Design and Specifications Lincoln MKS

The arrival of the MKS sedan last year spurred hopes that it might revitalize Ford’s historically uncompetitive luxury brand, helping Lincoln to better compete with Cadillac, Lexus, and other aspirational marques. Most of the hype stemmed from the stunning MKR concept that debuted at the 2007 Detroit auto show; it floated the idea that future Lincolns wouldn’t be dowdy, livery-service specials like the current Town Car.

But Ford is now upping the big Lincoln’s game, as it will finally be available with a twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V-6 when the 2010 model arrives in showrooms in mid-summer. Although the engine carries the more marketing-friendly EcoBoost name, its 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque are for real and give the Lincoln the gusto to run with most V-8s. We recently had the chance to sample the new turbocharged model—as well as the 2010 MKT crossover—at Ford’s Michigan proving ground, where the company had a V-8 Cadillac STS and Infiniti M45x on hand for comparison.

Supported by standard all-wheel drive and a beefier six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and revised gear ratios, the EcoBoost MKS proved to be a far more compelling vehicle to pilot than the base car. However, it should be noted that, although the Lincoln handily outpaced the Cadillac and Infiniti in acceleration, technology, and refinement, Ford conveniently chose two of the oldest and least powerful vehicles in the segment for comparison.

Specifications >

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 213 cu in, 3490cc
Power: 355 bhp @ 5700 rpm
Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 112.9 in
Length: 204.1 in
Width: 75.9 in Height: 61.6 in
Curb weight: 4474 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 14.1 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 26.3 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 5.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.1 sec @ 90 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 134 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.83 g