Click Here to Comment at The Motor Portal Blog!!     LINCOLN MKS DESIGNED TO BE WHISPER QUIET   A luxury driving experience unlike any other vehicle in its class.   The 2009 Lincoln MKS was developed to deliver a luxury driving experience unlike any other vehicle in its class. "We took a more holistic approach in developing the Lincoln MKS," said Jim Baumbick, Vehicle Development chief engineer on the MKS.  "We knew that to deliver a Lincoln with a 'business class' type of feel, that we had to have a total package that worked together in harmony to minimize the trade-offs between noise and comfort." The body structure of the Lincoln MKS was optimized for strength and stiffness.  Along with noteworthy crash performance the solid structure also delivers the smooth, quiet ride expected of luxury customers. One key to the luxury ride is the new Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), designed specifically for the MKS.  The new suspension features an isolated sub frame and a design that places the shock absorbers out near the wheels, orienting them straight up and down. "One of the most critical characteristics of suspension design is motion ratio," said Baumbick.  "With this design, the shocks can manage all of the load and keeping the forces from entering the body structure. "In many cases, stiffer springs and additional damping are used to achieve a more controlled ride," Baumbick adds.  "That will only increase the amount of torsion to the body and result in an increase in structural-borne frequency, or road noise, that you can't get rid of with sound package." The one-to-one motion ratio of the shocks optimizes the efficiency of the damping allowing engineers to make vast changes in the tuning of the suspension for comfort and control with no increase in road noise. The front suspension was designed to work in harmony with the new IRS.  It also is mounted to a fully-isolated sub frame to further reduce road noise and help with the acoustic balance of the vehicle. Tire and bushing development focused on tuning out low frequency road noise and vibration. The high-end sound package centers on a new technology that's a first for Lincoln and the MKS.  An injection-molded rubber dash panel runs from the floor, just under the carpet, up to the top of the dash and back over the cowl.  The injection-molded part fits snuggly to the steel dash panel to provide a barrier for unwanted wind and powertrain noise.  The same technology is used inside the rear wheel wells. Expandable baffles, inserted into the rear of the front wheel wells, swell under heat (when the painted body is sent through the drying ovens) sealing tightly to the inner fender and under body structure to block unwanted road and wind noise. Beltline baffles sit at the bottom of the A- and B-pillars.  The baffles serve two purposes, blocking noise and vibration from traveling up the pillars and entering the cabin and keeping the noise low and away from the side windows. A six-millimeter-thick laminated windshield and laminated side glass, sound-absorbing carpeting and acoustic headliner round out the basic sound package. The shape of the new MKS was massaged in the wind tunnel to help with airflow and reduce wind noise. No detail was left untouched. In fact, the team went through more than 50 iterations of the design of the sunroof until they had a unit that is the quietest in its class. "We made sure that the MKS can cruise at significant speeds with the sunroof open and still allow you to listen to the radio or have a conversation with the person sitting next to you," said Baumbick. The Lincoln's new 3.7-liter V-6 engine also plays an important role in the overall sound of the vehicle. "It's important to have harmony between engine sound and performance," said Baumbick.  "When you give the MKS a throttle input, the car responds and there's a corresponding change in sound.  In the Lincoln, those three elements are in harmony and intuitive." The Lincoln MKS tuned induction system maximizes air flow to the engine for optimal power and delivers a rich engine sound quality.  The exhaust system also has been tuned to deliver the Lincoln's powerful, low-end growl.  Going With the Flow The 2009 Lincoln MKS has been fine tuned right down to each individual molecule of air that flows through the cabin.  The precise management of air flow is a critical step in assuring exceptional interior quietness and perceived quality. "We've crawled through and accounted for every molecule of air that gets in and out of the car," said Baumbick.  "We're treating air leakage as an opportunity for noise to get into and out of the car." The management of air starts by pressurizing the MKS cabin and then every opening is scrutinized – every nook and cranny in the car, every hole, every weld, every sheet metal attachment – with the specific thought about where to accept leakage and where to reject it.  "You can't have zero leakage because you have to extract air to defrost and defog the windows," said Baumbick.  "But we know where the leakage is, how it gets into the car and how it contributes to noise." Design changes were then made, if necessary, to adjust for sound flow, like fitting the glass front to the door channel, or optimizing or eliminating a pass through in the firewall.  For example, a pair of wire bundles can be designed to run through one hole instead of two. In other cases, a specific strategy was incorporated to make sure the pass through is managed and sealed. As an example, the MKS uses a new architecture for the steering column boot.  