A new transmission has been designed for the Lincoln MKS. Just in time for the release of its new EcoBoost engine I might add.
Lincoln's gorgeous new full size sedan is the MKS,
a vast improvement on the aged Lincoln Town Car. Available in front or all wheel drive, the car is roomy, luxurious and soon to get an additional boost of power thanks to a new engine and transmission configuration rolling out this summer.
The Ford Motor Company is banking much of its success on what they're calling EcoBoost technology. This technology takes a standard engine and makes it more powerful thanks to direct injection and twin turbochargers. A standard 3.5L V6 produces adequate power, but when it has been converted to an EcoBoost format, horsepower and torque increase to equal what is normally found in a V8. Moreover, more power is achieved without sacrificing fuel economy.
To meet the power of the EcoBoost engine, Ford has to update its line of transmissions including the six-speed gearbox now paired to the normally aspirated engine. A case in point is Ford's 6F-50 transmission, currently paired to the 3.5L V6. With the EcoBoost an upgraded 6F-55 transmission will be mated to the EcoBoost, giving it the improvements necessary to handle the additional power.
“Adapting the 6F architecture to the EcoBoost engine demanded a close look at every component, piece of hardware, and calibration measure to ensure that this transmission could answer the needs of a higher output engine; help, not hinder, fuel economy; and meet Ford’s strict durability standards,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering.
The 2010 Lincoln MKS, the first Ford Motor Company vehicle to offer the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and 6F-55 transmission package, will deliver an impressive 355 horsepower and a responsive 350 ft.-lbs. of torque, along with achieving 25 mpg on the highway. The highway mileage figure is important because customers want to extend the range of their vehicles accordingly.
“We had to bulk up and strengthen all of the transmission’s core parts for higher duty cycles,” said David Capoccia, transmission system manager, Ford Powertrain Operations. “The thicker gears, the improved carriers, upgraded clutches are all part of a set of hardware actions that translate to superior performance and durability for the customer.”
“The 6F-55 has all the same features that customers have told us they desire from the 6F-50 transmission, and that includes fluid-fill for life and flat tow capability,” adds Bryce Bollwahn, a systems supervisor at Ford’s Automatic Transmission New Product Center.
Clearly, the new transmission for the Lincoln MKS is the right product for the right engine. When the 2010 MKS goes on sale later this year, that combination should be an one more attractive selling point for customers who are considering purchasing a large, luxury sedan.
