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Lincoln introduces the 2009 MKS
02-06-2008
DEARBORN, USA - Lincoln MKS, the new full-size sedan, makes its production debut, continuing the momentum for Lincoln and offering customers dynamic, modern design and some of the most sophisticated safety, convenience and comfort technologies available on any car.
OVERVIEW
LINCOLN MKS: MODERN DESIGN, LEADING TECHNOLOGY COME STANDARD ON BRAND’S NEW FLAGSHIP SEDAN
"The Lincoln MKS ensures a high level of comfort for all passengers, thanks to a class-leading interior package," said Brett Wheatley, Lincoln Mercury general marketing manager. "Abundant space, coupled with a comprehensive suite of features and technologies, delivers the luxury experience that Lincoln customers want and deserve."
First to Embody Lincoln Design DNA
Dynamic and clean-lined, the new Lincoln MKS is the first production vehicle to embrace the Lincoln design DNA introduced on the Lincoln MKR concept.
"The Lincoln MKS is a substantial car with a well-proportioned athleticism and several signature design cues we developed after carefully auditing the best Lincoln design elements over time," says Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. "Lincoln design has always been more discreet, exuding a kind of understated luxury, and we've designed the this luxury sedan understanding that the Lincoln owner views the MKS as a reward for hard work, not simply an outward symbol of status."
The most striking exterior design feature is the double-wing grille, inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental. The grille sweeps up into the jewel-like high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps to form a single graphic element that further accentuates the face. A bright chrome Lincoln star rests prominently between the grille's wings.
Key design cues include the sculpted hood and fast-raked windshield, which forms a sleek roofline. The broad-shouldered Lincoln MKS also features a beltline that kicks up slightly over the rear wheels, another modern tribute to classic Lincoln design.
Elegant details include a polished stainless steel side window surround that finishes with a wide flourish at the front edge of the C-pillar – accentuating the tapered cantrail of the cantilevered roof. Stainless steel strips also run the length of the car, framing the available twin-panel moon roof and flowing into the tall decklid.
At the rear, exquisitely detailed LED taillamps are accented by a vertical white light strip that runs along the edge of the decklid, and a horizontal chrome strip is inset with a Lincoln star.
The Lincoln MKS Interior: Meticulous Detail
The meticulously detailed 2009 Lincoln MKS delivers a precision-crafted environment resplendent in hand-wrapped premium leather as well as real wood and metal accents.
Warm and inviting, it incorporates a more modern interpretation of the symmetrical instrument panel design that also is featured in the Lincoln Navigator, MKZ sedan and MKX crossover.
The instrument panel flows horizontally from door to door, its top portion is hand-wrapped in durable, eco-friendly leatherette with double-stitching. The instrument panel is divided into upper and lower portions by a stripe of sculpted wood highlighted by a line of chrome.
Trimmed at the top in real wood, the leather-wrapped steering wheel frames an elegant instrument cluster with gauges circled with delicate chrome rings. Details of the interior design also are accented in sculpted aluminum.
"There is nothing on the cockpit that is concentrated only on the driver," Horbury said. "With Lincoln, the business-class ride is a shared experience for all on board."
Elegant and flowing surfaces create the feeling that the interior has been sculpted, rather than constructed. The flow-through center stack is topped with an integrated information screen that also serves as the screen for the available navigation system. Standard leather seats are double-stitched and feature an exclusive Lincoln perforation pattern on the inserts.
Customers can choose from three distinct interior options, all set off by Lincoln's signature cool white lighting.
A philosophy of "guilt-free luxury" means Lincoln MKS uses materials and processes that reflect the finer things in life but not at the expense of the world around them, including:
Leather for the seats by Bridge of Weir, the same Scottish company that supplied hides for the iconic Continental Mark II. Chosen for its high quality and its organic, chromium-free tanning, this is the softest leather ever used in a Lincoln.
Ebony wood, used for some models, reclaimed from furniture makers and others sources to offer a beautiful and rare wood with minimal environmental impact.
The MKS offers best-in-class interior volume of 105.9 cubic feet and best-in-class luggage space of 18.4 cubic feet, nearly four times larger than some competitors.
New Lincoln comfort seats, developed first for the Lincoln MKS, feature side bolster support designed for spirited driving. The standard heated and cooled, 12-way power driver and front passenger seats offer four-way lumbar (up, down, inboard and outboard) for added comfort on long trips.
