2010 Lincoln MKS

Several months ago, I wrote about Lincoln's new MKS and it's innovative styling, styling that is arguably ground-breaking for Ford. Production models began shipping to dealers in June of this year, with a national advertising campaign following soon after. According to Ford, 8,600 orders were placed for the MKS's prior to those vehicles reaching their respective destinations.

Just tune what you've got...
The current MKS is powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 derived from the 3.5-liter found in the Lincoln MKX and MKZ. It delivers 273 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque, using regular grade unleaded gas. An added benefit to buyers at current gas prices.

"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."

But next year, a new twin-turbo V6
But what's more interesting are the details that have come to light regarding the twin-turbo V6 which will be available in the 2010 MKS.

Sometime next year, Lincoln will offer a direct-injected 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 to the MKS model line with an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque. Figures that certainly rival the output of some V8's. This new engine and others like it are part of Ford's EcoBoost line of powerplants, formally referred to as TwinForce. Ford should have stuck to the original name. It was a little more catchy.

Ford's turbo trend
No doubt Ford is trying to appeal to buyers with gasoline sticker shock. As I've discussed here before, efficiency is the new name for performance. And Ford hopes to capitalize on the trend with this new line of turbocharged engines.

This new turbo V-6 will begin life in the MKS but should also see service in the F-150 as well as the new Explorer and Mustang. As I mentioned, EcoBoost is a line of engines, so Ford plans on dropping turbocharged engines into the Fusion, Focus and Fiesta.

Is Ford playing catchup? You bet, but so are all of the American car makers. At least they can take advantage of the latest technology. Now the hard part is convincing American consumers to buy their cars. What do you think? Can Ford, or any other domestic car maker for that matter, convince buyers to go for their products? Let's hope so. They're survival may depend on it.