2013 Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT First Look

2013 Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT First Look - Lincoln has unveiled a thorough renovation of the two major models of cars, the 2013 Lincoln MKT crossover and 2013 Lincoln MKS sedan at the 2011 LA Auto Show. The new Lincoln grille serves as a showcase of the design direction of the brand forward, while improvements in the suspension, powertrain, and interior refinement and overall purpose of the performance.

Both MKS and MKT feature a new front with a new grille design, with all the external surface of the A-pillar forward that new on the 2013 Lincoln MKS sedan. The MKS also has new LED taillights and a new decklid design to help improve access trunk. New 19 - and 20-inch wheels for the MKS complete the exterior changes.

2013 Lincoln MKS

The headlining technical function for both the MKS and MKT for 2013 is the introduction of Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD). The feature is standard on all models and standard on the MKS MKT models equipped with the optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. CCD makes use of 46 inputs the input of an electronic control unit which constantly monitors 23,000 packets of information per second. From this input, the system calculates the optimum damping to 500 times per second. Actual mechanical adjustment of the damping take place between 20 to 50 times per second, depending on the circumstances.

The rapid response, Lincoln claims the system can essentially preventive action, recognizing when the vehicle is about to encounter a pit, and turn damper control many wheels and tires to avoid crash, resulting in a less shocking event . The system also uses the input of the front wheels accordingly rear damping. Lincoln claims CCD helps reduce body roll by 20 percent and understeer by about 25 percent, resulting in a tighter, more responsive ride.

CCD is also an important enabling technology for the other major change in the two models, called Lincoln Drive Control. The system has three settings: Normal, Comfort and Sport. The Normal (default) mode balance comfort with optimum control and treatment for daily driving experience.

Sport mode brings the dampers, recalibrate the electric power steering, gas response adjusts, changes shift points to higher speed and holds gears longer in the turns and locks the sixth gear. In addition, traction and stability control settings changed to allow for more spirited driving.

On the other side of the floating spectrum, the Comfort mode adjusts the valves 10 to 15 percent softer than normal, and reduces steering force.

Also new for 2013 is the Lane Keeping System. Activated by the driver, the system uses a forward facing camera mounted behind the rearview mirror to look for job markers. When the system determines the vehicle is straying from its orbit, a vibration is transmitted through the steering wheel to warn the driver. Lane Keeping Aid, another component of the system, adds gently torque on the steering wheel of the vehicle in order to push back in the middle of the job as it detects the vehicle is too close to the edge of the web. Sensitivity settings are adjusted by the driver via the MyLincoln Touch user interface.

The 3.5 liter turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 carries over unchanged, but the standard 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V-6 gets a power boost to 300 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque for both models up to 32 hp and MKT 27 for the MKS, with the addition of two independent variable camshaft timing. The highway fuel economy rating for the 3.7-liter engine is also improved by 3 mpg on the MKS and 1 mpg on the MKT.

Most interesting for the fans, the brakes on the 2013 MKS and MKT grow by more than an inch in front and more than half an inch at the rear, to 13.86 inches for, 13.58 inches behind. Rear discs are now disposed in place of solid discs, and the front discs are ventilated with a unique "hat", a feature usually found in exotic two-piece high-performance brake system. Finally, the steering ratio of 17.1:1 to 15:1 speed for greater responsiveness. Previously standard only on EcoBoost models, electric power assist steering is now standard on all models, regardless of the engine.

The Sync system, which recently has become a distinctive feature of newer Ford and Lincoln models, gives an improved voice-interface powered by Nuance. Larger, bolder fonts, and a simplified screen design to make use of the interface easier to read. Sync also allows the interior of the vehicle with a WiFi hotspot as linked to a data-enabled mobile device.

A new option for both the MKS and MKT in 2013 is a heated steering wheel. The MKS features new interior forests, Prussian and Brown Swirl Walnut Burl, and two new leather colors, hazelnuts and Light Dune. Both models include vegetable tanned Bridge of Weir leather from Scotland.

Both models will be on sale in dealerships in spring 2012.