Future: Lincoln MKS
Lincoln replacement breaks cover: Forget the Town Car, this is the new look of Lincoln
/ By Editors of Motor Trend
/ Photography by the Manufacturer
/
Article provided by: Motor Trend Magazine
Although this dramatic sedan is officially a concept, what you're looking at is the all-new replacement for Lincoln's LS, due in 2007. This car, codenamed D385, represents the most radical departure yet from the tired old Lincoln image epitomized by the ubiquitous Town Car, now regarded by many as little more than an upmarket taxi rather than a serious Cadillac rival.
The D385 is a striking amalgam of American and European styling themes, combining lots of chrome and a prominent grille with a rakish profile and taut surfaces. Inside are modern colors and detailing--and no fake wood.
It's just as radical under the skin, too. D385 is built on the same architecture as the next-generation Volvo S80 and XC90. That means the transverse-mounted, 315-horse Yamaha-built 4.4-liter V-8 under the hood, six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
The car is called the MKS, in line with Lincoln's new alphabetic naming system. The aim, say Ford insiders, is to get buyers referring to their vehicles as Lincolns rather than Navigators or Town Cars and help build the brand image.
The first production Lincoln to make its debut with the new nomenclature will be the MKX, the forthcoming Mazda6-based sport/ute that was expected to be called Aviator.