Rear seat passengers also enjoy a luxury experience that begins as they enter the cabin, via the largest rear-door opening of its class. MKS also offers segment-exclusive standard heated rear seats.
Recessed into the front and rear door openings, cleverly designed hidden rocker panels allow for a lower step-over height, making it easier to enter or exit the vehicle. This design shields the rockers from the elements, reducing the likelihood of soiling shoes or trousers when entering or exiting the vehicle.
Largest Array of Comfort and Convenience Technology Features
The Lincoln MKS offers the largest selection of comfort and convenience technology features of any other luxury sedan in its class, including:
Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to set the car's speed and maintain it 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, even in fog or heavy rain. Four settings allow the driver to set a desired distance, speed and the time gap between vehicles.
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, a first for Lincoln, 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. Unlike some systems, the Intelligent Access key fob will work even if it is kept in the trunk, in a coat pocket or briefcase.
SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad, the next-generation version of a feature familiar to Lincoln owners. It allows access to the vehicle by unlocking the driver door using a five-digit code. The new system is now flush-mounted to the car's driver-side B-pillar, using technology similar to that found on portable MP3 music players to create heat-sensitive, backlit numerals that become visible once they're touched.
Adaptive Headlamps with Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps 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 5 degrees and the right headlamp up to 15 degrees to increase the driver's field of vision.
Auto High Beams coupled with the Adaptive Headlamps enhance nighttime visibility by switching to high intensity when no other vehicles are in range and automatically reverting to low beam intensity when they detect the headlamps or taillamps of other vehicles. Derived from sensing technology developed for NASA, the system can detect taillamps at a distance of more than 500 feet and headlamps at a distance of 2,000 feet. A patented filtering technique distinguishes street lights from vehicle light sources, preventing unnecessary dimming.
Rain-Sensing Wipers use an advanced optical sensing system to detect how hard rain or snow is falling and determine when to activate windshield wipers and how fast to run the wiper motor. An infrared beam "reads" the surface of the glass and sends information to a sensor mounted in the windshield shade band. Customers can program the system to their preference choosing from five different sensitivity settings.
The Forward Sensing System uses four hidden sensors mounted in the front fascia and audible beeps to help drivers determine how close they are to objects in front of their vehicle while parking. It can detect objects up to 1,500 feet away, plus objects at certain heights even out of the driver's view, such as parking blocks. It operates only below 8 mph.
The Rearview Camera System works in conjunction with the vehicle's reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display. A camera mounted beneath the Lincoln Star on the decklid is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System is an industry-exclusive feature that provides customers a hassle-free, odor-free and more-consistent seal than a manual fuel cap. When fueling is completed and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut. The system has an invisible benefit, too – fewer evaporative emissions.
SYNC is standard on an array of 2009 Lincoln vehicles. The award-winning, industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft, fully integrates most Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle.
Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ offers a host of convenient features including more than 150 hours of music storage. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display.
Users can even upload personal pictures from CD to be displayed on the system's home screen. SIRIUS Travel Link™ provides users access to up-to-the-minute information including real-time gas prices at the closest stations as well as movie listings and sports scores through the vehicle's navigation system.
THX® II Certified 5.1 Surround Sound Audio System delivers true 5.1 surround sound from DVD movies and DVD-Audio music. A 12-channel, 600 watt "smart amp" delivers digital sound to the system's 16 specially-placed speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer. The precision-tuned system uses state-of-the-art digital technology to turn the cabin of the Lincoln MKS into a theater or concert hall.
Quiet Comfort and Confident Driving Experience
The new Lincoln flagship sedan offers exceptional quietness and comfort and a confident driving experience, providing intuitive feedback to drivers along with a secure feeling behind the wheel.
The Lincoln MKS puts the driver in command. Its chassis provides isolation from road noise and harshness but doesn't isolate the driver from the road. Steering is precise and responsive, requiring little input from the cockpit.
The Lincoln MKS features a new, fully independent rear suspension (IRS) that has been designed and tuned to deliver a perfect balance of performance, handling and comfort.
A unique design places vertically mounted shock absorbers at the outboard end of the suspension arms, near the wheels. This configuration increases the motion ratio of the suspension allowing for a more precise tuning while also facilitating the larger wheels and tires that are desired by today's luxury customers.
"The setup significantly increases the efficiency of the dampers," said Jim Baumbick, Vehicle Development chief engineer. "This allows us to tune the suspension more finely across a wider range of attributes and deliver the optimum in both handling and ride comfort."
