Good news! Lincoln MKS to get V8 afterall!

[captainalias]

Although, I hope they will also offer a twin turbo V-6 as well. If the new BMW 330xi coupe with the twin turbos shows anything, it's that a well designed engine can compete favorably (with the M-series BMWs no less!) with very little turbo lag.

I hope the Lincoln MMS isn't anything like iDrive though...

This morning, Lincoln released an overview of the forthcoming MKS to dealers. There are plenty of features to discuss, but the most overwhelmingly important piece of info is this:

The MKS will be powered by a 315 horsepower V8, which will put power to all four wheels via Ford's new 6-speed automatic. This contradicts a late-summer report that the V8 had been ditched in favor of a powered-up version of the 3.5L V6 that's finding its way under the hood of a multitude of Ford products. It also suggests that Ford brass came to the realization that V6 power in their flagship sedan was not a prime selling point. Assuming the information we were given is accurate, this is a very smart move that leaves no doubt as to the big Linc's position in the corporate pecking order.

Other features announced to dealers include a panoramic glass VistaRoof, adaptive LED headlamps, 20" wheels (a first for Lincoln sedans), Bluetooth, DVD audio, and the Lincoln Mobile Media System. The MMS uses an eight-inch LCD display to handle navigation, audio/entertainment and climate control duties. It also displays vehicle information and downloads information from channels such as the National Weather Center.

The tech stuff, if well-executed, is great. The big news here, though (even though it should never have gotten to a point where it is news at all) is the apparent confirmation of V8 power. And if this is a result of the retooled-yet-again Way Forward plan ... well ... a round of applause to the decision-makers.

 

[T_Man]

Where did you get this info?

I ask because it goes against everything we have been told and read in the past.

 

[lloydrage]

cool

 

[captainalias]

Where did you get this info?

I ask because it goes against everything we have been told and read in the past.

autoblog.

I still hope they introduce a twin turbo though, or uprate the V-8. Otherwise, it would be just another Volvo S80, which is a nice car, but not exciting.

 

[mint05LS]

long live the V8 !

 

[postalUT]

The MKS is absolutely gorgeous looking. Lincoln releasing a twin turbo V-6? Doubt it will ever happen. But 315 HP planted at all four wheels with a 6 speed? A 3-series killer for sure!

 

[9enisP]

Has anyone seen an estimated MSRP for the MKS? I thought I saw something around $32K, but I can't find that article again. I'm just wondering if the estimate has gone up with news of the V8.

 

[SoonerLS]

Bad news: the 4.4 will not be in the MKS.

UPDATE 1 - Commenter Jon (#23) weighs in with the following: " I work at a dealer. The info on the MKS Ford sent us online is all dated March/April 2006. I assumed it was old info, and wondered why it was sent out..." So now the question is this: Was there really a change of heart, where the V8 will be offered? Or is this all a big misunderstanding because of stale info being communicated on the dealer web site? If that's the case, it's very discouraging.

UPDATE 2 - We have received word from Ford that this was indeed a case where old materials were republished. There was no change of heart, and the V8 won't be behind that stylish grille. This is disappointing, and I must offer my apologies for the confusion. -AN
-- http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/07/lincoln-mks-to-get-a-v8-after-all/

 

[SoonerLS]

Has anyone seen an estimated MSRP for the MKS? I thought I saw something around $32K, but I can't find that article again. I'm just wondering if the estimate has gone up with news of the V8.

No pricing has been announced; it's too far away from production. Regardless, there's no way the MKS would sell for $32K--that would put it in direct competition with the MKZ. I'd look for the MKS to be in the same ballpark as the LS V8, around $40K-$45K (and maybe more). That's the same general price range its closest stablemate, the Volvo S80, occupies.

 

[9enisP]

No pricing has been announced; it's too far away from production. Regardless, there's no way the MKS would sell for $32K--that would put it in direct competition with the MKZ. I'd look for the MKS to be in the same ballpark as the LS V8, around $40K-$45K (and maybe more). That's the same general price range its closest stablemate, the Volvo S80, occupies.

That sounds more like it. I must have been reading about something else. I don't know what i was thinking if the MKZ is supposed to be around $38k to $42k.:slam

 

[SoonerLS]

That sounds more like it. I must have been reading about something else. I don't know what i was thinking if the MKZ is supposed to be around $38k to $42k.:slam

I'm guessing you were remembering something about the MKZ, which is supposed to be in the $30K-$35K range. I can't tell you how many people, even some who know better, whom I've seen mix up the MKZ, MKS, and MKX. On AutoWeek's Web page of SEMA coverage, they actually had the 3DCarbon MKZ marked as an MKS for a short time...

 

[captainalias]

Bad news: the 4.4 will not be in the MKS.

Bah, thanks for the update. Unfortunately, I can't update my original post right now to reflect that...

Damn you Ford, don't screw up that twin turbo!