Lincoln’s Future: Production MKT and new small-crossover based on Ford Kuga

In an effort to move more upscale and to reportedly go global , Lincoln will introduce a handful of new models that will push that brand’s new style while giving some existing models will be redesigned.

Sales of the new Lincoln MKS have been going well. Dealers said they had already taken more than 8,600 for the model before its debut . The existing MKX and MKZ have also been selling well, but have been criticized for looking to much like the Ford Edge and the Ford Fusion. According to Peter Horbury, FoMoCo’s design chief, that will change with the upcoming models.

Horbury says that although Lincoln cars will share the same platforms as Ford vehicles, future models won’t look anything like Ford models.

Lincoln is currently working on a production version of the MKT concept (pictured above) that will make its debut next year. The entry-level Lincoln MKZ will be redesigned for the 2010 model year along with a refreshed Navigator. However, long-term plans for the Navigator seem a bit cloudy. If gas-prices continue to rise, the Navigator could axed altogether. The same goes for the large rear-wheel-drive sedan based on the MKR concept.

Lincoln will also get a new small crossover based on the next-generation Escape for the 2012 model year. The next-generation Escape will be based on the Kuga, so expect the small Lincoln crossover to have some major European influence.

The MKX crossover will be redesigned in 2011 adopting the new Lincoln design with the split grille.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)