The bolt-on attachment has a clean sealed surface with very low leakage compared to the traditional snap-on unit. "We specifically redesigned the steering column component for low friction and a high degree of noise attenuation to reduce unwanted powertrain noise from leaking into the cabin," said Baumbick. Managing airflow also contributes to quality.  The sound of a door closing is the result of proper air management.  "The right door closing sound enhances the experience and perception of the quality of the car," Baumbick said.  "The Lincoln MKS feels tight.  The cabin has a vault-like feel.  That's quality."     2009 LINCOLN MKS: ALL-NEW FULL-SIZE FLAGSHIP SEDAN TO WIN NEW BUYERS THROUGH DESIGN, FEATURES, VALUE 2009 Lincoln MKS     The new Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan aims to attract new buyers with its timeless design, fuel-efficient powertrain and an unparalleled suite of features and technologies. Class-leading convenience features include SYNC™ voice-activated, hands-free in-car communications; Easy Fuel™ capless fuel filling; THX-certified audio; SIRIUS Travel Link™; voice-activated navigation; and a next-generation keyless entry keypad. Lincoln-exclusive fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V-6 and all-wheel drive provide smooth driving. Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford’s new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology – which provides the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 – less than a year after launch. An outstanding value starting below $38,000, Lincoln MKS orders are now being accepted; customers can visit www.lincoln.com to build and price their vehicle.   Los ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2007 – The all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan debuts today, providing customers understated style, first-of-a-kind convenience features, advanced safety and one of the best values in the luxury market. Unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, the new Lincoln flagship is designed to help fuel Lincoln’s growth by attracting new customers. “Lincoln has reestablished itself as a quality and design leader with award-winning products like the Lincoln MKZ, MKX and Navigator,” says Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company’s president of The Americas.  “With the Lincoln MKS, we are raising the bar even higher with unparalleled amenities and performance, and a price that should be irresistible to luxury customers.”     The New Lincoln Flagship:  A Strong Contender in the Luxury Sedan Segment The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan aimed at bringing new and younger buyers into the Lincoln fold.  Not traditional luxury buyers who shop based on name and price tag alone, Lincoln MKS customers are under 50 and value beautiful modern design, more fuel efficiency and good value. Pricing for Lincoln MKS starts at less than $38,000, a strategic move aimed at attracting new customers to the brand.  Many will be first-time luxury buyers, with a significant number expected to migrate from imports.   In fact, up to 60 percent of those buying the luxury sedan are expected to be new to Lincoln. “We’re playing to win with the Lincoln MKS, especially in California, where more luxury vehicles are sold than anywhere else.  We will do so by offering confident, understated, respectful luxury – not something that will go out of fashion in a year or two,” said Mike Richards, Lincoln General Marketing Manager.  “We’re also making an extra effort to reach out to African American and Hispanic buyers who want and deserve luxury in their lives, in part, through new marketing relationships with artists Common and Juanes.”  Juanes, a 12-time Latin Grammy award winning artist, will help introduce SYNC, which is standard on Lincolns and widely available on Ford and Mercury products, to the Hispanic market.  Juanes was recognized by Time magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” for his belief in the possibility of social change through music. Common, an accomplished musician, children’s author and actor, will represent Lincoln beginning in 2008.  The partnership will feature multiple levels of advertising, marketing and promotional activities between Lincoln and Common’s wide-ranging businesses and his community service program.  Common is currently appearing with Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington in the Ridley Scott-produced film American Gangster.   Consumers can visit www.lincoln.com to build and price their ideal Lincoln MKS and place their order at their local Lincoln dealer immediately.  To be built at Ford Motor Company’s Chicago Assembly Plant, the Lincoln MKS will begin arriving in Lincoln showrooms next summer. Loaded with Convenience and Technology:  Lincoln MKS offers unprecedented amenities The Lincoln MKS offers a suite of technologies and features not found on other luxury sedans.  They include:  SYNC, a hands-free, voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft.  The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities. THX®-certified audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and Voice-Activated Navigation, which provides superior sound quality – plus real time traffic updates, movie listings, radar weather forecasts and even directions to the closest local gas stations with the best prices. Lincoln’s Next-Generation Keypad, which uses heat-sensing technology to bring alive the keypad of LED backlit numerals embedded in the driver side B-pillar.  The driver enters a five-digit code to unlock the vehicle.  Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, a customer convenience that helps reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming.  When fueling is completed, and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.  Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which allows the driver to set the car’s speed and maintain that speed without using the accelerator pedal.  The radar-based system also can monitor the vehicle in front (up to 600 feet) and adjust the speed of the Lincoln MKS to keep it a safe distance behind the lead vehicle.  Four settings accommodate different driving styles. Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, which is a first for Lincoln and allows the driver to enter the Lincoln MKS and start the engine without using a key.  Drivers simply carry the special fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the keyless entry pad on the B-Pillar, open the door and with the brake pedal engaged, start the engine by pushing a button. Adaptive Headlamps with Automatic High Beams and Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, which enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road and reducing glare from oncoming traffic.  Sensors monitor vehicle speed and steering wheel input engaging electric motors that pivot the left headlamp up to five degrees and the right headlamp up to 15 degrees to increase the driver’s field of vision.  Plus, automatic high beams switch to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected.   Rain-Sensing Wipers, which are moisture-activated and programmable. Forward Sensing System, which determines how close front objects are while parking. Rearview Camera System, which is mounted beneath the Lincoln Star on the decklid and  activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a view of what’s behind the vehicle.  The system works in conjunction with the vehicle’s reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display.   ,.   Understated Design:  Lincoln MKS debuts new design DNA  The Lincoln MKS is the first vehicle to embrace Lincoln’s new design DNA.  “Every element of this luxury sedan reflects the culture of Lincoln – from its well-proportioned athleticism to the design cues we have painstakingly developed, modernizing the best elements over time,” says Peter Horbury, executive director of Design for The Americas.  Its most striking exterior design feature is its double-wing grille, which sweeps up into the jewel-like headlamps, wrapping around the front fascia and forming a sharp crease that defines the high beltline.  A subtle kick-up over the rear wheel calls back cues found on many classic Lincolns.  Strong shoulders, dramatic C-pillars, clean body sides, a tall rear deck and large wheels and tires lend the Lincoln MKS a confident stance. Modern luxury carries through inside, as well.  Space is abundant, with a class-leading interior package.   In fact, the MKS has the largest rear cabin in its class in every important dimension, including head, leg and shoulder room.  And Lincoln tends to passengers’ comfort with standard heated rear seats, an overhead skylight and a sun shade for the backlight. Its interior is sleek.  For instance, the Lincoln MKS’s symmetrical instrument panel has fewer break lines than other luxury vehicles.  The flow-through center stack is clean and uncluttered, with an information screen integrated at the top.  The large center console has a split, two-piece, padded upper section.  Each section slides forward individually to form an armrest.   “Luxury buyers still expect rare beauty, but today, they also seek authenticity,” Horbury said.  “This is space Lincoln can rightfully reclaim, given the design of our vehicles and the way we’ve chosen to adorn the MKS with the finest real leathers, rare woods, real aluminum and chrome accents – in a more environmentally responsible way.” For example, the leather used for the seats is perfected with vegetable dyes and a chromium-free tanning process to create the softest leather ever used in a Lincoln.  It is supplied by Bridge of Weir Leather, the same company that provided hides for the Ford Model T and the iconic Continental Mark II, as well as the Concorde, the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Burj Al Arab, the world's first 7-star hotel. Ebony wood used for some models is reclaimed from furniture makers and others sources, offering a rare wood with minimal environmental impact.  Also offered is Olive Ash, a wood with a distinctive grain pattern created when the roots of two trees grow together.  Smooth Power:  Fuel-efficient V-6 today; V-8 power with V-6 efficiency tomorrow The Lincoln MKS is powered by a Lincoln exclusive new 3.7-liter V-6 engine.  The powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX, which was voted one of Ward’s 10-Best Engines for 2007. Both engines share the same strong, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight four-valve heads for smooth operation at high RPMs.  The 3.7-liter’s larger cylinders contribute to the increase in horsepower and torque.  This engine delivers 270 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy, acceleration and the option to manually select gears. “This engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque to improve performance where it’s needed most – standing acceleration and passing,” says Michael Celentino, chief engineer.   Less than a year after launch, the Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford’s new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology.  The premium engine – which offers the power and torque of a V-8 with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 – will make the Lincoln MKS the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel drive luxury sedan in the market. Lincoln MKS also is available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that provides a confident driving experience in all weather.  It uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels – up to 100 percent in either direction – to avoid wheel slip.  The AWD system works with the standard Advance Trac® stability control system to provide additional stability, transferring torque from side-to-side. An all-new independent rear suspension design features vertically mounted shock absorbers mounted at the outboard end of the suspension arms near the wheels, maximizing suspension travel and allowing for more precise suspension tuning.    The MacPherson strut and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension also was designed to maximize suspension travel and tuned to work in harmony with the rear suspension.  As an added benefit, the new suspension design can accommodate larger, 20-inch wheels and tires without compromising ride comfort. The Lincoln MKS comes standard with 18-inch bright, machined, cast aluminum painted 10-spoke wheels.  Nineteen-inch 10-spoke painted, polished or machined aluminum or a class-exclusive 20-inch, 11-spoke, highly polished, cast aluminum wheel are available options.   Building on a Heritage of Safety Leadership The Lincoln MKS is equipped with a comprehensive package of the latest in active and passive safety features to provide the highest level of protection for all occupants.   Standard safety features include: dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, driver seat positioning sensor, side air bags and Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags with roll-fold technology and four-wheel ABS brakes. Additional standard safety features include an anti-theft perimeter alarm, Battery Saver, Belt-Minder®, Child Safety Locks, glow-in-the-dark trunk release, illuminated entry, LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children) and a tire pressure monitoring system.   About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents.  With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda.  The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding the company and its products visit www.ford.com     LINCOLN MKS PREVIEWS PERFORMANCE LUXURY FOR NEW GENERATION OF SOPHISTICATED CUSTOMERS Click here to view video SOUNDBITES: LINCOLN MK S CONCEPT   Lincoln's future flagship: Lincoln MKS hints at the full-size luxury sedan with sporty performance and attributes coming to the Lincoln showroom Spacious open interior: Panoramic glass VistaRoof™ adds to the sense of spaciousness, bringing the outdoors in Luxury, comfort and convenience: Intuitive technologies include adaptive LED headlamps, advanced navigation system, Bluetooth and DVD-audio surround sound Powerful luxury performance: Powerful 315 horsepower V-8 with 6-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive create a spirited, sure-footed driving experience DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2006 – The Lincoln MKS strongly hints at the design direction for Lincoln and its upcoming new flagship sedan. Lincoln MKS' expressive design is defined by sculpted fluid surfacing that conveys an athletic nature and performance. Adaptive LEDs illuminate sequentially as the steering wheel is turned. Rear LED parking lamps and turn signals provide advanced rear lighting. A clean, contemporary interior includes the comfort and convenience hallmarks that will define Lincoln vehicles going forward. The Lincoln MKS features heated and cooled seats with 14-way power adjustments, a panoramic glass roof, adaptive LED head lights, advanced navigation system, Bluetooth and DVD-audio surround sound. A powerful 315-horsepower V-8 engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, intelligent all-wheel drive and Lincoln's first sedan with 20-inch wheels. "Attitudes about luxury are changing, and Lincoln is at the forefront of the shift," says Peter Horbury, executive director, North American Design. "People want refinement, rather than ostentation. Lincoln MKS is a luxury car that doesn't need to shout – it captivates with a whisper." Exterior Design Expressive, refined styling defines the exterior. The Lincoln MKS is a luxury vehicle that has elegance and composure and is at home in any setting. Its face is a modern interpretation of the classic Lincoln grille, combining the waterfall and the brand's signature crosshatch star. "Everything about the design of the Lincoln MKS flows from the star and then directs the eye back to it," explains Patrick Schiavone, design director, North America Car. "It's like an abstract arrow that points you to the star and breaks up the weight of the hood." The confident stance and clean front of the Lincoln MKS signal an understated strength, while the vehicle's surface communicates motion. As the sculpted hood travels back to the cowling, it curves upward to greet the A-pillars. The eye is pulled up and around the car's silhouette and over its dynamic shoulder line to its powerful haunches. "Lincoln MKS communicates power, motion and speed," says Schiavone. "It's athletic and muscular, yet elegant." A Footprint for Style, Speed With substantial 20-inch wheels – the largest ever on a Lincoln sedan – the Lincoln MKS belongs to the serious drivers. Designed with five main spokes and five offset spokes in contrasting polished and vapor-blasted alloy, the wheels reflect light at varying angles to convey a sense of speed.   