Yesterday at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, we debuted the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS – a full-size luxury sedan that will offer customers understated style, first-of-a-kind convenience features, advanced safety and one of the best values in the luxury market. It is also the first vehicle to embrace Lincoln’s new design DNA.
With pricing starting at under $38,000, the Lincoln MKS is aimed at attracting new and younger buyers into the Lincoln fold. Many will be first-time luxury buyers, with a significant number expected to migrate from imports. In fact, up to 60 percent of those buying the luxury sedan are expected to be new to the Lincoln brand.
Plus, less than a year after launch, the Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer our gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology. This premium engine will give customers the power and torque of a V-8 with the fuel efficiency of a V-6, making the Lincoln MKS the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel drive luxury sedan in its class.
When talking with friends and neighbors about the new Lincoln MKS, be sure to point out the number of class-leading technologies and features not found on other luxury sedans. They include:
- SYNC – a hands-free, voice-activated in-car communication and entertainment system. It fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities.
- THX®-certified audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and Voice-Activated Navigation – provides superior sound quality plus real-time traffic updates, movie listings, Doppler radar weather forecasts and even directions to the closest gas stations with the best prices.
- Lincoln’s Next-Generation Keypad – a new keyless entry keypad that is invisible until you touch it. Using heat-sensing technology, it provides LED backlit numerals on the keypad embedded in the B-pillar, and unlocks the vehicle using a five-digit code.
- Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System – eliminates the gas cap and reduces evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed, the system automatically seals shut after the nozzle is removed.
- Adaptive Cruise Control – allows the driver to set and maintain the vehicle's speed without using the accelerator pedal. With four settings to accommodate various driving styles, the radar-based system also can monitor the vehicle in front (up to 600 feet) and adjust its speed to keep a safe distance behind the lead vehicle.
- Intelligent Access with Push Button Start – allows the driver to enter and start the vehicle without using a key. A first for Lincoln, drivers simply carry the special fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the keyless entry pad, open the door and with the brake pedal engaged, start the engine by pushing a button.
- Adaptive Headlamps with Automatic High Beams and 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 can pivot the headlamps to increase the driver’s field of vision. Automatic high beams also can switch to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected.
- Rain-Sensing Wipers, which are moisture-activated and programmable.
- Forward Sensing System, which determines how close front objects are while parking.
- Rearview Camera System – gives the driver a view of what’s behind the vehicle. Mounted beneath the Lincoln Star on the decklid, the system works in conjunction with the vehicle’s reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display.
While the Lincoln MKS launches next summer, orders now are being accepted by dealers and customers can visit www.lincoln.com to build and price their vehicle.
Lincoln is going strong and has delivered 13 months of consecutive higher retail sales, largely due to the success of our new Lincoln MKX and redesigned Lincoln MKZ and Navigator. The 2009 Lincoln MKS is a perfect illustration of our commitment to develop more products that people want and should continue to help grow the brand.