Matthew C. Keegan

Lincoln MKS With EcoBoost Set For July 2009 Release

The Lincoln MKS will be the first of many Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models to acquire EcoBoost technology. More power, fewer emissions from a smaller engine.

The next big news for Lincoln won't be an all new model although the Lincoln MKT crossover will hitting the market later this summer. Just before that, the Ford Motor Company's EcoBoost technology will be introduced, an engine that promises to transform the way that consumers view power and fuel emissions. Starting this July, the large Lincoln MKS will be the first of many Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models to feature EcoBoost, a long awaited technology addition to the company's line up.

Big Car, But Larger Engine Needed

The Lincoln MKS was introduced by Ford for the 2009 model year in Spring 2008, but the large sedan has operated at a disadvantage since its inception. Powered by a 3.7L V-6, the big Lincoln does not offer a V-8 option which is something that many serious full sized luxury car buyers want, no matter how expensive that gas may be. Though the V-6 is adequate for the MKS, it doesn't measure up against the Cadillac STS, BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E Class, some of the cars that Lincoln could be compared to.

However, the lack of a V-8 or at least comparable power hasn't gone unnoticed by the Ford Motor Company. In the works is the company's EcoBoost engine technology which transforms an ordinary V-6 into a V-8, at least power wise. The new engine, a twin-turbo direct injection 3.5L V-6, though smaller than the current engine, will produce enough power to move the MKS with authority.

Much More Power, Improved Fuel Economy

In the MKS' case, the EcoBoost engine will deliver what Ford says is power comparable to its regular 4.6L V-8 engine. Specifically, the 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 promises to deliver 355 horsepower and a responsive 350 ft.-lb. of torque across a wide rpm range. Moreover, fuel economy numbers for the engine are expected to at least match the current V-6 engine which delivers 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Ford's preliminary numbers are showing a one mpg gain locally and on the freeway for the smaller, but more powerful engine.

For more power, the EcoBoost option will cost customers an extra $5000 which will bring the MKS' base sticker price up above $47,000. That's just a few thousand dollars under the price of the BMW 535i and Audi A6. However, Ford believes that the model's standard equipment will more than compensate for the higher price, items including adaptive high-intensity-discharge headlights with auto high-beam, 19-inch aluminum wheels and a rear window power shade will spell the difference for shoppers.

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