Lincoln MKS
Better handling, increased power, improved fuel efficiency, additional
standard equipment, more refinement and new technologies that help
drivers reduce accident risks provide luxury customers with important
new reasons to consider the new Lincoln MKS flagship sedan.
The full-size Lincoln MKS sports an updated, sleeker style for 2013 that
headlines a range of improvements that match or exceed more expensive
luxury-class contenders.
EXTERIOR
The dedicated Lincoln design studio has developed a contemporary new
look for the 2013 MKS. Every exterior surface from the A-pillar forward
is new, including the grille, HID headlamps, front fascia, hood and
front fenders. Continuing the new look are fresh 19- and 20-inch
aluminum wheels. At the rear, Lincoln MKS gets a new fascia, LED tail
lamps, exhaust tips and a new decklid design that improves access to the
trunk.
"The original MK vehicles were, in some ways, deliberately provocative,"
said Max Wolff, Lincoln Design director. "The styling of the new MKS
adds both refinement and elegance to the car while visually lowering and
widening the front end. The continuous bright surround linking the
grille and headlamps is particularly rich and adds something significant
to what is already an expressive, balanced design."
INTERIOR
"We have made the new MKS interior much more inviting and engaging, with
new capacitive controls and MyLincoln Touch," said Wolff. "The previous
MKS was very linear and horizontal. Now we have an interior that's
dominated by lines that sweep up from the center stack and flow out to
the sides. This is a styling cue you'll see more in future Lincoln
models."
These styling updates transform the 2013 Lincoln MKS cabin. Subtle
ambient lighting adds to the interior's luxurious, high-tech
environment.
INTERIOR FEATURES
The integration of MyLincoln Touch to the new Lincoln MKS complements
Lincoln's most advanced instrumentation and controls to date.
The main instruments feature a central speedometer flanked by two
full-color reconfigurable LCD screens. Content for the 4.2-inch LCDs is
controlled by five-way buttons on the steering wheel. An 8-inch
multi-function LCD touch screen dominates the center stack and provides
the visual and control interface for the entertainment system, phone,
navigation and climate control.
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS
The new MKS offers two audio systems, both controlled through MyLincoln
Touch. The standard system includes AM/FM/CD/MP3/satellite sources
playing through a 210-watt system that drives 10 speakers.
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.
System volume automatically adjusts according to vehicle speed, while
sophisticated digital signal processing provides spectral balance, a
wide dynamic range and exceptional acoustic performance that brings
home-theater sound to the road.
SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link with voice-activated
navigation controls also are available. A prepaid subscription to
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link is included when the available SD-card
based navigation system is selected. MyLincoln Touch and SYNC enable
voice-activated navigation control. In addition to an easily updateable
navigation database, additional SiriusXM Travel Link features include
coast-to-coast weather data, forecasts, fuel prices, sports scores,
movie listings and more.
LUXURIOUS, ORGANIC, COMFORTABLE
This Lincoln style is supported by equipment that enhances occupant
comfort. Standard heated and cooled 12-way adjustable front seats,
adjustable pedals and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel allow a
wide range of drivers to feel immediately at home behind the wheel.
Class-leading available equipment also includes a retractable rear sun
shade and, new for 2013, multi-contour adjustable front seats and a
heated steering wheel.
Lincoln's available multi-contour seats incorporate seven
computer-controlled air bladders to provide occupants with maximum
adjustment. Four sections in the seat bottom and three in the seat back
can be adjusted. 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.
Sourced from Scotland, Bridge of Weir leather also can be found in
luxury jets, yachts and furniture. Connoisseurs of fine materials
appreciate these leathers for their natural beauty, and the company uses
a unique organic tanning method which produces a material free of
chromium making it one of the most environmentally friendly, and fully
recyclable, leathers available. French and Deck seams on all seats add
to the interior's high level of finish.
Seat cushions, head restraints and seat backs are made with soy foam,
which has a lower environmental impact than petroleum-based foams. In
addition, the soy-based materials deliver excellent performance for both
comfort and durability.
CRAFTED DETAILS
A new heated steering wheel is a welcome option for drivers who live in
colder climates. A thin metal element under the wheel's leather-wrapped
rim can raise the wheel rim's surface temperature from minus 4 degrees
Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius) to 74F (23C) in five minutes.
