Lincoln surprised show goers at the NAIAS with the unveiling today of the new MKT sedan concept, showcasing the brand's new design language on a spacious luxury utility vehicle. Officials are calling this a concept but recent spy shots around regular Blue Oval proving grounds suggest this design study will be heading for production.
As a sign of the times, the MKT features an efficient EcoBoost V6 engine rather than a large displacement V8 and it’s also makes use of more environmentally friendly materials in its construction. The 3.5L engine features turbocharging and direct injection to lift power and torque to V8 levels with fuel efficiency of a V6. Other fuel saving features include an advanced transmission, electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements – it’s also capable of running on E85 ethanol blended fuel (Ford will first introduce EcoBoost in the Lincoln MKS next year).
Inside, the concept takes on a distinctive luxury theme. Occupants get first-class airline style seats, of which there are four in total, as well as full heating, reclining and footrest features.
For the center stack, designers invented and patented a solid-state lighting technology that allows them to project onto a contoured surface in 3-D. This new technology allowed designers to use non-traditional shapes and spaces for information displays as well as unique storage spaces in the center stack.
The instrument panel and twin-level center console, finished in a reconstituted oak veneer, also houses an assortment of technologies, including an instrument cluster inspired by Swarovski crystals. It uses LEDs strategically positioned so light appears to emanate from the center of three circular dials and radiate to the outer edge of the dials.
