2010 Lincoln MKT with EcoBoost
There are certain segments of the auto market, and certain drivers, who don’t want a hybrid car. They want a car that provides the power of a big V8 engine. Yes, there are electric cars that produce power comparable to traditional V8s, but they are much more expensive and require a lot of recharging time. So, until those electrics become feasible in the marketplace, the Ford Motor Company has stepped up with a new engine that will provide all the power traditionally associated with a V8, and boost the fuel economy. The 2010 Lincoln MKT is the first model to hit the public featuring Ford’s new EcoBoost engine technology, and it delivers on all fronts.
The EcoBoost engine in the new Lincoln MKT is a 3.5-liter V6 with twin turbochargers. It produces 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, which is better than a fair amount of the V8s currently on the market. However, while a V8 that produced this sort of power would normally have a fuel economy of about 14 mpg city and 18-20 highway, the 2010 MKT with the EcoBoost engine gets 17 city / 24 highway. We already looked Play Dead ipod at the specifics of how the EcoBoost engines work, and how their power output matches or exceeds that of most V8s, so today we’ll be focusing on the actual driving experience.
The most compelling part of driving a car with the EcoBoost engine is the acceleration and throttle response. When you are at a dead stop, the initial acceleration is a bit sluggish, but once you hit about 1,500 RPM, the twin turbos kick on and provide an ample amount of torque. And, the torque out put is pretty steady until you hit 5,500 RPM, meaning that accelerating to passing speeds on the highway, and all other speed changes once your moving are accomplished very quickly.
The only part of the drive that is a little disappointing is the cornering, but it is ony disappointing by comparison. The EcoBoost V6 is so lively and responsive, that you begin to expect such response from the rest of the car. The suspension and the chassis of the Lincoln MKT are well-made for their purpose but, no matter what the engine makes you think, this is a crossover luxury wagon, not a sports car.
The interior is well-appointed and comfortable. The MKT is designed to be able to carry a large family with ease, and it is more than able to do so. There are two optional configurations, either as a six-seater or a seven-seater. The far rear row of seats is a bit cramped for an adult, but is more than adequate for kids. The Panoramic Vista Roof, which is standard on the model, provides great views, plenty of light, and adds to the spacious feeling of the cabin.
In all, the 2010 Lincoln MKT with the EcoBoost engine looks to be a winner. There is a non-EcoBoost option that has a 3.7-liter V6, but it is not nearly as exciting as the EcoBoost option. The model starts at $45,000, but an EcoBoost variant with a few options will end up at around $50,000. The better fuel economy than its V8-equipped competitors will definitely help the Lincoln MKT stand out in the segment, and the comfortable interior will keep passengers happy. Perhaps the most exciting thing about the MKT, though, isn’t actually the MKT, but rather the promise of future EcoBoost-equipped models. Ford is inroducing a four-cylinder variant of the EcoBoost engine into the Focus in Great Britain later this year, and it will eventually make its way to the U.S. within a year or so. This engine promises the power of a V6 and the fuel economy of a four cylinder, which will make it a big hit, and keep it on our most-wanted list.
