Lincoln’s Future: MKS coming in 2008, plus a large crossover based on Ford Flex

Of the product development money Ford has budgeted for Lincoln and Mercury, Lincoln is definitely getting the larger share. Ford executives are finally admitting that Lincoln models look too much like their Ford siblings and that Lincoln needs to set itself apart with more distinctive design.

So what’s in the lineup besides the upcoming MKS sedan due out in 2008? Well a Lincoln variant of the Ford Flex crossover is slated for 2009 but a production version of the beautiful Lincoln MKR Concept is not looking good. We think Lincoln needs a new way to brand its vehicles. All these MKs seem to confuse a lot of buyers

Click through for more on Lincoln’s future lineup.

MKZ: The entry level sedan will get a facelift for the 2009 model year, incorporating Lincoln’s new design cues. Changes will include an updated front and rear along with a new interior. A redesign is expected for the 2012 or 2013 model year as the MKZ will most likely move to Ford’s global EUCD platform.

MKS: The much anticipated sedan goes into production at Ford’s Chicago assembly plant in spring 2008 for the 2009 model year. The Lincoln MKS is expected to launch with a new 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 300+ horsepower.

MKR: One of the most beautiful things Ford ever built there is no likely future production of the Lincoln MKR Concept. Like the Ford Interceptor concept, the MKR is built on a stretched Mustang platform. but Ford faces hurdles such as production cost, engineering resources and the uncertainty over future fuel economy standards. Although, Ford executives say a new rear-wheel-drive platform, being engineered in Australia, is one option.

Town Car: While production stopped when Ford closed down its Wixom, Michigan, plant in May, assembly of the 2008 model will start early next year in St. Thomas, Ontario.

Small crossover: Ford is planning a Lincoln variant of the Ford Escape that will developed on Ford of Europe’s re-engineered global C1 platform. Code-named C506, the small crossover will be assembled in North America for the 2012 or 2013 model year, sources tell Automotive News. A Lincoln hybrid may be in the works.

MKX: The crossover will get a redesign for the 2010 model year and is likely to adopt Lincoln’s new styling cues. Next decade, the MKX is also expected to migrate to Ford of Europe’s global EUCD platform.

Large crossover: A Lincoln version of the Ford Flex will be introduced in 2009 as a 2010 model and will be built at the Oakville, Ontario, assembly plant. Ford expects to produce 20,000 units.

Navigator: Lincoln’s pride and joy will get a redesign for the 2010 model year.

Mark LT: Word on the street is that the pickup may be dropped as early as next spring.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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