Lincoln MKS (2013)

Lincoln MKS

Continuously controlled damping

The new 2013 Lincoln MKS solves this dilemma between smooth ride and satisfying, confident handling. It and stands out, because it is the only car in its segment to have Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) as standard equipment. The CCD ensures that the driver will have exciting and comfortable driving, while at the same time it will be dynamic and involving.

CCD is always tuning and refining the ride quality, and more importantly this is regardless of road conditions. Additionally CCD delivers also its on-road benefit by significantly extending the chassis' capabilities compared to a chassis with non-adjustable struts and shock absorbers, known as "dampers" by chassis engineers.

Real-time damping

The new CCD dampers for the 2013 MKS offer expanded and improved control range in comparison with the fixed-rate dampers fitted to the 2012 MKS.

The system's powerful processing speed and fast-acting mechanicals enable CCD to constantly read the road surface and continuously adjust damping rates in real time across the three selectable ranges - Sport, Normal and Comfort.

Lincoln drive control

The Lincoln Drive Control brand new interface makes MKS different and it is orientated towards drivers’ choice, who can select through various programmed modes like Normal mode, Sport mode, and Comfort Mode. Moreover the electric power-assisted steering recalibrates are providing more road feel and greater steering effort. In this way the engine responds more directly to the driver's inputs. For example, the Comfort mode instructs the CCD suspension to run in its softest range. The dampers exert 10 to 15 percent less control compared to the Normal mode. Additionally the electric power assisted steering system also reduces the effort needed to turn the wheel at low speeds, for example, when parking. Definitely CCD is the core new technology, which will change everything in the automobile world, and it is totally orientated towards the drivers’ choice! So appealing, isn’t it!

Engines and transmissions

The standard engine for 2013 model is a more powerful and efficient 3.7-liter V6. It now includes twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), which offers the ability to vary camshaft timing to optimize the opening and closing of both the intake and exhaust valves. In this way the engine's responsiveness and efficiency is being increased.

Specific accessory technologies were added to the 3.7-liter V6 to improve fuel economy performance and efficiency. The 3.7-liter delivers an estimated 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway for the front-wheel drive model and 18/26 mpg with the all-wheel-drive model. And tuned dual-exhaust system enhances low-end torque. Furthermore is to be mentioned the Smart Battery Management which also contributes to this improved economy by prioritizing the recharging of the vehicle's battery at optimum times.

3.5-liter Ecoboost V6

No news here: the premium engine for 2013 still remains the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6, an engine that provides V8 performance with the fuel economy of a V6. And don’t forget that The EcoBoost V6 winned a place on Ward's 2010 "10 Best Engines" list. The fuel economy of the EcoBoost/all-wheel-drive powertrain is projected to be 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway – isn’t that impressive?! Indeed, the engine combinations for the 2013 Lincoln MKS offer an outstanding combination of more refined power and enhanced fuel economy.

Efficient six-speed transmissions

The 2013 Lincoln MKS is equipped with two versions of the six-speed SelectShift Automatic^TM transmission, both with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. At one hand the 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 uses the 6F-50. On the other we have the more powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which uses the heavy-duty 6F-55 which benefits from high-energy friction materials, a larger ring gear and a specific torque converter to handle the high torque output of the twin-turbo V6.

All-wheel drive

The system intelligently routes power only to the front wheels for improved fuel efficiency. For instance when driver input or road conditions indicate that slip might occur, the system sends power to the rear wheels to help prevent tire slip.

The additional information is that the all-wheel drive is standard with the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and optional on the 3.7-liter V6.

More capable braking system

Improvement in the braking system is much needed here because it has to match the engine's extra power and the suspension's additional handling capabilities. For that reason Lincoln has significantly upgraded the MKS braking system for 2013 – it will unquestionably give the driver confidence and control. The modification is the following: new vented front discs measure 13.86 inches (352 mm), more than an inch larger than in the 2012 model. And to enhance brake cooling, the "hat" portion of the front brake disc is also vented.

Steering

This is where the focus id put on: the MKS steering system received a thorough makeover for 2013. The gear ratio is quicker (15:1 for 2013 vs. 17.1:1 for today's MKS), making the steering more immediately responsive at all speeds. In addition, the steering boost is now electric rather than hydraulic. Last but not least the new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) complements CCD in contributing to the driver-tunable Lincoln Drive Control experience.

The improved performance is due to the steering gear which is now solid mounted to the chassis's front subframe. Moreover, a brace has been added under the vehicle (across the transmission tunnel) to strengthen the subframe's mounting points to the chassis.

EPAS replaces the traditional hydraulic-assist power-steering pump with an electric motor. For that reason this is helpful to save fuel because the motor operates only when assistance is required, (unlike the hydraulic systems that run continuously).

Active park assist

Again EPAS is also the primary technology behind the available active park assist (APA) system. How it works: An ultrasonic sensor precisely measure open spaces to find a suitable parallel parking spot. For the sake of the comfort of the driver, he or she retains full control of throttle, brakes and shifting the entire time the APA is engaged.

Torque vectoring control

The new Torque Vectoring Control (TVC) system is set to Sport Mode. This TVC helps the MKS drive through corners with greater balance and poise. Moreover it individually influences the speed of the front wheels to enhance cornering agility by mitigating against a dynamic condition engineers refer to as understeer.

