What’s Powerful, Luxurious and Sophisticated?

The 2011 Lincoln MKX, with industry-first MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology, is a high-tech showcase. That is true of the luxury crossover’s powertrain as well.

Its new 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 employs advanced technology and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels while achieving unsurpassed fuel economy.

2011 Lincoln MKX customers will enjoy a luxury crossover that delivers best-in-class power and torque versus all V-6 competitors with unsurpassed highway fuel economy of 25 mpg – all on regular fuel. Horsepower has been increased to 305 – a 15 percent increase compared with the outgoing product – while torque is up to 280 ft.-lb., marking a 12 percent improvement.

The 3.7-liter V-6 is mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, which gives customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience.

In SelectShift mode, the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, offering total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

When a lower gear is selected while descending a long downhill grade, the 2011 Lincoln MKX in SelectShift mode will hold that gear until the driver manually upshifts or returns to the fully automatic setting. To ensure safe shifting, the transmission will downshift to the lowest acceptable gear, based on a calculated maximum speed. That means if a vehicle were traveling at highway speeds, the driver could not downshift to first gear in SelectShift mode.

Improvements to engine hardware as well as the powertrain control strategies account for the gains in power and fuel economy. These improvements include:

• Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT)
• Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off; torque-based deceleration control
• Battery management: “Smart Charging”
• Engine hardware improvements

Quotes
“Fuel economy continues to be at the top of customers’ minds. But customers refuse to compromise on power. With the 2011 Lincoln MKX, they won’t have to. We’re delivering increased power and torque with unsurpassed fuel economy.”
– Greg Johnson, Lincoln Powertrain Manager

“When the system is in manual mode, engine speed matching provides faster and smoother downshifts, and the customer gets the gear they request within the limits of the rev limiter.”
– Greg Johnson, Lincoln Powertrain Manager

“The key to the performance gains and fuel economy with the 2011 Lincoln MKX is that we don’t look at power and fuel economy as being mutually exclusive. Instead, we focus on optimizing every component, every system and every control in the powertrain for greater efficiency overall, which enables increased power, better performance and response and helps to maintain the fuel economy found in smaller-displacement engines.”
– Mazen Hammoud, Lincoln Powertrain Calibrations Manager

Nothing Says ‘Success’ Like a Five-Star Rating

It’s commonly said that you should “protect your investment.” That’s all well and good, but an investment that is really working in your favor is one that protects you.

The 2010 Lincoln MKT recently earned top ratings for frontal and side-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The three-row luxury crossover previously earned a 2009 "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Ford Motor Company has more Top Safety Pick ratings and more U.S. government five-star ratings than any other automaker.

A winning combination

The all-new MKT is attracting a balanced mix of Lincoln loyalists and new customers with its array of standard and optional crash-protection, crash-avoidance and driver-awareness features in addition to distinctive design, interior spaciousness, craftsmanship and fuel economy.

Since the MKT went on sale last fall, approximately 45 percent of MKT purchasers have traded in competitive models, most commonly the Acura MDX and Cadillac SRX. More than half of those buyers opted for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ engine.

Customer interest in MKT's driver-awareness features has been strong as well. Nearly one in three purchasers of the MKT opts for Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support and three of four opt for a package that includes Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert.

Technology under the skin

The Lincoln MKT features Ford's Trinity Front Crash Body Architecture. The energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness and features octagonal front frame rails, engine cradle/front subframe and "shotgun" front structural members designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.

Lincoln MKT also includes Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement Architecture (SPACE®) to optimize side-impact occupant protection. The SPACE system integrates a hydroformed high-strength steel tube in the floor that runs the width of the vehicle from B-pillar to B-pillar and reinforcements along the rocker panels to help protect passengers in side-impact incidents.

Lincoln MKT also features Ford's Personal Safety System™, combining multiple technologies to tailor the air bag package and safety belt functions to the individual passenger and the accident circumstances. The system can identify variables, such as severity of the crash, weight of the individual passenger and safety belt usage, to adjust air bag deployment force.

