Lincoln MKS
Casey Williams, www.car-data.com
Major Tom, your star ship awaits. When David Bowie sang, ‘Ground control to Major Tom: Commencing countdown engine’s on,’ I doubt he had an idea that these words would star in a Lincoln commercial for the 2009 MKS. For Lincoln, borrowing tunes from Bowie is a pretty edgy statement about the future of its luxury cars, however the MKS is not the kind of fluff room with a trunk that we’ve come to expect from Ford’s domestic diva division. Call ground control, air traffic control, or just the parking lot control officer ‘ it doesn’t really matter ‘ because we’re heading into a different dimension of luxury.
‘I’m stepping through the door; And I’m floating in the most peculiar way; and the stars look very different today.’
One gains entry to the new dimension either by waving their hand over the B-pillar -iPhone-style – to reveal a lighted code pad or by quaintly pressing a button on the key fob. Such dramatic entry is balanced by heated and cooled seats upholstered in soft leather by Bridge of Weir, the Scottish hidesters who fitted the stunning 1956 Continental Mark II. Available ebony wood isrecycled from furniture makers so owners can enjoy fine timber without environmental guilt. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is topped in wood, as is the dashboard. Aluminum and chrome dress the door sills, doorhandles, dashboard, instruments, shift lever, and center console. Everything passengers see or touch reeks of craftsmanship.
‘Though I’m passed on hundred thousand miles, I’m feeling very still; And I think my spaceshipknow which way to go, tell my wife I love her very much she knows.’
There’s also enough technology to route an armada of starships to the next galaxy. SYNC,co-developed with Microsoft utilizes buttons, voice control, and Bluetooth to conjure up directions, Sirius Satellite Radio, CDs, MP3s, restaurants, 5-day weather forecasts, and real time satelliteweather maps. A rearview camera, front parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control (radarmaintains a safe distance) keep a lookout. THXII-certified speakers with 5.1 surround sound pleasediscriminating ears. Given SYNC, rain-sensing wipers may not have to wait for raindrops to starttheir moves. Space shuttles are not so smart.
‘Take your protein pills and put your helmet on.’
Lincoln took protein pills and pumped up its 3.5-litre V6 to 3.7-litres, generating 273horsepower and 270 lb.-ft of torque ‘ all connected to the MKS’ front wheels through a sable-smoothsix-speed automatic transmission. Turbo engines will likely come later to rival V8s, but that’splenty of rockets to launch the big sedan away from stoplights, while entering freeways, or duringcruise. Fuel economy is rated 17/24-MPG city/highway.
Like Continentals from the ’80s and ’90s, the MKS is essentially a longer Ford Taurus under theskin. Unlike during the last couple of decades, the Taurus and MKS are based on the world-classVolvo S80/XC90 architecture that connects drivers firmly to the road through precise steering andcontrolled suspension movements. Lincoln has never built a car as large that handles anywhere inthe same universe as this one. AdvanceTrac’ electronic stability control, traction control, andfour-wheel anti-lock disc brakes baby-sit drivers.
‘For here am I sitting in a tin can, far above the world.’
MKS not only looks streamlined and suave, but also takes new proportions for comfort. As withits Ford and Mercury cousins, passengers enter at almost crossover height and sit up in the cabinfor a powerful view of the road and their surroundings. They get nearly the interior space of aTown Car, but without the feel of sinking into a rumpus room sectional. You feel regal and don’thave to dig yourself out of the backseat when trying to exit gracefully in skirts and blazers.
Said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, ‘The Lincoln MKS is a substantial car with awell-proportioned athleticism and several signature design cues we developed after carefullyauditing the best Lincoln design elements over time. Lincoln design has always been more discreet,exuding a king of understated luxury, and we’ve designed this luxury sedan understanding that theLincoln owner views the MKS as a reward for hard work, not simply an outward symbol of status.’
Through advertising, Lincoln is trying to convince all of us that the MKS is a spaceliner thatappeals to David Bowie fans. I don’t know about all of that, but it is a wholly world-class luxurysedan that serves passengers every comfort and technology available for the price. In due time, itwill also replace the Lincoln of all Lincolns ‘ the Town Car. That speaks most loudly about theMKS’ future. With a base price of $38,465, competitors include the Cadillac DTS, Lexus ES, Chrysler300C, and Hyundai Genesis.
