2008 Lincoln Mkx Base Sport Utility 4-door 3.5l on 2040-cars

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Lincoln revival bypasses rear-wheel drive for now

Ford execs had the axe ready for Lincoln just a few years ago, but the luxury marque is on a hot streak these days. Annual sales are up 7.5 percent through October, and the recently unveiled, refreshed 2017 MKZ previews the company's improved styling. In a great piece about the brand's growth strategy, Automotive News finds the division's bosses want to focus on the core vehicles before taking a big step and building a rear-wheel drive niche model. "Luxury coupes and sports cars are not the first place we need to go," Global Lincoln Director Matt VanDyke said in the story. The division's bosses want to use the updated MKZ as an opportunity to distance Lincoln's identity from Ford, and the powertrain will carry the 3.0T badge rather than Ford's EcoBoost name as part of that approach. The model also injects excitement into the range thanks to an all-wheel drive version with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and an optional Driver's Package with a torque-vectoring rear differential. Lincoln will launch at least three new models by 2020, too. One of those will be the production Continental that will reportedly debut at the Detroit Auto Show. The company will also allegedly revive the Aviator to fit below the Navigator. The third vehicle remains a mystery but likely isn't a compact. Automotive News' story further examines the previously languishing brand's work to climb up the luxury ranks in the US. It's well worth a read. Related Video:

2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuts with big redesign, new hybrid option

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is bigger, flashier and packs a new hybrid powertrain option. Take a look inside this two-row midsize SUV, and you’ll notice itÂ’s rocking a totally new tech interface not seen on any other Lincoln product, too. Starting with the new exterior, the Nautilus makes its entrance with a large grille — depending on the trim you select, four distinct patterns are available. No matter the trim, a new daytime running light runs horizontally through the grille and connects with the headlights. Lincoln played it safe with the sculpting along the sides, but the door handles are newly integrated and sit at the same level as the door trim itself. Electric buttons on the inside of the pulls activate them. The rear mimics the front with a full-width taillight. Hidden exhaust outlets give the rear end a clean and uninterrupted look. Both models seen in photos are rocking 22-inch wheels, but 20-inch and 21-inch wheels will also be available. A new powertrain lineup sees a change in direction toward the greener side of things. The NautilusÂ’ base engine is still a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but Lincoln says itÂ’s a new design, the same that youÂ’d find on the updated Lincoln Corsair. It makes 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, and itÂ’s mated up with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, even for the base model. As for the upgrade engine, Lincoln dropped the twin-turbo V6 in favor of a hybrid option. The hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor and CVT. Lincoln says the total system output is 310 horsepower, and while thatÂ’s less than the 335 horses from the outgoing V6, weÂ’re not exactly heartbroken over a slight dip in power for this SUV that has almost no sporting pretenses. Lincoln tells us the hybrid system is similar to that in the Ford Maverick and Ford Escape, but features a more powerful electric motor (134 horsepower) and enhanced transmission. The utility of the Nautilus is way up versus before. Lincoln says the new Nautilus is riding on a vehicle platform not currently shared with any other Ford or Lincoln model sold here, and the idea was to end up with a much larger vehicle. With another two inches of length and two inches of width added over the outgoing model, Lincoln expanded backseat space and cargo space substantially.  Lincoln made the interior a lot more tech-forward, too.

Annie Leibovitz goes Continental for Lincoln campaign

Lincoln has a lot riding on the new Continental, and the company is now calling upon renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz to glam-up its new flagship. Her photos are part of a new series dubbed "That's Continental," which the automaker will use in high-end publications and on social media. Leibovitz's iconic photos have been used in magazines like Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair, and she's photographed celebrities, politicians, literary icons, and landmark events. The new series for the Continental is Leibovitz's first attempt at car photography and it follows a road trip theme inspired by the trips she took with her father as a child. The photos for the campaign were shot in New York City with a group of non-professional models, including a musician, an artist, an actor, and a film director and his dog, Seven. "Annie Leibovitz is a photographer of substance," said Lincoln president Kumar Galhotra. "The rich, warm emotions her photos evoke, mirror the feelings we want our clients to experience on all of their journeys in the new Lincoln Continental." While we're still arguing over the Continental's looks, Leibovitz's pictures show the sedan at its best. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2017 Lincoln Continental Campaign View 12 Photos News Source: LincolnImage Credit: Lincoln Marketing/Advertising Lincoln Luxury Sedan photos