Lincoln Compact CUV possibly named MkD, MkC confirmed, Aviator reborn

[ausrutherford]

Lincoln Compact CUV possibly named MkD, MkC confirmed, Aviator reborn
Lincoln expands as rebirth begins
Fordinsidenews.com
April 11, 2011
By: Austin Rutherford

Last week a report came to the forefront that Ford has assigned a crack team of 85 staffers to work on the Lincoln brand. Now, FordInsideNews has uncovered some of what this team is working on.

Several months ago Ford confirmed the existence of a new, smaller Lincoln crossover. At the time, however, Ford refrained from publishing the name of this new crossover. Now, a source has revealed that this vehicle is tentatively named Lincoln MkD. It is unknown if this name will stay as it has yet to be trademarked. Together with its sister vehicle, the Ford Escape, production is expected to take place at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky.

FordInsideNews can also confirm a production version of the Lincoln Concept C, which won the Eyes on Design award for best concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The long rumored MkC will have at least one engine, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost. With the Concept C, Ford stated that the car could get up to 43 MPG. If those numbers hold for the production MkC, it would make the car the most fuel efficient luxury car on the market. Production of the MkC would likely take place alongside the Ford Focus in Michigan.

As you might recall, the Lincoln Aviator was planned to switch from being Explorer-based to Edge-based for the 2007 model year. At the last second, Lincoln changed its name and the MkX was born. Now, the nameplate is set for a potential return. Slotting between the MkX and MkT, this new Aviator will be based off of the all-new Explorer just like the last Aviator. Aviator production would likely take place at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant.

All three vehicles are expected to begin production in 2012 for the 2013 model year.

In other news, both the Lincoln MkS and MkT should receive MyLincoln Touch and touch-based integrated center stacks by the 2013 model year at the latest. You can expect a new interior to go along with the technology addition.

Also, in a continuation to last weeks report, FIN has now learned that the 2013 MkZ Hybrid is beating the fuel economy target set for it. It is unclear what the target is, but you can bet it is better than the current 41 MPG.

Collectively, FIN believes the following make up the seven models Ford has announced for Lincoln:

• 2013 MKZ
• 2013 MKC
• 2013 MKD
• 2013 Aviator
• Refreshed MkS by 2013
• Refreshed MkT by 2013
• Refreshed Navigator, possibly for 2013

Note that the the next MkX is not included in the list for FIN has learned that the next generation is not scheduled until the 2015 model year.

Keep up with FordInsideNews for the latest on Lincoln!

[Andrew L]

Excellent news!

I am surprised they would use the Avaitor name

perhaps the real SUVs will keep their names?

[falcon lover]

Ummmm.... 5 SUVs/Crossovers: MKD, MKX, Aviator, MKT, Navigator and only 2 sedans: MKS and MKZ , plus a hatch ( MK C) ??????????

Maybe 1 or 2 aditions to the line (a real flagship sedan and a coupe) could give Lincoln a good chance to be a good luxury brand... nota luxury SUV brand...

[SobeSVT]

Good Job Austin! Any confirmation or word on the RS engine for the MKC? Its a no-brainer IMO.

[ausrutherford]

Good Job Austin! Any confirmation or word on the RS engine for the MKC? Its a no-brainer IMO.

None yet. Hopefully more will come to light before intro though.

[SobeSVT]

None yet. Hopefully more will come to light before intro though.

I'll be in NY as of the Tuesday . . . I will ask . . .

[rme09]

This actually good news for me. I am looking to replace my wife's Pilot next year or so and I am hoping for it to be a Lincoln!

[Andrew L]

I'll be in NY as of the Tuesday . . . I will ask . . .

Hey Simon what day you going? I plan on being there the 22nd

[SobeSVT]

Hey Simon what day you going? I plan on being there the 22nd

I'll be there from the 19th to the 21st, and then back to Miami :) Only for press days. I was lucky to find the time, works has been crazy lately. I usually stay for a few more days but not this time sadly . . .

[Logans Run]

MkD...can I get fries with that!