The MacPherson strut and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension was designed to maximize suspension travel and tuned to work in harmony with the rear suspension. Together, the new front and rear suspension design can accommodate available, class-exclusive, 20-inch wheels and tires without compromising ride comfort.
Extensive development work also focused on creating the quiet isolation of the Lincoln MKS, befitting its new Lincoln flagship status.
The body structure of the Lincoln MKS was optimized for strength and stiffness. Along with noteworthy crash performance, the solid structure delivers the smooth, quiet ride luxury customers expect. Tire and bushing development focused on further 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 that runs from the floor, just under the carpet, up to the top of the dash and back over the cowl to block unwanted wind and powertrain noise. The same technology is used inside rear wheel wells.
A 6-millimeter-thick laminated windshield and laminated side glass, sound-absorbing carpeting and acoustic headliner round out the basic sound package.
Delivering a Smooth, Connected Driving Experience
The Lincoln MKS is powered by a new 3.7-liter V-6 engine. This powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKZ, 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 273 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque and does not require premium-grade fuel.
Technologies such as variable valve timing are utilized to deliver substantial torque at lower rpms while reducing emissions. The Lincoln MKS qualifies for U.S Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions and California Emissions State ULEV-II emissions standards.
"This engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque to improve performance where the driver needs it most, in standing acceleration and passing," says Michael Celentino, Lincoln MKS chief engineer. "To help manage the extra torque, the Lincoln MKS's six-speed automatic transmission is equipped with a stiffer torque converter that delivers an immediate throttle response and a more connected feel."
The MKS uses a pair of technologies that help to improve fuel economy and further reduce emissions without compromising performance:
A two-speed fuel pump that alternates between two flow settings, running on a low setting, which requires less energy, whenever conditions allow.
Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO) is a fuel-saving system that shuts off fuel flow to the injectors when the driver backs completely out of the throttle with the vehicle in fifth or sixth gear, such as exiting onto a freeway off ramp.
The Lincoln MKS features a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy and acceleration as well as enhanced performance feel. SelectShift, making its Lincoln debut on the new flagship sedan, allows the driver to select gears manually when desired.
An all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides for a confident driving experience in all weather conditions. The unit uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels – up to 100 percent in either direction – as needed, to avoid wheel slip.
"Drive the new Lincoln MKS and its engaging and rewarding driving experience is immediately clear," Celentino says. "The power is smooth and responsive, absolutely fitting the character of the new flagship Lincoln luxury sedan. This automobile creates an outstanding first impression and lives up to it."
The Lincoln MKS Safety Story
The 2009 Lincoln MKS builds on Ford Motor Company's safety leadership.
Using Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), engineers and designers have developed the Lincoln MKS for optimal strength, stiffness and superb crashworthiness. Its energy-absorbing front structure – with octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and "shotgun" front structural members – is designed to absorb and redirect front crash forces away from the passenger compartment. The new sedan also features the class-exclusive Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement Architecture™ (SPACE) designed to optimize side impact protection.
The body structure features ultra high-strength boron steel in the B-pillar for added protection in a side impact and improves roof strength. The side impact door beams also have also been configured to provide optimal protection.
The Lincoln MKS is equipped with a comprehensive package of active and passive safety features, including dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, seat-mounted side air bags, safety belt pretensioners and load-limiting retractors and driver seat positioning sensor.
Other key safety features include:
Occupant Classification System – Using a sophisticated sensor, it determines via weight whether the front passenger seat is empty, occupied by a child seat or small, medium or large occupant and can deploy the air bag as needed.
Adaptive Collapsible Steering Column – In an impact, the column will collapse, dependent on the weight and belted status of the driver.
Safety CanopyTM – Ford's exclusive side impact protection system features side curtain air bags that help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollovers and side impact crashes.
AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control system uses sensors to monitor yaw, the vehicle's speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle and selectively applies individual brakes to help correct skids.
Ford's Belt-Minder®, a safety belt reminder technology for the driver and front passenger that takes over after the initial safety belt reminder stops chiming.
The Lincoln MKS sedan goes on sale this summer and is built at the Chicago Assembly Plant.
POWERTRAIN
LINCOLN MKS POWERED BY NEW 3.7-LITER V-6
The Lincoln MKS is powered by a new 3.7-liter V-6 engine. This powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKZ, 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 273 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque and does not require premium-grade fuel.
