Lincoln opened Day 2 of the Detroit Auto Show by unveiling their new ultimate touring vehicle concept, the MKT. The Lincoln MKT concept features a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine with turbocharging and direct injection that produces the power and torque of a V8 with the fuel economy of a V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The EcoBoost engine is flex-fuel capable and delivers 415 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
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In addition to having an environmentally-friendly engine, the MKT also used other weight-saving, eco-friendly “upcycled” materials from SABIC Innovative Plastics. Two upcycled plastic materiesl, Valox iQ and Xenoy iQ, were used in making the Lincoln MKT body panels, energy absorbers, wire bundles, and glazing. The resins are made from discarded soft-drink bottles and other polyester waste. The MKT concept features Lincoln’s signature double-wing grille, encapsulating LED headlamps that wrap around into the sculptured hood, lending the MKT a powerful presence.
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The interior of the MKT concept is one of luxury usually found in the first-class section of a plane. Four executive-sized chairs with footrests offer comfort and plenty of legroom. “We envisioned this concept as a modern grand tourer, really a Learjet of the road,” said Peter Horbury, executive direct of Design, the Americas. “With the Lincoln MKT concept, you find a premium utility that could as easily accommodate a business person slipping into the back seat on his or her next meeting in the chaos of Manhattan as a family packed up for a weekend getaway to the coast.”