New woods (Prussian Burl and Brown Swirl Walnut) and leather colors
(Hazelnut and Light Dune) complete the extensive list of interior
changes for 2013. While there is a consistency to the woods selected for
the interior of the Lincoln MKS, no two Lincoln interiors featuring
natural woods display the exact same grain pattern.
CONTINUOUSLY CONTROLLED DAMPING
Throughout 13 decades of the automobile's development, suspension
engineers have worked tirelessly to find an ideal balance between smooth
ride and satisfying, confident handling. Traditionally, smooth-riding
cars have not handled well, and sharp-handling cars have ridden harshly.
The new Lincoln MKS solves this dilemma and stands out as the only car
in its segment to have Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) as standard
equipment.
"The CCD system in the 2013 MKS helps deliver an exciting driving
experience for the driver that is comfortable, smooth and quiet, while
at the same time dynamic and involving," said Scott Tobin, Director,
Lincoln Product Development.
Standard CCD delivers a more confident drive experience that introduces a
key new Lincoln DNA - the balance of ride comfort and impressive
handling.
Regardless of road conditions, drivers will enjoy a markedly smoother,
more controlled ride because CCD is always tuning and refining the ride
quality. The result of some 4,000 hours of development time, CCD
delivers 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
Compared with the fixed-rate dampers fitted to the 2012 MKS, the new CCD
dampers for the 2013 MKS offer dramatically expanded control range.
CCD utilizes an array of 46 inputs to feed data to a sophisticated
control unit that continuously monitors more than 23,000 packets of
information per second. Algorithms react to the data by calculating the
optimal damping force every 2 milliseconds or 500 times per second. The
system commands damping force changes 20 times per second (20Hz). On
average, large damper force adjustments (such as firm to soft) occur in
just 11 milliseconds. For engineers, mechanical actions that occur in
less than 13 milliseconds are considered real-time actions.
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. CCD operates so quickly that it can react
pre-emptively.
CCD recognizes, for example, when the car is encountering a pothole and
can instantly tighten damper control to prevent the wheel and tire from
experiencing the full depth of the pothole. Typically, the damping rate
increases by more than 150 percent versus the system's softest setting,
helping to smooth out an otherwise harsh and jarring event. The system
is so quick that inputs received at the front wheels are then used to
prepare the rear wheels to deliver a more refined driving experience.
"CCD is always active, and it underpins the expanded dynamic
capabilities of the new MKS," said Brian Naspinsky, Lincoln Vehicle
Integration engineer. "CCD makes it possible to provide a smoother, more
controlled ride over virtually any road surface in part by reducing
body roll by up to 20 percent. CCD also improves handling. Understeer on
the Lincoln MKS has been reduced by approximately 25 percent, so the
car feels more eager and ready to respond."
LINCOLN DRIVE CONTROL
"Lincoln Drive Control is where the magic happens because it pulls all
of the car's adjustable elements - suspension, steering, engine, and
gearbox - into one harmonized system," explains MKS chief engineer, Mike
Celentino. "With Lincoln Drive Control, the new MKS feels sporty,
nimble and connected, yet the Lincoln ride is still there."
The Lincoln Drive Control interface lends MKS distinct driving personalities that drivers can select. They include:
Normal mode - When the gear selector is in Drive, Lincoln Drive
Control delivers the ideal Lincoln ride, balancing comfort with
confident control and handling. Many drivers will find this setting
perfect for everyday driving as it provides an engaging drive experience
and a direct connection to the road without sacrificing the composure
and smooth expected from a luxury sedan
Sport mode - When the gear selector is in Sport, Lincoln Drive
Control transforms the vehicle's personality to deliver a more
performance-oriented driving experience. The following systems change
settings in Sport mode:
The CCD suspension switches from operating in its normal range to
its firmest sport range which offers 25 to 30 percent more control than
Normal mode, emphasizing handling
The electric power-assisted steering recalibrates to provide more road feel and greater steering effort
The engine responds more directly to the driver's inputs
The transmission upshifts at higher rpms. Downshifts become more
aggressive and the transmission holds gears longer and during cornering.