Technologies such as variable valve timing are utilized to deliver substantial torque at lower rpms while reducing emissions. The Lincoln MKS qualifies for U.S Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions and California Emissions State ULEV-II emissions standards.
"This engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque to improve performance where the driver needs it most, in standing acceleration and passing," says Michael Celentino, Lincoln MKS chief engineer. "To help manage the extra torque, the Lincoln MKS's six-speed automatic transmission is equipped with a stiffer torque converter that delivers an immediate throttle response and a more connected feel."
The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) uses a sensor that monitors the accelerator pedal to read and interpret the driver's intentions. When paired with the new torque converter, ETC will set optimal throttle input for quick and consistent response in both performance and fuel economy.
The MKS also uses a pair of technologies that help to improve fuel economy and further reduce emissions without compromising performance.
A two-speed fuel pump alternates between two flow settings. For example, during idle or under certain conditions such as cruising at highway speeds, the fuel pump runs on the low setting, requiring less energy to run the pump. The lower voltage results in less of a draw on the engine, improving fuel efficiency.
Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO) is a fuel-saving system that shuts off fuel flow to the injectors when the driver backs completely out of the throttle with the vehicle in fifth or sixth gear, such as exiting onto a freeway off ramp.
The 3.7-liter is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy and acceleration as well as enhanced performance feel. SelectShift, making its Lincoln debut on the MKS, allows the driver to manually select gears by moving the gear selector to the right and pushing forward to downshift and pulling back to upshift.
As an added benefit, the six-speed allows the MKS to be flat-towed to a maximum speed 65 miles-per-hour.
The Lincoln MKS is available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that provides for a confident driving experience in all weather conditions. The unit uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels – up to 100 percent in either direction – as needed, to avoid wheel slip.
The AWD system works in conjunction with the standard AdvanceTrac® stability control system to provide additional stability by transferring torque from side-to-side.
In calendar year 2009, the Lincoln MKS will be the first Ford Motor Company vehicle to feature an EcoBoost engine.
Available less than a year after launch, the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 will produce the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. In fact, with an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque, the Lincoln MKS will be the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive luxury sedan in the market.
"Drive the new Lincoln MKS and its engaging and rewarding driving experience is immediately clear," Celentino says. "The power is smooth and responsive, absolutely fitting the character of the new flagship Lincoln luxury sedan. This automobile creates an outstanding first impression, and lives up to it."
EXTERIOR / INTERIOR
MKS SHOWCASES LINCOLN SIGNATURE DESIGN CUES
The dynamic, powerful and clean-lined Lincoln MKS is the first production vehicle to embrace the Lincoln design DNA introduced on the Lincoln MKR concept.
"The Lincoln MKS is a substantial car with a well-proportioned athleticism and several signature design cues we developed after carefully auditing the best Lincoln design elements over time," says Peter Horbury, Ford Motor Company executive director of design for The Americas.
"Lincoln was always much more discreet, exuding a kind of understated luxury," adds Horbury. "The same as today, Lincoln projects a much higher level of confidence in the owner. The Lincoln owner views the MKS as a reward for hard work, not simply an outward symbol of status."
The most striking exterior design feature is the double-wing grille, inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental. The grille sweeps up into the jewel-like headlamps forming a single graphic element that further accentuates the face.
A bright chrome Lincoln star rests prominently on the body color separation between the elements of the double wing grille.
"It's a clean execution that gives the badge somewhere to sit without fighting with the grille behind it," said Horbury.
The lower fascia opening is highlighted in a very tasteful grille made of thin chrome strips. Fog lamps are set into recessed areas at the outer edges of the fascia that are defined by delicate chrome trim.
The edges of the grille are drawn into creases over the sculpted hood and flow up the A-pillar, defining the fast-raked windshield and forming the sleek roofline.
Detailed high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps sweep around into the front fenders and into the crease that runs the length of the vehicle forming the base for its broad shoulders. The beltline kicks up slightly over the rear wheels, another modern tribute to classic Lincoln design.
The high beltline is defined by a strip of polished stainless steel that continues around the side windows and finishes with a wide flourish at the front edge of the C-pillar. This elegant graphical detail defines the side window shape and accentuates the tapered cantrail of the cantilevered roof, one of the staples of classic Lincoln design.
Clean flowing side surfaces are only interrupted by the door handles and Lincoln Star displayed on the front fender. The high beltline, chamfered surfaces and clean sides plant the Lincoln MKS to the road and give it a confident and proud stance.
Polished stainless steel strips also run the length of the car from the A-pillar and down the edges of the fast rear glass, framing the available twin-panel moon roof and flowing into the tall decklid.
Body-colored, manual-fold, power adjustable, heated side mirrors with memory also feature security approach lamps and driver side electrochromic auto-dimming.
Exquisitely detailed LED taillamps are accented by a wide vertical white light strip that runs along the edge of the decklid. A horizontal chrome strip inset with a Lincoln star punctuates the rear. Chrome exhaust tips are set into the lower portion of the rear fascia.
The Lincoln MKS comes standard with 18-inch, 10-spoke painted cast aluminum wheels. Two 19-inch wheels are available, a 10-spoke bright machined painted cast aluminum and 10-spoke premium painted cast aluminum. A segment-exclusive 20-inch, 11-spoke polished cast aluminum wheel is also available.
Nine exterior paint colors are available, including a new Tuxedo Black Metallic. The new formula uses tiny glass flakes in place of the mica flakes normally used for metallic paints. The smaller glass flakes allow for the use of more of them resulting in a metallic paint that glistens even more brilliantly in the light.
Additional colors are: Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic; Dark Ink Blue Clearcoat Metallic; White Chocolate Tri-Coat Clearcoat; Cinnamon Clearcoat Metallic; Smokestone Clearcoat Metallic; Brilliant Silver Clearcoat Metallic; Sangria Red Clearcoat Metallic; and White Suede Clearcoat Metallic.
LINCOLN MKS PRECISION CRAFTED, MODERN INTERIOR OFFERS TRUE BUSINESS CLASS LUXURY
The 2009 Lincoln MKS delivers a precision-crafted environment resplendent in hand-wrapped premium leather as well as real wood and metal accents.
"The cabin of the Lincoln MKS is a space you will look forward to spending time in because it is meticulously detailed and built with precision, yet it also is warm and inviting," said Peter Horbury, Ford Motor Company executive director of design for The Americas.
The MKS interior incorporates a modern version of the symmetrical instrument panel design that is also featured in the Lincoln Navigator and MKX crossover.
The instrument panel flows horizontally from door to door. The top portion is hand-wrapped in durable, eco-friendly leatherette, as are the inner door panels. It is double-stitched in a fashion normally found on custom and concept vehicles.
Soft materials are used on all of the touch points on the door trim as well as the A-pillar, instrument panel topper and headliner.
The instrument panel is divided into upper and lower portions by a stripe of sculpted wood highlighted by a line of chrome. The chrome treatment is carried through to the door panels, and customers also can choose to extend the sculpted wood effect onto the door panels by specifying a premium wood door trim option.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel is trimmed at the top in real wood and frames an elegant instrument cluster with gauges circled with delicate chrome rings. The MKS's climate control bezels are surrounded by sculpted aluminum that also is evident on the steering wheel and gear selector. Aluminum trim defines the sides of the flow-through center console.
"The designers really captured modern Lincoln luxury design in the interior execution," said Horbury. "There is nothing on the cockpit that is concentrated only on the driver. With Lincoln, the business class ride is a shared experience for all on board."
Elegant and flowing surfaces create the feeling that the interior has been sculpted, rather than constructed. Careful attention was focused on designing interior components to eliminate seams or interruptions in the flow.
For instance, the glove box is stretched to span the lower portion of the instrument panel, with the left-side seam forming the edge of the center console. Meanwhile, the center console stretches from the instrument panel to the seats in a single piece, eliminating any breaks and providing a clean and uncluttered appearance.
The flow-through center stack is topped with an integrated information screen that also serves as the screen for the available navigation system. The center stack also houses the soft-touch audio and climate control dials.
The center stack flows elegantly down to a large center console that has a split, two-piece, padded upper section that is hand-wrapped in double-stitched leather. Each section slides forward individually to form an armrest.
Standard, all-leather seats are double-stitched and feature an exclusive Lincoln perforation pattern on the inserts. The Ultimate Package adds a color-keyed suede strip to the center of the seat backs and an embroidered Lincoln Star logo on the front seat headrests.
Customers can choose from three distinct interior options, all set off by cool white lighting featured on all Lincolns.
The Charcoal Black interior environment is trimmed in Fine Line Ebony wood. Another option features Light Camel seats with cabin environment fitted with contrasting Sterling and Light Camel materials and trimmed with Olive Ash. In vehicles with Cashmere seats, the interior color scheme is black with Cashmere and the wood is Fine Line Ebony.
