Report: Lincoln to expand lineup, MKT crossover not going anywhere

August 2, 2010June 12, 2012 Omar Rana Compact Cars, Crossovers, Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo, Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln Navigator, Sedans

Now that Mercury is gone, FoMoCo plans on allocating more of its resources to expanding the luxury Lincoln brand. Product planners are looking to add a compact, front-wheel-drive sedan or crossover and are also thinking of a vehicle based on the next-generation Ford Mondeo.

Here is a little something you can expect from Lincoln between 2011 and 2013:

First up, the brand is looking at a compact front-wheel-drive vehicle that could either be a sedan or a crossover. Currently, insiders say there are two possibilities – the first would be a compact crossover based on the next-generation Ford Kuga from Europe, while the second could be a compact car or crossover based on the 2012 Ford Focus. Look out for one or both sometime in 2013.

Next up will be Lincoln MKZ, which will be redesigned for the 2013 model year when FoMoCo moves it to a global mid-sized platform. FoMoCo is also said to be considering a mid-sized sedan for Lincoln based on the next-generation Mondeo. If the Mondeo based model is approved, the low-volume mid-sized car would likely fit under the MKS in Lincoln’s lineup. The Lincoln MKS sedan will be facelifted in 2012 followed by a complete redesign in 2016.

Now here’s where things get a little tricky. According to sources that spoke with Automotive News, the MKT crossover and the Ford Flex are rumored to be phased out after the 2014 model year. Insiders said that the models will be replaced by a vehicle based on the new Ford Explorer. The folks at Motor Trend decided to contact Said Deep, Ford Product Spokesman, to see of this is true. Deep said: “The speculative reports about the Flex and MKT are incorrect. These fullsize crossovers are vital to each brand.”

As for the Lincoln Navigator, the model is expected to get an EcoBoost engine and the 5.0L V8 within the next few years. A redesign is also in the works for the 2012 model year.

Click here for our review on the 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost.