Lincoln - Make your mark

The perfect balance between comfort and handling

Traditionally, smooth-riding cars have not handled well, and sharp-handling cars have ridden harshly. The new Lincoln MKT solves this dilemma and stands out as the only car in its segment to have a Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) as standard equipment.

The system's powerful processing speed and fast-acting mechanicals enable CCD to constantly read the road surface and continuously adjust damping rates in real time across the three selectable ranges – Sport, Normal and Comfort. CCD operates so quickly that inputs received at the front wheels are then used to prepare the rear wheels to deliver a more refined driving experience.

Personalize Your Driving Experience

Lincoln Drive Control is where MKT pulls all of the car's adjustable elements – suspension, steering, engine, and gearbox – into one harmonized system delivering distinct driving personalities:

• Normal mode – Many drivers will find this setting perfect for everyday driving as it provides an engaging drive experience and a direct connection to the road without sacrificing the composure and smooth ride expected from a luxury sedan
• Sport mode – When the gear selector is in Sport, Lincoln Drive Control transforms the vehicle's personality to deliver a more performance-oriented driving experience including enhanced handling, increased road feel, more aggressive shifting points and traction control adjustments to allow for more spirited driving
• Comfort mode – Instructs the CCD suspension to run in its softest range and the electronic power assisted steering system also reduces the effort needed to turn the wheel at low speeds, for example, when parking.

Helps Keep a Fixed Distance.

Because both features use the forward-looking radar system, Collision Warning is paired with available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). With a range of up to 183 metres (600 feet), ACC monitors and adjusts vehicle speed to keep it at a set distance behind another vehicle in the same lane, even in fog or heavy rain.

The sophisticated radar system and control module ignores stationary objects as it determines the closing rate toward the vehicle ahead to determine whether it is necessary to automatically adjust the engine throttle setting or engage the braking system. Able to work at just 32 km/h, drivers can set the system to work during normal commuting, helping reduce driver fatigue.

V8 Power. V6 Efficiency.

The standard engine for 2013 is the twin-turbo 3.5-litre EcoBoost^® V6, an engine that provides V8 performance with the fuel economy of a V6.

The 3.5-litre gasoline turbo direct-injected (GTDI) engine produces a projected 365 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and an expansive torque curve that plateaus at 350 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm.

Drive with Confidence

In good weather, over smooth roads at modest speeds and when AWD is not needed, the system intelligently routes power only to the front wheels for improved fuel efficiency.

When driver input or road conditions indicate that slip might occur, the system sends power to the rear wheels to help prevent tire slip, for example on rain-soaked or snow-covered roads. Beyond providing more traction, AWD also improves handling by helping to reduce understeer, the tendency of the vehicle to "push" in a corner.

A myriad of inputs enables the computer-controlled system immediately to identify and react in as little as 16 milliseconds to changing road conditions and driver demands. The amount of torque sent to the rear axle varies depending on road conditions and dynamic needs.

Under Your Control

The 2013 Lincoln MKT is equipped with a 6-speed SelectShift Automatic^™ transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

This gearbox offers MKT drivers the choice of fully automatic operation or manual control. Intuitive to operate, a squeeze back on either paddle will deliver an upshift, while a gentle push forward on either paddle will induce a matched-rev downshift. Unlike some competitor transmissions, SelectShift won't second guess the driver with an override shift. The manual function is truly controlled by the driver.

Just the Right Amount of Help

An electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system offers several steering benefits. At lower speeds, for example when parking, EPAS provides additional boost for effortless manoeuvrability. At higher speeds, EPAS increases steering effort and feedback, giving the driver a more precise steering feel.

EPAS replaces the traditional hydraulic-assist power-steering pump with an electric motor. This helps save fuel because the motor operates only when assistance is required, unlike the hydraulic systems that run continuously.

Software-based technologies also boost the capability of EPAS. Pull-drift compensation detects road conditions such as a crowned surface or crosswinds and adjusts EPAS to compensate. Active nibble control automatically cancels some unwanted steering wheel vibrations at highway speeds. These actions are designed to give the driver reassurance and maximum control under all driving conditions.