 "The two-tone interior exquisitely accentuates the interior design," said Horbury. "The dark instrument panel upper and dark carpet in contrast with the Cashmere seats and lower instrument panel and door trim really bring the interior to life."
An available aluminum appliqué package replaces the wood accents on the on cars with the Charcoal and Cashmere environments. It also includes stylized aluminum and includes a complete leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The MKS environment was developed around a philosophy of "guilt-free luxury." Lincoln designers used materials and processes that would appeal to customers who prize the finer things in life, but not at the expense of the world around them.
"It is clear to us that the tastes of luxury buyers are maturing and becoming more sophisticated. That is why Lincoln is using the finest leathers, rare woods and real aluminum and chrome accents throughout the design," Horbury said. "But we are doing so in a more responsible, environmentally friendly way."
For example, the leather used for the seats is supplied by Bridge of Weir, a Scottish company with a heritage stretching more than 100 years. Bridge of Weir has a long-standing relationship with Ford Motor Company that started with supplying hides for the Ford Model T and the iconic Continental Mark II.
Bridge of Weir leather was chosen for its high quality and its organic, chromium-free tanning to create the softest leather ever used in a Lincoln. A similar process is used to create leather for infants' shoes.
In much the same spirit, the ebony used for some models is reclaimed from furniture makers and others sources to offer a beautiful and rare wood with minimal environmental impact.
Olive Ash, offered as the wood trim on some models, is a distinctive, deeply lustrous shade of burl, darker than that commonly found in Ash wood.
The Lincoln MKS offers an incomparable luxury travel experience
"The Lincoln MKS ensures a high level of comfort for all passengers, thanks to a class-leading interior package," said Brett Wheatley, Lincoln Mercury general marketing manager. "Abundant space, features and technologies deliver the luxury experience that Lincoln customers want and deserve."
New Lincoln comfort seats, developed first for the Lincoln MKS, feature proper side bolster support for spirited driving. The standard-heated and cooled, 12-way power driver and front passenger seats offer four-way lumbar (up, down, in and out) for added comfort on long trips.
Rear seat passengers also enjoy a luxury experience that begins as soon as they enter the cabin. The Lincoln MKS has the largest rear-door opening of any vehicle in its class as well as segment-exclusive standard heated rear seats.
Storage space abounds with a large glove box, front door storage pockets with cup/bottle holders and two cupholders molded into the center console for front passengers. Rear-seat passengers can utilize large map pockets integrated to the front seat backs. A center console folds down providing access to two cupholders.
The MKS has three 12-volt powerpoints in the center console bin, inside the center console and in the rear of the center console for rear seat access.
The MKS offers best-in-class interior volume of 105.9 cubic feet, and best-in-class luggage space of 18.4 cubic feet, nearly four times larger than some competitors.
The class-leading, spacious cabin also provides first-row headroom of 39.7 inches, first row leg room of 41.9 inches, rear seat headroom of 38.6 inches, rear seat legroom of 38.6 inches and front and rear seat hip room of 55.3 inches.
Both front and rear passengers will find ingress and egress easy as a result of the hidden rocker panels on the MKS.
Recessed into the door opening, the cleverly designed rockers allow for a lower step-over height making it easier to enter or exit the vehicle. The unique rocker design also is hidden from the elements, reducing the likelihood of soiling shoes or trousers when entering or exiting the vehicle.
The integrated dual-panel moonroof enhances travel for everyone. The front panel offers the full function of a standard moonroof, including tilt and vent and slides back under the rear fixed glass. The rear fixed panel or "skylight" brings more of the outside world to backseat passengers.
An integrated power sunshade deploys from the rear package shelf to provide relief from the sun or to control the light in the back seat. The sunshade retracts automatically when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle.
SAFETY
The 2009 Lincoln MKS builds on Ford Motor Company's safety leadership, sharing its safety technology with the company's award-winning full-size sedan lineup.
In fact, Ford Motor Company has more vehicles with full 5-star crash ratings in government testing than any other manufacturer in North America. Ford products continue to perform at the highest levels for safety with the Ford Taurus and Edge, Mercury Sable and Lincoln MKX all earning Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Using Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), engineers and designers have developed the Lincoln MKS for optimal strength and stiffness. The benefits, along with superb crashworthiness, are better handling and a smoother ride over rough roads.