Additionally, sixth gear is locked out
The vehicle's traction control and electronic stability control settings are modified to allow more spirited driving
In addition to Normal and Sport, Lincoln Drive Control offers Comfort
mode for when drivers want the most relaxed driving experience. Comfort
mode can be activated using MyLincoln Touch via the Settings menu when
the transmission is in Drive.
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. The electric power assisted steering system also reduces
the effort needed to turn the wheel at low speeds, for example, when
parking.
"CCD is the core new technology that makes Lincoln Drive Control
possible," said Naspinsky. "The system's struts and shocks have more
total range from firm to soft than a fixed-rate damper. This gives us
the flexibility to offer three distinct suspension settings that gives
the Lincoln MKS multiple driving personalities that are easy for the
driver to select."
POWERTRAIN
The standard engine for 2013 is a more powerful and efficient 3.7-liter
V6 that now includes twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT).
The ability to vary camshaft timing to optimize the opening and closing
of both the intake and exhaust valves increases the engine's
responsiveness and efficiency.
Horsepower for 2013 increases to a projected 300 from 273 - up 9
percent. Torque improves to 275 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm from 270 lb.-ft. At
the same time, projected fuel economy increases for the
3.7-liter-equipped sedan - a 3-mpg improvement on the highway versus
today's Lincoln MKS. The 3.7-liter delivers an estimated 19 mpg city/28
mpg highwayfor the front-wheel drive modeland18/26 mpg with the
all-wheel-drive model.
The Lincoln MKS now offers better standard highway mileage than the 2012
Acura RL, Cadillac STS and Mercedes-Benz E350. Additionally, the
Lincoln engine produces its power using regular unleaded fuel, not
premium as required by some manufacturers, including Audi, BMW and
Mercedes-Benz.
Specific accessory technologies were added to the 3.7-liter V6 to
improve fuel economy performance and efficiency. Active Grille Shutters
open and close depending on engine cooling needs. When fully closed, the
shutters help reduce aerodynamic drag by 6 percent, improving highway
fuel economy. A tuned dual-exhaust system enhances low-end torque. Smart
Battery Management also contributes to improved economy by prioritizing
the recharging of the vehicle's battery at optimum times, such as when
the vehicle is coasting.
3.5-liter EcoBoost V6
The premium engine for 2013 remains the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost®
V6, an engine that provides V8 performance with the fuel economy of a
V6. The EcoBoost V6 earned a place on Ward's 2010 "10 Best Engines" list
the year it was introduced.
The 3.5-liter gasoline turbo direct-injected (GTDI) engine produces a
projected 355 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and an expansive torque curve that
plateaus at 350 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm. Fuel economy
of the EcoBoost/all-wheel-drive powertrain is projected to be 17 mpg
city and 25 mpg highway.
The optional EcoBoost V6 is the most powerful V6 among MKS competitors,
producing 45 more horsepower than the Audi A6's optional supercharged
3.0-liter V6 and 55 more horsepower than the BMW 5-Series' optional
turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6.
"The engine combinations for the 2013 Lincoln MKS deliver an unbeatable
combination of more refined power and enhanced fuel economy," said Greg
Johnson, Lincoln powertrain manager. "The 2013 Lincoln MKS has been
engineered to deliver performance feel that's smooth, effortless and
confident."
EFFICIENT SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS
The 2013 Lincoln MKS is equipped with two versions of the six-speed
SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, both with steering-wheel-mounted
paddle shifters. The 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 uses the 6F-50. The more
powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost 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.
These gearboxes offer Lincoln MKS drivers the choice of fully automatic
operation or manual control. Intuitive to operate, a squeeze back on
either paddle will deliver an upshift, while a gentle push forward on
either paddle will induce a matched-rev downshift. Unlike some
competitor transmissions, SelectShift won't second guess the driver with
an override shift. The manual function is truly controlled by the
driver.
ALL-WHEEN DRIVE
All-wheel drive is standard with the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and
optional on the 3.7-liter V6. In good weather, over smooth roads at
modest speeds and when AWD is not needed, the system intelligently
routes power only to the front wheels for improved fuel efficiency.
