic accidents. Forward looking, long distance radar identifies potential obstacles. When the danger of a collision is detected, the system warns the driver with an authoritative beep and a simultaneous red warning light is projected on the windshield.
The 2013 Lincoln MKT is a three row crossover utility vehicle targeted at those who want a high level of luxury as well as plenty of active safety and infotainment features. It appeals to a wide range of crossover shoppers, including some who are looking for more of a performance feel.
Fuel economy of the EcoBoost all-wheel-drive power train is projected to be 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, the manufacturer’s suggested starting base price is $47,280.00.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