The energy-absorbing front structure utilizes several technologies such as octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and "shotgun" front structural members to absorb and redirect front crash forces away from the passenger compartment. The rear frame rails are designed to manage the forces of a high-speed rear impact.
The class-exclusive Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement Architecture™ (SPACE) is comprised of a hydroformed cross-car beam that runs between the door frames that further strengthens the body side. In the event of a side impact, the beam helps divert crash forces away from the occupants. A strong roof cross member and side impact door beams work with the under-seat tube to further improve side impact protection.
The body structure features ultra high-strength boron steel in the B-pillar for added protection in a side impact and to improve roof strength. The side impact door beams also have also been reconfigured to provide better protection.
All-wheel-drive models feature a collapsible driveshaft designed with a "trigger point" indention forged into the shaft allowing it to absorb energy in a controlled fashion.
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, seat-mounted side air bags, safety belt pretensioners and load-limiting retractors and driver seat positioning sensor.
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) uses a sophisticated sensor to determine, via weight whether the front passenger seat is empty, occupied by a child seat or small, medium or large occupant and can deploy the air bag as needed.
The adaptive collapsible steering column is a new feature for Lincoln. The column will collapse, or stroke, during an impact, dependent on the weight and belted status of the driver.
The Lincoln's safety system uses both G-force and pressure-based sensors that monitor the crash pulse and pressure inside the front door cavity. Information is sent to the Restraints Control Module (RCM). The RCM signals deployment of appropriate restraint devices, such as pretensioners, retractors and air bags, all within 100 milliseconds.
Other key safety features include:
Safety CanopyTM, Ford's exclusive side impact protection system, featuring side curtain air bags that help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollovers and side impact crashes. The curtains are designed to slip between the occupant and the side window. The Safety Canopy is designed to stay inflated for several seconds, as rollover crashes often last much longer than side impact crashes.
AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control system can predict the vehicle's intentions using a sensor to detect and measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle's speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied where needed to help keep the car tracking safely on its intended path.
Ford's Belt-Minder®, a safety belt reminder technology for the driver and front passenger that takes over after the initial safety belt reminder stops chiming. If the driver or front passenger remains unbuckled, the system chimes and flashes a warning lamp for six seconds every 30 seconds for five minutes or until the driver buckles up, whichever comes first.
SPECIAL FEATURES
LINCOLN MKS OFFERS MORE TECHNOLOGIES AND FEATURES THAN ANY OTHER LUXURY BRAND
The Lincoln MKS offers the largest selection of comfort and convenience technology features of any other luxury sedan in its class.
"Lincoln customers thrive on technologies that makes their lives better, whether they make the vehicle safer to drive, easier to use or to keep them connected to the world outside," said Brett Wheatley, Lincoln Mercury general marketing manager.
The Lincoln MKS's key technologies include:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which allows the driver to set the car's speed and maintain it 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, even in fog or heavy rain.
The system measures distance as a function of speed and can monitor the traffic ahead while ignoring stationary objects like road signs and telephone poles. It also can determine how fast the vehicle is approaching the vehicle ahead. For example, when approaching a lead vehicle at a high rate of speed, the system will activate sooner than when approaching slower.
The system is designed for a comfortable and confident driving experience. If a shorter gap time is set, the vehicle will accelerate smoothly when the path is clear. Yaw rate sensors detect cornering motion. For example, when entering a curve in the road, the system will calculate the maximum speed the vehicle can travel when cornering before the forces become uncomfortable.
Four distance settings accommodate a range of driving styles and road conditions. The driver can set distance, speed and the time gap between vehicles.
With speed settings as low as 20 mph, the driver can set the system to work as well during normal commuting as it does on the highway.
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, a first for Lincoln, 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.
The system uses three antennas - one in the trunk, one in the front console and one under the passenger seat. Unlike some competitors' systems, the Intelligent Access key fob will work even if it is kept in the trunk, in a coat pocket or briefcase.
As a failsafe, the car will continue to run if the fob is removed from the vehicle. If the vehicle is turned off with the fob outside of the car, the driver will have 20 seconds to restart the engine.
The fob provides several additional functions with individual buttons to lock and unlock doors, set the panic alarm or open the trunk. A docking station for the fob is located inside the glove box.
SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad is an advanced version of a feature familiar to Lincoln owners, which allows access to the vehicle by unlocking the driver door using a five-digit code.
