DETROIT -- Push-button operation of controls in the center stack will be a thing of the past for customers of the 2011 Lincoln MKX. The popular midsize luxury crossover adds new touch-sensitive technology, which allows users to turn on and operate media and climate-control functions with the swipe of a finger.
“The 2011 Lincoln MKX is a marvelous high-tech showcase, especially with the addition of MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology,” said Sonya Nematollahi, driver information and electronic finish panels engineering supervisor.
“Integrating our unique driver connect technology with touch-sensitive technology creates a customer experience not offered by any competitor,” she added.
The easy, engaging customer use is created by touch cells. The touch cells create a miniature, undetectable electric field; a finger – even a thin-gloved one – breaks the field and causes the cell to go on or off like a traditional switch. This means there is no true button to push – a swipe of the finger does the job. Illumination along with an audible “beep” confirms activation.
The touch cells control items such as radio seek, radio station tuning, CD track seek, defrosters and air conditioning. Included in the climate controls is the new MyTemp feature, which allows a customer to program and set the desired interior temperature. The information is stored like a radio preset; the temperature also can be increased or decreased as the customer desires. This feature is provided so that temperature can be quickly adjusted to a frequently used setting at the touch of a button.
A Full Range of Touch-Sensitive Technology
The electronic finish panel on the 2011 Lincoln MKX demonstrates all the advantages of this touch-sensitive technology in a beautiful, engaging package. Activated features display amber light. When turned off, signature Lincoln White lighting is displayed.
In addition to the usual audio and climate-control features, the touch-sensitive technology also operates the volume and fan controls, which is unique to Lincoln. Customers can swipe along the volume slider to adjust the volume. The slider features 10 distinct touchpoints; three full swipes bring the system to maximum volume. Customers also can touch anywhere along the slider to get a corresponding increase or decrease in volume.
The fan control is operated in a similar fashion. On both the volume control and the fan control, distinctive Lincoln White lighting acts as a chaser.
“The signature Lincoln White lighting will look very cool, especially at night,” said Nematollahi. “It will be one of the ‘wow’ features for our customers.”
If all goes according to plan, the technology and the system should provide MKX drivers a “double-wow,” she insists.
“The addition of MyLincoln Touch and all the features those conveniences offer, as well as touch-sensitive capabilities in the center stack control panels, create an environment and experience not found anywhere else,” said Nematollahi.