For more information:

Lincoln MKT Safety, Driver-Awareness and Security Technologies

Quotes

“Leading the industry in both five-star crash test ratings and Top Safety Pick awards is very significant because customers increasingly rely on NHTSA and IIHS ratings when choosing a new vehicle.”

– Susan Cischke, Ford’s Group Vice President of Sustainability,
Environment and Safety Engineering

“Our research shows that MKT customers are tech-savvy, and luxury vehicle buyers tend to be early adopters of new safety, audio, infotainment and powertrain features. Not only is the MKT packed with standard luxury features and state-of-the-art technologies, it is unsurpassed in its segment for highway fuel economy.”

– Kate Pearce, Lincoln MKT Marketing Manager

“The MKT’s array of advanced safety te chnologies raises the bar for luxury vehicles and pushes the new frontier of ‘active’ crash-avoidance features that help drivers avoid or reduce the severity of accidents.”

– Steve Kozak, Chief Engineer, Ford Safety Systems

Team Recaps Future of In-Car Connectivity

By Robert Musial

DEARBORN -- Led by President and CEO Alan Mulally on Wednesday, the Ford team responsible for the latest in-car connectivity recreated the crowd-pleasing presentation they made at last month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Held at Dearborn’s Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, the hour-long presentation featured Mulally, Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Product Development, and several electronics and connectivity engineers who showcased the MyFord Touch technology coming this year to Ford vehicles.

Mulally said the CES debut of MyFord had been the hit of the electronics show.

“All these technology wizards were in awe … they were talking about Ford as the ultimate app,” he said.

Kuzak said the popular Ford SYNC system and now MyFord Touch are part of the company’s strategy to make in-car entertainment, communication, navigation and climate controls smarter, simpler and safer.

“This is not technology for technology’s sake. It’s there because it has real value and will help our customers use our cars,” said Kuzak.

As they drive, he said, “customers want the equivalent of a Swiss Army knife and that’s what Ford is doing for the automobile.”

Though voice commands and fingertip controls, “we’re integrating the entire in-car experience, all the while letting our customers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel,” he said.

Jim Buczkowski, director, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, then explained how an advance like MyFord were developed.

The new system’s guiding principles include the functionality of a five-way fingertip control as on mobile phones and video games; the use of clean and smart LCD screens; color-coded functions; logically organized information and easy access to relevant information determined by each driver.

“It’s easy to update since it has room to expand and it’s simple to use so it’s safer to use,” he said. In fact, hands-on-the-wheel and eyes-on-the-road was a major theme of the presentation, as was the importance of our voice-led controls for our in-car systems.

Buczkowski said the MyFord system will be available in 80 percent of Ford’s vehicles within five years.

Next, using live video and a mock-up instrument panel, Jason Johnson, user interface design engineer, demonstrated the system to the enthusiastic audience.

Doug VanDagens, director, Connected Services, then discussed how Ford is integrating technology that “built-in, brought-in and beamed-in” for its customers.

Since the Ford navigation systems can easily be upgraded, it is “better than embedded navigation systems or ones that require the purchase of expensive discs” to update.

Soon available will be a feature that allows MapQuest directions to be downloaded to the car where the system will read aloud and display them.

“Think how many drivers will be able to keep their eyes on the road rather than looking at a map or printed-out directions,” he said.

And Ford’s goal, he said, was to keep such features affordable for millions of customers.

Julius Marchwicki, product manager, Information Technology, explained that through such partners as Pandora and Stitcher, MyFord users will be able to create personalized radio stations and news services.

Twitter users will also have access to their messages, he said.

“This is the Ford strategy of letting you use your phone and your applications,” he said.

At the meeting’s end, Mulally summed things up.

“These innovations are a direct response to consumer demand,” he said, “and doing it in a way that is simpler, safer and smarter.”

“This is the delivery of what customers want and need.”