Sync

The next generation of the award-winning SYNC system is now easier to use: new, simpler screen designs, improved user interface, the larger and bolder fonts which make screens easier to read, SYNC's voice recognition experience and etc. This is how SYNC has developed from a stand-alone module for communication and entertainment to a fully integrated operating system for Lincoln vehicles. It is to be highlighted that SYNC also enables the interior of the MKS to become a Wi-Fi hot spot when linked to a data-enabled cellular device. This means that with an active Wi-Fi, passengers can link to the Web on their tables or laptops.

Lane keeping system

Brand new for the 2013 MKS is a Lane Keeping System that complements the complete collection of driver assist technologies, in addition to the comprehensive safety package including six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and AdvanceTrac® ESC (electronic stability control). It also includes Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, which add significantly to the advanced driver assistance features already available on MKS. A good instance is that this Lane Keeping Alert helps the driver to avoid leaving their lane unintentionally because of distraction or tiredness. Furthermore, Lane Keeping Alert utilizes a forward-facing mono-vision camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror to begin looking for lane markers. A control unit monitors the data and determines when the vehicle is wandering out of its lane and as the vehicle approaches the outer boundary of its lane, the system vibrates the steering wheel, reminding the driver to pay attention. Brilliant, isn’t it!

Auto high-beam headlamps

Auto high-beam headlamps are also included. They use the windshield-mounted camera to monitor traffic conditions and control high-beam activation.

Collision warning

Collision Warning as expected, helps prevent common traffic accidents such as forward-looking, with the help of the long-distance radar which identifies potential obstacles. These warnings allow the driver to brake before a potential accident.

Adaptive cruise control

Collision warning is paired with adaptive cruise control (ACC). The reason for that is that both features use the forward-looking radar system. They have the range of up to 600 feet, and this adjusts vehicle speed to keep it at a safe distance behind another vehicle in the same lane, no matter of the weather conditions like fog or rain.

Blind spot information system

This brand new and thoughtfully considered Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert detects the vehicles in blind spots during normal driving as well as traffic approaching from the sides when the driver is reversing out of parking spots. This happens because of the BLIS radar sensors which continuously monitor each side of the vehicle to detect when another vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone (within 45 feet).

Mykey

What is MyKey® - it is the system that allows parents to restrict certain Lincoln MKS features when in the hands of a MyKey driver. It is made generally to ensure that the driver won’t exceed a maximum speed of 90 km/h for example, or it deactivates the Traction Control System that limits tire spin.

Exterior

Yes, the design is stunning and breathtaking. The new 2013 MKS has A-pillar forward, including the grille, HID headlamps, front fascia, hood and front fenders, fresh 19- and 20-inch aluminum wheels, new fascia, LED tail lamps, exhaust tips and a new decklid design that improves access to the trunk. And in one word: it is significant!

Interior

These styling updates are made for the sake of the transformation of the cabin. The interior is dominated by lines that sweep up from the center stack and flow out to the sides. Subtle ambient lighting adds to the interior's luxurious, high-tech environment. All this new styling is promised to be seen in the upcoming future models of Lincoln.

Infotainment systems

The new MKS offers two audio systems: a standard one and an optional one. The standard system includes AM/FM/CD/MP3/satellite sources playing through a 210-watt system that drives 10 speakers. On the other hand the optional audio system is THX® II Certified Car Audio System with AM/FM/CD/DVD/ MP3/HD Radio capability and 16 speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer. SiriusXM satellite radio with six-month prepaid subscription, an auxiliary input jack and a USB port are also included. What is appealing in this system is that the volume is being automatically adjusted according to vehicle speed. Conclusion: this is definitely an exceptional acoustic performance that brings home-theater sound to the road.

Luxurious, organic, comfortable

Luxury and comfort go hand by hand. This Lincoln style is supported by equipment that enhances occupant comfort. Lincoln's available multi-contour seats incorporate seven computer-controlled air bladders to provide occupants with maximum adjustment. In addition both driver and passenger seats feature individual static settings as well as dynamic massage settings.

The seat surfaces are provided by the Bridge of Weir leather company, which uses a unique organic tanning method that results in a production of material free of chromium. This definitely makes the car more eco- and environmentally friendly, and more importantly - fully recyclable, leathers available.

Crafted details

For drivers who live in colder climates, a new heated steering wheel is considered. It raises the wheel rim's surface temperature from minus20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit ) to 23C (74F) in only five minutes.

In addition new woods (Prussian Burl and Brown Swirl Walnut) and leather colors (Hazelnut and Light Dune) complete the extensive list of interior changes for 2013. And with it the person driving that beautiful luxury and comfortable car will be really unique. Why? Because two Lincoln interiors featuring natural woods display the exact same grain pattern.

After-sale care

Lincoln offers a comprehensive warranty and complimentary maintenance package on all of its vehicles, including: Four-year (50,000-mile complimentary maintenance), which includes coverage for oil and filter changes, tire rotations and multipoint, four-year, 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty,five-year, 60,000-mile safety restraint limited warranty and unlimited mileage corrosion limited warranty, six-year, 70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.