2010 Lincoln MKS Adds EcoBoost, Steeper Price Tag
Ford Motor Company is finally ready to launch its advanced new EcoBoost engine in the 2010 Lincoln MKS. The initial EcoBoost set to debut in the 2010 MKS is a 3.5-liter V-6 with twin turbochargers and direct injection. The added benefit of the EcoBoost under the hood of the MKS will give the fullsize luxury sedan power similar to a V-8 but with the fuel economy of a V-6. In addition to announcing the introduction of the new engine, Lincoln also announced pricing for the 2010 MKS sedan.
Official pricing for the 2010 Lincoln MKS will start at $47,760. When Ford first talked of the development and engineering of the EcoBoost engine, it was said that the option cost would be less than $1,000. A base model front-wheel drive 2009 MKS starts at $38,490, and the all-wheel drive MKS goes for $40,380. Unless the pricing for the 2010 MKS with EcoBoost adds all available bells and whistles, the pricing is much higher than Ford's initial estimates.
Some of the factors contributing to the increased price tag are standard equipment such as the redesigned six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Other standard features include 19-inch wheels, push button starting, adaptive front headlamps and rain-sensing wipers. Those looking for a sportier look for their MKS, Lincoln will introduce the EcoBoost Appearance Package that will include unique 20-inch chrome wheels, different front and rear fascias and a decklid spoiler. Inside, the package will add exclusive interior upgrades such as leather appointments on the seats and steering wheel, embroidered headrests and illuminated 'MKS' sill plates.
One thing that isn't surprising about the new engine is its power. Producing 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, the EcoBoost engine puts out power similar to the 4.6-liter V-8 found under the hood of the Ford Mustang and F-150. Being a V-6 with direct injection though gives it estimated fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway - the current front-wheel drive MKS gets the same fuel economy with much less horsepower and torque. Ford says that the smaller turbochargers help reach peak torque faster without lag and help reduce noise, vibration and harshness sometimes associated with turbocharged engines.
The new transmission Ford is pairing up with this engine was developed specifically for use with the EcoBoost. The 6F-55 SelectShift Automatic transmission was designed to accommodate the extra torque of the EcoBoost without sacrificing the smooth shifting capabilities that is expected from Lincoln's luxury cars. For more spirited driving, the new transmission offers a manual shift mode that offers 'match-rev' downshifts and paddle controls to hold the driver-selected gears longer for faster acceleration and increased driver control.
Although the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine will debut in the 2010 Lincoln MKS, but it will quickly spread to other 2010 model Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles including the 2010 Ford Flex, 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and 2010 Lincoln MKT (pictured right). Future EcoBoost V-6 applications include longitudinal duty in the rear-wheel drive Ford F-150 and Ford Mustang to produce similar power but with improved fuel economy. Also, a smaller four-cylinder EcoBoost variant is being planned for use in the next-generation Ford Focus. Ford claims that by 2013, more than 90 percent of its North American models will offer an EcoBoost engine.