Ford Named One of Fast Company's Top 10 'Most Innovative Companies' in Mobile Technology

DEARBORN -- What does Ford Motor Company have in common with Google, Apple, and Amazon? Ford shares a spot with them on Fast Company’s Top 10 list of “Most Innovative” companies in Mobile technology, and becomes the first automaker to ever be recognized in the category.

“This honor represents Ford’s commitment to innovation and development of technology that enhances the driving experience and adds real value to the consumer,” said Mark Fields, Ford president, The Americas. “We’re very proud of this recognition from Fast Company, and it is truly an accomplishment to be named amongst some of the leading technology innovators and mobile application developers.”

Fast Company ranked Ford fifth in the mobile technology category for the introduction and evolution of SYNC, the industry-leading connectivity system co-developed with Microsoft, as well as the recent reveal of MyFord Touch, an innovative user interface that promises to redefine the in-car experience.

“The automaker has taken a great leap forward,” says Fast Company.

Ford developed SYNC in response to the explosive growth potential of the mobile device and embarked on a strategy to build a software-based connectivity platform that could leverage the increasing power of the phone and improving data networks. MyFord Touch expands on the system’s device connectivity features by delivering a graphical, touch, and voice-controlled user interface that maximizes SYNC’s capability and provides an intuitive and safer way for drivers to interact with the car.

“Collaboration and strategic investment in open innovation have been keys to our success,” Fields said. “Our relationship with Microsoft was just the beginning, as we’ve forged strong relationships throughout the mobile industry and look forward to even more.”

In addition to introducing MyFord Touch at the recent 2010 International CES, Ford became the first automaker to announce hands-free command and control of smart phone apps. Pandora, Stitcher, and OpenBeak are the first to implement the SYNC Application Programming Interface (API), enabling drivers to voice control the apps through SYNC’s Bluetooth connection.

Style and Substance - the 2010 Lincoln MKT!

Island Lincoln Mercury, leading car dealer near Orlando, FL, presents the 2010 Lincoln MKT, which has the space and functionality of an SUV without the fuel guzzling and unwieldy nature of the old school SUV. Sedan style crossover-SUVs offer a car-like responsiveness and performance and also flaunt striking good looks.

The new 2010 Lincoln MKT has a characteristic exterior with an eye-catching front grille design. Engine options are a basic 3.7-liter V6 or the premium 355-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, further complemented by all-wheel drive. Backed by six-speed automatic transmission and powerful brakes, the 2010 Lincoln MKT is a pleasure to drive in any kind of terrain. Though the space and mass of the MKT says otherwise, the MKT has the feel of a sports sedan rather than a SUV.

The interior of the Lincoln MKT has an array of luxurious touches as is expected from a Lincoln vehicle. Genuine wood trim and deliciously plush upholstery material contribute to a sophisticated look. The second row can be folded leaving two large, comfortable heated chairs. The MKT also has connectivity features, including SYNC voice-activated communication and entertainment systems. In the second row, there are two separate seatback DVD screens that operate independently, which are likely to be especially popular among children and teenagers. Sirius Satellite Radio is standard, and there is a CD Jukebox feature that can store more than 100 CDs.

The Lincoln has all the latest advanced safety equipment, including a tire-pressure monitor. Other options include adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sliding glass Vista Roof, third-row power-fold seating and active park assist, among others.

Please contact Island Lincoln Mercury for more information on the Lincoln MKT and other new Lincoln cars in and around the Orlando area.

Toyota recalls 8,000 2010 Tacoma trucks

Toyota recalls 8,000 2010 Tacoma trucks

Toyota is recalling about 8,000 Tacoma pickup trucks from the 2010 model year to fix a problem with the front drive shaft that could cause the vehicle to lose control.

http://ping.fm/EdF9N

Honda airbag recall grows to 950,000 vehicles
Honda Motor Co said it would recall another 440,000 cars around the world for faulty airbags, as rival Toyota Motor Corp faced further probes over its largest-ever safety crisis.

http://ping.fm/UGkfU

6 versus 8 | The Competitors

6 versus 8 | The Course & Driver

Ford says sales rose 25% in January

Ford Motor Co. says sales rose 25 percent in January, buoyed by a stronger economy and Toyota's decision to halt U.S. sales because of a gas pedal system problem.

http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm1zbmJjLm1zbi5jb20vaWQvMzUyMDA4MzMvbnMvYnVzaW5lc3MtYXV0b3MvZnJvbS9FVA==

Toyota Voluntarily Recalls 155,000 2010 Prius, Lexus Hybrids and Camrys in the U.S.