When driver input or road conditions indicate that slip might occur, the
system sends power to the rear wheels to help prevent tire slip, for
example on rain-soaked or snow-covered roads. Beyond providing more
traction, AWD also improves handling by helping to reduce understeer,
the tendency of the vehicle to "push" in a corner.
A myriad of inputs enables the computer-controlled system immediately to
identify and react in as little as 16 milliseconds to changing road
conditions and driver demands. The amount of torque sent to the rear
axle varies depending on road conditions and dynamic needs.
CHASSIS ENHANCEMENTS
To match the engine's extra power and the suspension's additional
handling capabilities, Lincoln has significantly upgraded the MKS
braking system for 2013, giving the driver confidence and control.
New vented front discs measure 13.86 inches (352 mm), more than an inch
larger than in the 2012 model. To enhance brake cooling, the "hat"
portion of the front brake disc is also vented, a unique design
developed by Ford Motor Company engineers.
Additionally, the diameter of the rear discs increased by 0.58 of an
inch to 13.58 inches and these are now vented. Brake pad area and total
swept area increased significantly, with each improvement working
together to improve overall braking performance, reduce brake fade under
heavy use and provide the driver with a more direct and linear braking
feel.
STEERING
The Lincoln 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.
Additionally, steering boost is now electric rather than hydraulic. The
new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) complements CCD in
contributing to the driver-tunable Lincoln Drive Control experience.
Other enhancements contribute to the system's overall improved
performance. The steering gear is now solid mounted to the chassis's
front subframe. Additionally, a brace has been added under the vehicle
(across the transmission tunnel) to strengthen the subframe's mounting
points to the chassis.These details help significantly improve the
driver's feeling of being connected to the road through the steering
wheel. Overall steering response for the 2013 MKS is improved by up to
25 percent.
EPAS offers additional benefits. At lower speeds, for example when
parking, EPAS provides additional boost for effortless maneuverability.
At higher speeds, EPAS increases steering effort and feedback, giving
the driver a more precise steering feel.
EPAS replaces the traditional hydraulic-assist power-steering pump with
an electric motor. This helps save fuel because the motor operates only
when assistance is required, unlike the hydraulic systems that run
continuously. EPAS was standard on 2010-12 MKS models with the 3.5-liter
EcoBoost V6, but for 2013, becomes standard on all MKS models.
Software-based technologies, undetectable by the driver, boost the
capability of EPAS. Pull-drift compensation detects road conditions such
as a crowned surface or crosswinds and adjusts EPAS to compensate.
Active nibble control automatically cancels some unwanted steering wheel
vibrations at interstate speeds. These actions are designed to give the
driver reassurance and maximum control under all driving conditions.
ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
EPAS is also the primary technology behind the available active park assist (APA) system.
Once engaged via a switch on the center console, ultrasonic sensors
precisely measure open spaces to find a suitable parallel parking spot.
With a few actions (gear shifting, acceleration and braking), the
Lincoln MKS steers itself into the open space. The driver retains full
control of throttle, brakes and shifting the entire time the APA is
engaged.
TORQUE VECTORING CONTROL
Drivers are most likely to notice Lincoln's new Torque Vectoring Control
(TVC) system when Lincoln Drive Control is set to Sport Mode. TVC helps
the Lincoln MKS drive through corners with greater balance and poise.
TVC individually influences the speed of the front wheels to enhance
cornering agility by mitigating against a dynamic condition engineers
refer to as understeer. When accelerating through corners and the system
detects a drop in traction, TVC precisely applies brake force to the
inside front wheel (that has less grip) causing a transfer of engine
torque to the outside wheel (that has more grip). This helps keep the
MKS tracking on the driver's intended line through the corner.
IMPROVED SYNC
The next generation of the award-winning SYNC system continues to become
easier to use and more robust in its operation. New, simpler screen
designs improve the user interface. Larger and bolder fonts make screens
easier to read. SYNC's voice recognition experience, powered by Nuance,
also improves.
Microsoft's Windows Embedded Auto software platform continues to be the
operating platform that will deliver faster response times. SYNC has
evolved from a stand-alone module for communication and entertainment to
become a fully integrated operating system for Lincoln vehicles with
MyLincoln Touch.
As a further enhancement to the SYNC experience, the standard system in
the 2013 MKS provides Operator Assist as a standard SYNC Services
feature, allowing users to connect with a live person free of charge.
