Story and photos by Charles D. Barnette
Originally published in the March/April 2008 issue of Continental Comments (Issue # 281).
The 2008 Lincoln MKT Concept premiered at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Lincoln calls it a new premium utility concept vehicle. In short, it is a new way to tour in style.
Featuring a 3.5 liter V-6 EcoBoost engine with turbocharging and direct injection, the car’s engine produces the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Ford will first introduce EcoBoost in the Lincoln MKS next year. The EvoBoost engine provides the driver with the flexibility to switch back and forth between premium and E85 ethanol-gas blend.
To me the most unique feature of this concept is the recycled materials used in building her. Two upcycled plastic materials, Valox iQ and Xenoy iQ, were used in making the Lincoln MKT body panels, energy absorbers, wire bundles, and glazing. The resins are made from soft-drink bottles and other polyester waste, keeping them out of landfills, reducing energy consumption and shrinking the vehicle’s overall carbon footprint.
The interior, one find four executive-sized chairs offering comfort and unprecedented leg room. Second-row heated and cooled thigh supports deploy from under the seats. Footrests deploy rearward from the front seats. It is hard to overlook the hand knotted rug made from banana silk that covers the floor and compliments the contrasting creamy pearl chromium-free leather seats. The MKT concept’s center console contains individual air vents, audio and climate controls, and personal storage.
The exterior color is a rich Liquid Bronze Metallic paint complementing the chrome brightwork. This concept also features Lincoln’s signature double-wing chrome grille. The signature roofline runs the entire length of the greenhouse and remains uninterrupted. The roof itself is glass, allowing in natural light.
This Lincoln concept truly strikes a balance of spaciousness, comfort, and fuel efficiency!