Toyota announced today they will begin to recall all 2010 Prius Hybrid and 2010 Lexus HS 250h vehicles because of braking systems malfunctioning. Also added to the voluntary recall is the 2010 Camry equipped with the 4-cylinder engine.

Approximately 133,000 Prius’, 14,550 Lexus’ and 7,300 Camry vehicles are involved in this recent voluntary recall made by Toyota after allegations from drivers complaining about their brakes not working. This number reflects the vehicles sold in the U.S.

The problem with the 2010 Prius and 2010 Lexus HS 250h vehicles stems from the anti-lock brake system, where some owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of the brakes. This is happening on rough or slick road surfaces, when the ABS comes on in an effort to maintain tire traction.

The fix for the ABS brake problem in these vehicles is a software update to the ABS system to fix the inconsistent braking.

Toyota is saying the software update should take about 30 minutes to install and of course this estimated time is dependent on the work flow at the dealership. Toyota will cover all repair costs associated with this fix for the customer.

The issue with the Camry vehicles that are equipped with the 4-cylinder engine, is to do with a steering pressure hose in the engine compartment that may be the incorrect length. If this is the case, the power steering pressure hose may come in contact with the brake tube, causing a hole to wear in the brake tube causing the brake fluid to leak.

Toyota says if this is happening in the Camry, the dealer technician will adjust the space between the brake tube and the power steering pressure hose, and they may have to replace the brake tube if a hole has produced.

In all three cases, Toyota instructs customers who experience brake issues, to press hard on the brake pedal and the vehicle will stop safely.

According to Toyota, letters by mail will start to go out to consumers who have these affected vehicles this week instructing the owners when they should bring their vehicle into the dealership to be fixed. by if a consumer has one of these vehicles, they need to take it to their local Toyota dealer to have the technician inspect it and install either the software update or fix the break fluid tube (on the Camry).

For more information, click here, or customers can call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at: 800-331-4331 and Lexus customers can call the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at: 800-255-3987.

• CNBC's Jim Cramer Says Ford Will Be Winner from Toyota Ordeal

(CNBC-Street Signs) In regards to the Toyota situation, CNBC's Jim Cramer says Alan Mulally/Ford will be the big winner. He says Ford's got the mojo and its numbers will get better and better, and it will be a $20 stock in 2012.

6 VERSUS 8 | THE ENGINE

2010 Lincoln Navigator one among large luxury SUVs

Island Lincoln Mercury is pleased to announce that Lincoln's 2010 Navigator has been ranked one among the large luxury SUVs. The Navigator is a comfortable vehicle with plush place for passengers of all ages. The ace Lincoln luxurious SUV is distinguished by a head-turning style, good driving dynamics, a spacious and comfortable interior, superior cargo room and a long list of modern standard features.

The 2010 Lincoln Navigator is available in a 2WD/4WD base trim and a long-wheelbase L trim with new features like the standard trailer sway control, power running boards, and Ford's MyKey system. The new MyKey allows parents to control the vehicle's speed and the stereo's volume to encourage safe driving in teens.

Lincoln's version of the Ford Expedition, the Navigator comes with a massive chrome grille, more-luxury-laden interior and rides on an independent rear suspension for improved dynamics. It combines classic Lincoln design and amenities with the functionality full-size SUV customers demand. The luxurious Lincoln Navigator and Navigator L come with the convenience of standard SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment. Visit Island Lincoln Mercury, the leading Merritt Island dealership for new Lincoln vehicles and other used cars. Schedule a test drive of the Navigator and feel its magic! Also take advantage of their hugely attractive special offers to drive home a new Lincoln car today!