SYNC also enables the interior of the Lincoln MKS to become a Wi-Fi hot
spot when linked to a data-enabled cellular device. With active Wi-Fi,
passengers can link to the Web on their tables or laptops.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM
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).
Coupled to the new Lane Keeping System is Lane Keeping Alert and Lane
Keeping Aid. Together, these technologies add significantly to the
advanced driver assistance features already available on Lincoln MKS,
including collision warning and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System)
with cross-traffic alert.
Lane Keeping Alert helps drivers avoid leaving their lane
unintentionally because of distraction or tiredness. When activated by
the driver, 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. As the vehicle approaches the
outer boundary of its lane, the system vibrates the steering wheel,
reminding the driver to pay attention.
Lane Keeping Alert is dormant when the turn signal is activated or when the driver is engaged in an evasive maneuver.
Lane Keeping Aid works in concert with Lane Keeping Alert. When
activated by the driver, Lane Keeping Aid will gently add torque to the
steering wheel to nudge the MKS back into its lane if the driver has
drifted too close to the lane's edge. The system includes the ability to
sense if a driver is driving hands-free. A warning chime sounds to
discourage misuse of the system.
System sensitivity settings are adjustable via the MyLincoln Touch
interface. Neither technology actively prevents lane departures. The
responsibility for the safe vehicle operation remains entirely the
driver's responsibility.
Driver Alert is the third element of the Lane Keeping System. If the
system detects a driving pattern typically exhibited by a drowsy driver,
a first-level chime will sound and a friendly suggestion of a coffee
cup graphic will appear on the left-hand 4.2-inch instrument cluster LCD
screen.
If the driver does not respond and the system continues to sense that
the driver is fatigued, further warnings and chimes will occur.
Conscientious drivers curious about their state of alertness can monitor
their performance any time.
AUTO HIGH-BEAM HEADLAMPS
Auto high-beam headlamps also use the windshield-mounted camera to monitor traffic conditions and control high-beam activation.
In darkness, the high-beam headlamps automatically illuminate unless
other traffic is detected. The system continuously scans for stimuli -
oncoming vehicle lights prompt the lamps to dim, but traffic lights or a
road sign's reflection will not affect the high beams. The sensitivity
setting can be adjusted from the default setting of "Near" to "Far."
COLLISION WARNING
Collision Warning helps prevent common traffic accidents as forward-looking, long-distance radar identifies potential obstacles.
When the danger of a collision is detected, the system warns the driver
with an authoritative beep and a simultaneous red warning light
projected on the windshield above the instrument panel.
These warnings should be enough to allow the driver to brake before a
potential accident. Collision warning also provides emergency brake
support which enables harder, quicker deceleration to help drivers stop
or reduce speed to lessen the impact of a collision.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Collision warning is paired with adaptive cruise control (ACC) because
both features use the forward-looking radar system. With a range of up
to 600 feet, ACC monitors and adjusts vehicle speed to keep it at a safe
distance behind another vehicle in the same lane, even in fog or heavy
rain.
The sophisticated radar system and control module ignores stationary
objects as it determines the closing rate toward the vehicle ahead to
determine whether it is necessary to automatically adjust the engine
throttle setting or engage the braking system. Able to work at just 20
mph, drivers can set the system to work during normal commuting, helping
reduce driver fatigue.
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert can
detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving as well as traffic
approaching from the sides when the driver is reversing out of parking
spots.
BLIS uses radar sensors to continuously monitor each side of the vehicle
to detect when another vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone
(within 45 feet). A light appears on the corresponding sideview mirror
to indicate another vehicle is in the defined blind spot.
On models without optional BLIS, standard spotter mirrors feature an
integrated mirror facet that provides a clear view of anything in a
traditional blind spot of a typical exterior rearview mirror.
MYKEY
MyKey® allows parents or other concerned owners to restrict certain Lincoln MKS features when in the hands of a MyKey driver.
Owners simply program the vehicle key through the message center to incorporate features such as:
A limited top speed of 80 mph
Prevents deactivation of the Traction Control System that limits tire spin
Audio system volume limited to 44 percent of maximum volume
A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph
