DEARBORN -- For the Lincoln brand, the 2010 Lincoln MKT luxury crossover – arriving in dealerships now – is a bold step into the future, punctuated by respectful glances back.

The distinctively designed Lincoln MKT offers three rows  of style, technology, standard content, safety and fuel economy – all wrapped in unique coachwork that features design elements from the classic Lincolns of yesteryear.

Prior to returning to Volvo, Peter Horbury, former executive director of Design, The Americas, conducted an audit of the timeless design cues that make a Lincoln look like a Lincoln. 

These cues, and the design language from the exhaustive review of past Lincolns, were first exhibited in the Lincoln MKR concept vehicle in 2007.

“The beauty of the Lincoln design DNA that evolved from the audit is flexibility,” offers Gordon Platto, chief designer, Vehicle Design Programs.  “The Lincoln character remains consistent, while the actual designs can differ within the portfolio.  For a designer, this is liberating.”

The MKT is the next step in this design progression, which began with the MKR concept and was further explored on the 2009 Lincoln MKS.

It starts with the split-wing grill, inspired by the classic 1941 Continental.  Uninterrupted side surfaces recall the “Camelot-era” Lincoln sedans, while the chamfered fender line harkens back to the 1966-1970 Lincoln Continentals.  The roof’s substantial C-pillar evokes Lincoln limousines and signifies strength and safety.  

The MKT’s “zero offset”  bumpers make graceful design statements front and rear.  The power-operated rear liftgate is constructed from magnesium and aluminum, making it light, fuel efficient, strong – and unique to the MKT.    

Thin, full-width taillamps represent another signature design cue, a consistent look that says Lincoln in a tasteful, distinctive and highly visible way.

Interior details

In the cabin, the goal was to provide business class luxury through all three rows of available seating. 

“From the real stitching on the seats and door panels to the leather surfaces, we’ve tried to infuse MKT with the highest quality materials available,” said Platto. “The craftsmanship and quality of materials we’ve used really raise the bar for the Lincoln brand.”

Every touch point has been crafted and trimmed to reflect tactile quality, from the leather-wrapped shifter to the stitched instrument panel crown. The roof’s A- and B-pillars are wrapped in harmonizing cloth, soft to the touch.

Genuine wood appliqués adorn the instrument and door panels.  A full complement of courtesy lights can be augmented with standard ambient lighting and jewel-like instrument cluster features a message center and LED white lighting.

The center stack offers touch screen control of audio, climate and compass, with available voice-activated navigation. The stack flows gracefully into the console, offering a leather trimmed adjustable armrest and covered storage.

Second-row options

Second-row seating was designed to combine the aesthetics, attention to detail, and craftsmanship of the first row with the choice of two different configurations.  A 60/40 split folding rear seat with heated seats is standard and second row heated/cooled twin captain’s chairs are available.

These fold and tumble second row seats can be specified with an available rear center console and with an optional rear console refrigerator.

With best-in-class legroom, the second-row seating also is offered with trimmed footrests to underscore the emphasis on business class accommodations while the third-row seating sets the MKT apart from the Lincoln MKX and underlines why it was brought to the showroom.

All in all, it’s a bold look forward and one infused with a timeless heritage.

Crash avoidance technologies earn Lincoln MKT a ‘Top Safety Pick’

The all-new 2010 Lincoln MKT three-row luxury crossover has received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

MKT offers a high level of crash protection – including state-of-the-art side air bags designed to deploy up to
30 percent earlier than traditional air bag systems – while offering a segment-first, forward collision warning system as part of Lincoln’s push into new crash-avoidance technologies.

MKT offers an array of driver-awareness features – including a first-in-class Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert .

Ford Motor Company has more IIHS “Top Safety Pick” ratings than any other automaker and more U.S. government five-star safety ratings than any brand.