Lincoln aims for younger buyers with MKX

MKX vs. RX 350How the Lincoln MKX measures up to its rival, the Lexus RX 350. 2007 Lincoln MKX2007 Lexus RX 350Wheelbase111.2 in.106.9 in.Length186.5 in.186.2 in.Width75.8 in.72.6 in.Height67.5 in.66.1 in.Curb weight4,210 lbs.3,870 lbs.Standard engine3.5-liter V-63.5-liter V-6Horsepower265 @ 6,250 rpm270 @ 6,200 rpmTorque250 lbs.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm251 lbs.-ft. @ 4,700 rpmTransmission6-speed automatic5-speed automaticBase price*$34,795$38,115*Includes shippingSource: Lincoln, Lexus ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Ford Motor Co. is counting on the 2007 Lincoln MKX crossover to kick-start the flagging luxury brand's revival. The arrival of the MKX, a sibling of the Ford Edge, is expected to draw customers to the Lincoln brand. The MKX's target buyers are younger than the typical Lincoln buyer and more likely to cross-shop Lincoln with foreign brands, company executives say. The vehicle was shown at a press event here.The MKX and other revamped products, such as the 2007 Lincoln MKZ sedan and the 2007 Lincoln Navigator SUV, should improve Lincoln sales after years of decline, executives say. With an 11.4 percent slide last year, Lincoln's U.S. sales hit a 22-year low of 123,207 vehicles in 2005. Lincoln sales are down 3.8 percent through the first 10 months of 2006.The MKX is a late replacement for the Aviator SUV. The new crossover was once slated to continue the Aviator name, but it now complies with Lincoln's new alphabetic naming scheme.Ford executives initially insisted that the nameplate be pronounced "Mark X," but the company dropped that plan this year. The vehicle now is pronounced "M-K-X."The basics: Based on a modified Mazda6 platform, the MKX and the Edge are examples of the increased platform sharing being pursued by Ford. The platforms share Ford's new powertrain combo: a 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 265 hp and a six-speed transmission developed with General Motors. Lincoln expects about 50 percent of MKXs to be sold with all-wheel drive.Notable features: The MKX gets a bucket of available features not offered in the Edge. They include: adaptive headlamps, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a power liftgate. Engineers worked to silence road noise by adding thicker insulation, thicker side glass and a laminated windshield. Engineers also tuned ride and handling characteristics to emphasize comfort.Design: Lincoln says it is going for sophisticated restraint, instead of in-your-face luxury. The egg-crate grille is one of two signature faces that Lincoln vehicles will sport for now. Chrome accents dot the exterior and interior.What Lincoln says: "It's time for us to grow," Al Giombetti, president of Ford and Lincoln Mercury, said at the press event. "This is a huge opportunity for us to bring buyers into the Lincoln showroom."The market: When it goes on sale in mid December, the MKX will go up against the Lexus RX 350 in the five-seat crossover segment. "They're the 800-pound gorilla in the set and have been for a long time," said Rich Kreder, MKX vehicle development manager.But volumes will be much different. Lincoln has an annual goal of 30,000 for the MKX, while the Lexus RX line sold 108,775 vehicles in 2005.Compromises and shortcomings: The MKX bears a striking resemblance to the Lexus RX. The MKX also shares about 50 percent of its sheet metal with the Ford Edge. Ford North American design chief Peter Horbury promises more separation for Lincoln in the future. The skinny: The MKX is a worthy addition to the Lincoln showroom, but more work is in order to modernize the lineup. You may e-mail Amy Wilson at awilson@crain.com

Lincoln aims for younger buyers with MKX

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