Lincoln MKT in Corpus Christi, TX

The base engine for the MKT is a 3.7L Duratec V6 engine with 268-horsepower @ 6250 rpm and 267 pounds-feet of torque @ 4250 rpm, and is available in either front wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For those who want more performance, there is also a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, available with 355 horsepower @ 5700 rpm and 350 pounds-feet of torque @ 3500 rpm. Part of a new family of engines, the EcoBoost V6 has twin turbochargers and direct injection. With either engine, the 2011 MKT comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift, which adds paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The base engine trims come with 19-inch aluminum wheels with performance tires while the EcoBoost engine comes with 20-inch aluminum tires and all wheel drive only. MacPherson Struts with stabilizer bars are used in front while independent multi-link suspension is used in the rear. The MKT uses electro-mechanical clutches to apportion engine torque between the front and rear wheels. The system is tuned for good on-road performance in slippery conditions; the MKT isn't intended for off-roading. Standard equipment includes climate control, reverse-sensing park assist, rain-sensing wipers, rear-view camera, 20-gigabyte hard-drive, adaptive xenon headlamps, heated and cooled front seating and a power liftgate. An 8-inch touch-screen system controls audio and climate functions. Standard safety features include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, a full array of airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, adjustable pedals, integrated turn signal mirrors and auto-on headlights. Brake assist is available as an option. The MKT's interior is plush, elegant and refined. Layouts for six or seven passengers are offered, with two different second-row options. A 60/40-split folding bench is standard, along with heated outboard positions. Power bucket seats with heating, cooling and lumbar are optional for the second row. Available on the MKT with the EcoBoost engine is Active Park Assist for parallel parking, a system that takes control of the electronic power steering and uses ultrasonic sensors (not cameras) to guide the vehicle into a parking space while the driver manages the throttle and brake. An optional Elite Package is available with navigation, THX II audio system, Cross Traffic Alert, which helps warn of approaching traffic when backing out of a space; Collision Warning with Brake Support, which flashes a warning and primes the brakes if closing in too quickly on slower traffic; Blind Spot Information System, which warns of other vehicles on the side and behind; Adaptive Cruise Control; and a power-opening Panoramic Vista Roof. Other stand-alone options include 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, a DVD entertainment system, power tilt/sliding sunroof, second-row footrests and a second-row refrigerator.

Introduced last year, there are no changes of note to the 2011 MKT. The grill appears to be a bit more pronounced, and MyLincoln Touch, a new Ford interface technology, should be available in all MKT trims for 2011.