6 VERSUS 8 | THE CHALLENGE

Can a Lincoln V6 Beat the Big European V8's? ...

Toyota hit by over 100 Prius brake complaints

By SHINO YUASA, Associated Press Writer Shino Yuasa, Associated Press Writer –

Wed Feb 3, 7:12 am ET

TOKYO – Toyota Motor Corp. has been hit by over 100 complaints in the U.S. and Japan about brake problems with the popular Prius hybrid, the latest in a spate of quality troubles for the automaker as it grapples with massive global recalls.

The Japanese company's sales are being battered in the U.S. — Toyota's biggest market — after recalls of top-selling models to fix a gas pedal that can stick in the depressed position.

The new Prius gas-electric hybrid, which went on sale in Japan and the U.S. in May 2009, is not part of the recalls that extend to Europe and China, covering nearly 4.5 million vehicles.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received about 100 complaints involving the brakes of the Prius new model. Two involved crashes resulting in injuries.
Japan's transport ministry said Wednesday it has also received 14 complaints since July last year about brake problems with Toyota's new Prius hybrid.

The 14 complaints included an accident in July 2009, in which a Prius crashed head on into another car at an intersection. Transport ministry official Masaya Ota said two people were slightly injured in the accident.

"The Prius driver in the accident told police that a brake did not work," Ota said. "Other Prius drivers also complained brakes were not so sharp." The complaints in Japan involve the new Prius model, and the vehicles were all made in Japan, he said.

The ministry ordered Toyota, the world's No. 1 automaker, to investigate the complaints. The other 13 cases happened from December to January 2010. Ota said the ministry has yet to receive a formal report on the complaints from Toyota.

Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi said the company has received reports about the Prius complaints in North America and in Japan and was now looking into the matter.

Toyota shares plunged 5.7 percent to 3,400 yen ($38) with jittery investors dumping stocks in the wake of the Prius woes in the U.S. and Japan. The benchmark Nikkei stock index edged up just 0.3 percent to 10,404.33 as the drop in Toyota dampened sentiment.

"Investors were worried the latest trouble involving the Prius could get bigger. The problem could pose a bigger question on Toyota's quality and safety," said Kazuhiro Takahashi, market analyst at Daiwa Securities SMBC Co. Ltd.

Also Wednesday, the South Korean government said Toyota's local unit was recalling 444 vehicles over defects in gas pedals and floor mats.

The vehicles were made in North America, and the more than 19,000 Toyota vehicles imported from Japan weren't part of the recall, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said in a statement.

Toyota is facing growing criticism that it has not done enough to ensure the safety of its vehicles.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told The Associated Press Tuesday that federal officials had to alert Toyota to the seriousness of the safety issues that eventually led to the recalls.

"They should have taken it seriously from the very beginning when we first started discussing it with them," he said. "Maybe they were a little safety deaf."

LaHood also said the U.S. government was considering civil penalties for Toyota for having dragged its feet on safety concerns.

Toyota executive vice president Shinichi Sasaki acknowledged Tuesday in a Nagoya, Japan, news conference that it took prodding from NHTSA officials for the company to decide on the U.S. recall.

Toyota has long prided itself on sterling vehicle quality and assembly line methods that empowered workers to ensure faultless production.

The latest recall, announced Jan. 21, over sticky gas pedals affects 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S. alone.

Any serious problems emerging in the Prius, Toyota's flagship green car model, is certain to further tarnish its brand.

The Prius, now in its third generation since its 1997 introduction, is the best-selling gas-electric hybrid in the world, racking up a cumulative 1.6 million units sold so far, according to Toyota.
Hybrids, by going back and forth between a gasoline engine and electric motor, tend to offer better mileage in slow-speed and stop-and-go driving that's common in crowded cities.
___
AP Business writers Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo and Kelly Olsen in Seoul contributed to this report.

Island Lincoln Mercury

Island Lincoln Mercury