Lincoln’s 2013 MKS is surprisingly unsurprising
Word on the street was, Lincoln was going to use this year’s L.A. Auto Show to introduce a new design language and that it was to be a departure from what they use now, known as the waterfall grille.
So imagine one’s surprise when Lincoln unveiled its updated 2013 MKS flagship sedan and the grille -- and indeed the whole car -- looked nearly identical. This minor difference is like saying you’re going to give a guy in a chalk-stripe suit a makeover, putting him in a pinstripe suit and calling it a day.
But despite the mild change to the look, Lincoln says many exterior pieces are new. These include the aforementioned grille as well as the hood, headlamps, alloy wheels, LED taillights and exhaust tips.
Under the hood, the base 3.7-liter V-6 engine gets a bump in power; it will be rated at 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque and come in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
A 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 remains the optional engine, putting out 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive coming standard on this model.
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Both models come with a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Other additions to the 2013 model include a new lane-keeping safety system, an updated suspension system that continuously monitors the road and adapts accordingly, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, a revised instrument panel and Lincoln Drive Control.
This system allows drivers to select from three different settings (Comfort, Normal and Sport) that progressively make more aggressive the suspension, steering, throttle response and transmission.
So while the changes are there, they’re more subdued than you might expect.
Looks like we’ll have to wait until the Detroit Auto Show in early January to see Lincoln’s real plans for the future.