The next-generation system, which is flush-mounted to the car's driver-side B-pillar, uses technology is similar to that found on portable MP3 music players to create heat-sensitive, backlit numerals that become visible once they're touched.
Adaptive Headlamps with Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps 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.
The HID lamps provide a brighter, whiter light and last longer than conventional bulbs.
Auto High Beams coupled with the Adaptive Headlamps, which enhance nighttime visibility by switching to high intensity when no other vehicles are in range and automatically reverting to low beam intensity when they detect the headlamps or taillamps of other vehicles.
The system, derived from sensing technology developed for NASA, can detect taillamps at a distance of more than 500 feet and headlamps at a distance of 2,000 feet. A patented filtering technique distinguishes street lights from vehicle light sources, preventing unnecessary dimming.
Auto High Beams prevent the driver from accidentally leaving on the high beams in traffic. The feature also extends bulb life and is more aesthetically pleasing.
Rain-Sensing Wipers use an advanced optical sensing system to detect how hard rain or snow is falling and determine when to activate windshield wipers and how fast to run the wiper motor.
An infrared beam "reads" the surface of the glass and sends information to a sensor mounted in the windshield shade band.
When water droplets are on the glass surface, they reflect the light in different directions. The wetter the glass, the less light makes it to the sensor and the wipers are turned on.
Customers can program the system to their preference choosing from five different sensitivity settings.
The Forward Sensing System uses four hidden sensors mounted in the front fascia and audible beeps to help drivers determine how close they are to objects in front of their vehicle while parking.
The sensors can detect objects up to 1,500 feet away, plus objects at certain heights even out of the driver's view, such as parking blocks.
The system only operates below 8 mph and will not report while the vehicle is in neutral. It can be deactivated through the vehicle message center and defaults to "on" when the vehicle is shut off.
The Rearview Camera System works in conjunction with the vehicle's reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display. A camera mounted beneath the Lincoln Star on the decklid is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System is an industry-exclusive feature that provides customers a hassle-free, odor-free and more consistent seal than a manual fuel cap. When fueling is completed and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut. The system has an invisible benefit, too - fewer evaporative emissions.
SYNC is standard on all 2009 and most 2008 Lincoln vehicles. The award-winning, industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft, fully integrates most Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle.
Later this year, Ford will add 911 Assist to SYNC. When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC - which is designed to happen every time the driver enters the vehicle with his or her cell phone - the system will be ready to assist in placing a call to a local 911 emergency operator should an air bag-deploying accident occur.
Before initiating the emergency 911 call, SYNC will provide a 10-second window to allow the driver or passenger to decide whether to cancel the call. If not manually cancelled within the 10-second window, SYNC will place the emergency call. A pre-recorded message will play when the call is answered, and occupants in the vehicle will then be able to communicate directly with the 911 operator.
When available, customers who currently own vehicles with SYNC will be able to upload 911 Assist into their existing systems.
Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™. The voice-activated navigation system offers a host of convenient features including more than 150 hours of music storage. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. Gracenote® technology will display an image of the CD cover while a chosen track is playing. Custom play lists can be made by ripping music from CD a storing it on the system's 10 gigabyte hard drive. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use, smudge resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display. The integrated DVD player is capable of reading CD-Audio, MP3 CD, DVD and DVD audio. For an added touch of personalization, users can upload personal pictures from CD to be displayed on the system's home screen.
The voice-activated navigation system comes with a six-month subscription to SIRIUS Travel Link™, a new feature that provides users with access to up-to-the-minute information and entertainment content through the vehicle's navigation system. This includes: current gas prices from an estimated 120,000 filling stations; local real-time traffic information for 78 markets; coast-to-coast weather conditions with five-day forecasts; sports scores and movie listings. Travel Link works through the existing SIRIUS satellite and repeater infrastructure - offering uninterrupted, coast-to-coast coverage.
THX® II Certified 5.1 Surround Sound Audio System delivers true 5.1 surround sound from DVD movies and DVD-Audio music. With the push of a button, stereo-CDs are instantly up-mixed to present rich, surround sound experiences.
In addition, the system features a hard-drive jukebox, making it easy to access and store favorite tracks. A 12-channel, 600 watt "Smart Amp" delivers digital sound to the system's 16 specially-placed speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer mounted under the driver side rear package shelf.
The system is precision tuned and uses state-of-the-art digital technology to turn the cabin of the Lincoln MKS into a theater or concert hall.
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