Fitting the character of the Lincoln MKS, the 20-inch, "five/five" spoke wheels feature both performance and luxury design cues. "Traditionally in the design vocabulary, a sport wheel has five spokes, while luxury wheels are multispoked," says Schiavone. "The Lincoln MKS is both sporting and luxurious, so we combined the two aesthetics in our 'five/five' wheel." The Lincoln MKS exquisite exterior color is called Juniper Frost, which is offset by a lower body color of Celadon Green. Side vents are accented by the Lincoln star. A dramatic panoramic glass Vista Roof™ is set between polished alloy finishing rails. The same polished alloy highlights the roof ditch molding and distinguishes the bold rear fenders with dual exhaust tips. Clean, Modern Interior Makes Every Occupant a VIP Inside, the Lincoln MKS is a treat for the senses, offering occupants the ultimate in craftsmanship and comfort. The instrument panel features a slender ribbon of Silvered Birdseye maple framed by a polished alloy band. The Vista Roof™ emphasizes the sense of space, while inviting the outdoors into the cabin. The seats, with supple, full-grain Aniline leather, adjust 14 ways – with individual power controls for driver and passenger. These seats are not only heated, they're cooled. The lower cushions extend, and the lumbar area offers additional support. Suede plays a role in the vehicle's interior elegance. The console is covered in Oxford Grey suede; doors are offset by pearl white suede. Open-loop Wind Loom carpeting adds texture and warmth. Signature Lincoln Cool White lighting illuminates the cabin in soft hues. The Lincoln MKS instrument cluster features gauges inspired by precision sports watches – large, easy to read, and well placed for maximum visibility. The gauge needles have flush-fit hubs that contribute to a clean, streamlined look. The readings are marked by subtle raised chaplets, giving the cluster a dash of brightness. Innovative Technologies Anticipate Driver's Needs The Lincoln MKS presents a suite of features designed to make life more convenient: Bluetooth, 14-speaker, 500-watt DVD surround-sound audio system, a passive entry system that automatically identifies the driver, push-start ignition, onboard navigation and next-generation headlights that improve nighttime vision around curves in the road.   Lincoln MKS features adaptive front lights with LEDs that illuminate sequentially as the steering wheel is turned. Here, the LED lights are illuminated. The adaptive front lighting system improves on current "cornering" lighting technologies by using two light sources working in tandem to help drivers see better around curves. A high-output halogen projection main beam is assisted by a secondary row of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminate as needed. Driven by electronic sensors rather than mechanical motors used in current cornering systems, a row of instantaneous LEDs switch on sequentially as the vehicle rounds the bend.   The Lincoln Mobile Media System is a next-generation touch-screen interface, incorporating audio, climate and navigation controls. Navigation systems are not new to the luxury market. But intuitive, easy-to-use navigation systems that put the customer first are. With the Lincoln Mobile Media System there is no complicated, frustrating, endless list of drop-down menus. Here, occupants select a function on an eight-inch LCD touch screen. The functions include navigation, tri-zone climate control, audio entertainment system, connectivity and vehicle information. Then occupants modify directions, temperature and volume through rotary controls. The Lincoln Mobile Media System allows the driver to download the latest information from information channels, such as the National Weather Center or view the major points of interest along his drive route. Other advanced adaptive technologies featured in the Lincoln MKS were developed to anticipate the occupants' needs while helping them stay connected. A passive entry system recognizes the driver and automatically unlocks the vehicle and adjusts to his or her personal settings for mirrors, seats, radio dials and temperature. Cell phone calls are transmitted through the 14-speaker surround-sound system, utilizing Bluetooth technology. The Lincoln MKS's Intelligent AWD System will help ensure confident performance, while the vehicle's adaptive lighting system instantly adjusts to help improve nighttime driving visibility. Engaging Driving Dynamics Under the hood, an all-aluminum 4.4-liter V-8 engine pumps out 315 horsepower. This engine is paired with Ford Motor Company's smooth-shifting, 6-speed automatic transmission, giving the Lincoln MKS outstanding performance, fuel efficiency and emissions improvements. Sure-footed power is delivered to all four wheels. The active AWD system provides performance and all-weather traction. A preemptive-slip system reads key parameters that automatically transfers torque to the wheels before they begin to slip. With 20-inch wheels, a 315-hp V-8 and active all-wheel-drive system, the Lincoln MKS promises a driving experience to match its dynamic shape. Lincoln MKS also is equipped with industry-leading safety features. It offers dual front air bags, driver and passenger side air bags and a side air curtain for rollover protection. The steering column tailors its rate of collapse to the driver's size and safety-belt use. A cross-car side impact protection beam under the front seats reinforces the structure between the B-pillars while directing energy away from passengers.   Lincoln has historically excelled at full-size luxury sedans, and the Lincoln MKS points to what’s coming in the future. "Lincoln has historically excelled at full-size luxury sedans – it's been our hallmark," says Darryl Hazel, vice president, Marketing, North America. "With the Lincoln MKS, we're reaffirming what we stand for and signaling our intent to introduce a new generation of consumers to full-size performance luxury in the very near future."