The well-covered MKT development vehicle looks an awful lot like the MKT concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Up front the new Lincoln split grille is visible under the bra, along with the same headlight shape as the concept. The concept’s love it or hate it belt-line also appears to be carry over to production, as well as the curvy C-pillar.

The production MKT also appears to have a glass roof, though it doesn’t look as dramatic as the concept. One thing the MKT appears to have in common with the Flex is its relatively low ride height and massive wheels, which helps the Lincoln crossover keep the retro Ford’s wagon-like stance.

The MKT is expected to hit production next year with power coming from Lincoln’s exclusive 3.7L V6 that also does duty in the new MKS sedan. Ford has also announced that the MKT will receive an Ecoboost engine, which should give the unique-looking crossover upwards of 340 horsepower.

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Sources say the Flex will bow first, allowing it to have its moment in the sun before the Lincoln version is added to the lineup, perhaps a year later. It is in keeping with a strategic plan going forward to place more emphasis on the Lincoln premium brand than on Mercury. At the recent L.A. auto show, Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas, said Lincoln will take over as the volume piece of the Lincoln Mercury franchise.

“We won’t walk away from Mercury,” Fields said, but “we have higher aspirations for Lincoln.” He notes November retail sales for the brand were up for the 14th consecutive month. Mulally tells us Mercury is doing fine, and the focus needs to be on Lincoln. The luxury brand might also be a better nameplate for the new large crossover, he adds.

Lincoln has its new flagship MKS sedan set to go on sale next fall with Ford’s new 270-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 under the hood. The Lincoln will be the first to offer the automaker’s new direct-injection technology when a turbocharged V-6 is added to the MKS for 2010 to provide the power of a V-8 without the corresponding fuel-economy penalty.

Meanwhile, the name Flex will stick for the Ford version, Fields insists, saying it “researched well.” Our vote is to return to the Fairlane name that graced the original concept. The automaker also invited journalists to see its new quality center at the Rouge complex where more than 1000 workers from the Dearborn truck plant will be trained to assemble the redesigned 2009 F-150 prior to launch. The pickup will be shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

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Somewhat smaller than the current Lincoln LS and built on a modified Mazda 6 platform, the Zephyr goes on sale this fall as a 2006 model. A 210-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic will be the only powertrain offered. All-wheel drive will be an ‘07 option. The Zephyr, Lincoln’s first entry-level luxury car in some time, will be filled with plush Lincoln bells and whistles, including the most advanced Lincoln navigation system offered yet, a

THX II-certified audio system, and enough silver plastic to open a Sharper Image store.
Like its Fusion sibling, the Zephyr appears to have received a good deal of careful attention from engineers and developers; we will fill in our readers on more as soon as we have an opportunity to drive one. And while the Zephyr looks good from most angles, we cannot excuse the bulbous taillight design which tries to give the car presence but succeeds only in making it look misproportioned.

Pricing has not yet been announced, though we’re told that it will be competitive with cars such as the Audi A4, which starts just under $33,000 in 3.0-liter V-6 form. While the Mazda 6 on which the Zephyr is based is a fantastic car, it isn’t a BMW 3-series or A4 competitor, and the Zephyr’s styling, interior, and brand prestige do nothing to set the Zephyr apart in a competitive class.

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Design elements of last year’s Sport trim package (a chrome grille with body-color surround, round fog lamps and body-color rear license plate trim) are incorporated into the 2006 model as standard equipment. Two new 17-inch wheel designs are offered this year, and Dark Cherry Clearcoat Metallic and Pewter Clearcoat Metallic are added to the list of exterior color choices.

Four-wheel disc antilock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist, all-speed traction control, and front and front-side airbags come standard. Side-curtain airbags for front and rear-seat passengers are optional ($545). The available AdvanceTrac stability control system ($775) can detect wheel slippage; it uses brake and accelerator intervention to help prevent a loss of control during extreme handling maneuvers and on slippery roads.

Two pricey options packages bundle popular features: The $4,225 Elite Package includes five-spoke chrome 17-inch wheels, high-intensity discharge headlamps and a navigation system with a high-end, THX-certified stereo; the $2,795 Premium Package includes a power moonroof, stability control, heated/cooled front seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, an upgraded stereo with six-disc, and in-dash CD changer.

Many of the features in those two packages can be ordered individually, in addition to rear park-assist ($295), power-adjustable pedals with memory function ($195) and tri-coat paint ($695). However, the LS lacks some newer features available on other luxury sedans, such as adaptive headlamps, laser-guided cruise control and a rear backup camera.

The LS, which shares its platform with sister company Jaguar’s S-Type sedan, is likely to continue in its present form for at least one more model year. After that, it could be replaced by a redesigned version to be based on the full-size Ford Five Hundred, and may potentially be named the MKS after the concept car that debuted at the 2006 Detroit auto show.

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Accentuated by broad shoulders, pronounced wheel lips and short overhangs, the front-wheel-drive MKX has a wide and athletic stance that rides on 18-inch wheels and tires with optional all-wheel drive.

The 2007 Lincoln MKX rides on a luxury-tuned four-wheel independent suspension and is powered by a standard 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 240 lb-ft of torque and mated to 6-speed automatic transmission. The exterior is highlighted by a chromed cap on each side-view mirror, spoiler, chrome-ringed fog lights that are integrated into the lower fascia and chrome-tipped dual exhausts.

The interior features sound-deadening materials for more quietness, removable dividers in the center console for more storage, 60/40-split second row that reclines up to 15 degrees and 8-way power front seats. Standard equipment includes auto-headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel with genuine wood accents, leather seating, 8-way power driver/passenger seats and cool while lighting on switches and controls.

Available options include an adaptive front lighting system, a Panoramic Vista Roof, heated and cooled front seats and a DVD-based navigation system featuring a 6.5-inch wide screen. Standard safety features include six standard airbags, Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control and Ford’s Personal Safety System.

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