The Lincoln MKS has been a sales success for Ford, with the regular V6 version launched last year racking up thousands of sales and regaining market share lost mainly to Cadillac in the recent past. Lincoln is now expanding the MKS range to make even more flexible with the sales launch of the new EcoBoost model planned for the middle of the year. The car will carry a base price of $48,585 (including an $825 destination fee), which may seem like a substantial leap over the $38,000 starting price of the base V6 model but its economy and power say otherwise.

The MKS is the first of Ford model to feature an EcoBoost powerplant but it certainly won’t be the last as Ford plans to have the option available on 90% of its North American lineup by 2012. The EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine delivers a peak 355hp (265kW) at 5,700rpm and 350ft-lb (474Nm) of torque from 3,500rpm, as well as a substantially saving in fuel consumption.

Thanks to a combination of direct-injection and turbocharging technology, a 10-15% fuel-economy benefit is expected versus normally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engines in the same competitive class. According to Ford, the Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost will deliver more power and better highway efficiency (25mpg) than the 2009 Lexus GS460 (24mpg) or 2009 Infiniti M45 (21 mpg). Initial estimates put its fuel-economy at around 17mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway.

Standard features include 19in wheels, adaptive HID headlights, a rear-window power sunshade, and AWD. Optional goodies include 20in chrome wheels, EcoBoost badging, illuminated door sill plates, and plush floor mats.

2009 Lincoln MKS
Ford EcoBoost range