What is it? Lincoln unveiled its new luxury crossover concept, the MKT at the Detroit Auto Show. This large vehicle is a mix between a luxury sedan and a roomy sport utility vehicle. It's powered by a flexible-fuel, twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivers 415 hp. The MKT is one of a number of new vehicles using this engine technology, called EcoBoost, which Ford says will deliver 20 percent better fuel economy than previous engines.
The concept vehicle shown seats four passengers, but the production version could seat up to seven. The center console, which runs the entire length of the vehicle, features a lighting technology that projects the controls in three-dimension, similar to the look of the iPhone.
What's new or notable? The body of the Lincoln is made from discarded soft-drink bottles and other polyester waste in an effort to make the vehicle lighter and reduce the energy consumption.
CR's Take: With the MKT, Ford is utilizing the TaurusX/Flex platform. Looking at the concept belies the car's substantial size. While the concept has decadent seating for just four, the eventual production car will have a third-row seat. The MKT looks prepared to challenge the Buick Enclave. The stylish rump evokes some classic Bentleys and Rolls Royce models, but is likely to compromise functionality and visibility.
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