2011 Lincoln MKX with Fresh Looks, New 3.7-Liter V6 and Button-Free Environment Premieres in Detroit

FoMoCo lifted the covers off its heavily revised 2011 Lincoln MKX at the Detroit Auto Show today. Lincoln's Ford Edge-based mid-size crossover has received a hefty makeover with new sheetmetal, a refreshed interior that ditches conventional buttons and knobs for an array of capacitive-touch controls, chassis improvements and a new 3.7-liter V7 engine.

From the outside, the 2011 model year MKX is recognizable by its MKT-inspired fascia with the huge split grille, the sculptured front wheel arches, the new tailgate and tail lamp assembly, and freshly designed alloy wheels.

The interior has also been revamped boasting a new design and upgraded materials and trim. However, the most significant change concerns the adoption of the firm's "MyLincoln Touch" interface that replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with LCD screens and touch-sensitive controls like those found on cell phones and MP3 players.

Underneath the hood, the MKX's 3.5-liter V6 has been replaced by Ford's new 3.7-liter V6 that is shared with the 2011 Mustang V6. It produces 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque and is linked to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission returning up to 25mpg on the highway.

Other improvements for the 2011 model year MKX include the more powerful four-wheel disc brakes, the retuned suspension and the addition of Hill Start Assist, which reduces rollback on hills and Trailer Sway Control, which provides greater towing stability when equipped with the available trailer tow package.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, with sales set to begin this summer.

Lincoln to Bring Custom MKS, MKT and MKZ to 2009 SEMA Show

In an attempt to show a sportier and more unconventional side of its Lincoln branded cars, parent company Ford will be displaying a trio of customized versions of its MKS flagship sedan, MKT crossover and MKZ saloon at next month's 2009 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas. The three bespoke project cars were developed in cooperation with Raceskinz, Rick Bottom Designs and 3dCarbon respectively.

"Lincoln as a brand is continuing to attract younger customers to the showroom with products like the MKS, MKZ and the new MKT luxury crossover," said Amy Marentic, Ford North American Car and Crossovers group marketing manager. "These customers place huge importance on style, design and technology, and these are areas where Lincoln plays well. SEMA gives customizers the opportunity to push the boundaries of design, while still focusing on the core strengths of the Lincoln brand."

Lincoln's Project Car at this year's SEMA Show [From Press Release]

2009 Lincoln MKS by Raceskinz

The Lincoln MKS Elite is a perfect example of what happens when you merge beauty and technology. Raceskinz is generous with the use of carbon fiber inside and out.

And with its high-powered LIIV entertainment system, Raceskinz makes sure its occupants stay connected to the world in style.

2010 Lincoln MKT "Panache" by Rick Bottom Designs

Luxury and high style abound in this flamboyant custom vehicle by Rick Bottom. The exterior has been shaved of its door handles, antenna and rear reflectors. A custom-made beltline molding in chrome further accents the body line.

Art and science combine for the striking paint treatment. Interior ambience is enhanced with two-toned leather and matching floating armrests. The audio system is powerful and tuned for ultimate sound quality, and the navigation system directs your travels.

2010 Lincoln MKZ by 3dCarbon

The refinement and elegance of the 2010 Lincoln MKZ inspired this look by 3dCarbon, which adds a unique touch to Lincoln's American style.

It's a realistic and beautiful take on a new classic Lincoln car.

Lincoln Sentinel Concept Car: Could be Yours for $48,500

One of Lincoln's past concept cars, the Sentinel luxury sedan study from the 1996 Detroit Auto Show has been put up for sale on eBay Motors. The 'Buy it Now' price for the concept car that supposedly fused styling traits from classic vehicles such as the 1961 Continental and the Facel Vega Excellence of the late 1950s (don't ask) with Ford's "New Edge" design theme is $48,500 US.

And yes, the front end styling does remind us of Renault's Vel Satis luxury model that was introduced in 2001 and is still under production.

This is not the first time that the Sentinel showcar has been listed for auction as back in April, O.C. Welch Ford Lincoln-Mercury in Hardeeville, South Carolina tried to sell the concept study for $80,000 without any success.

Mind you, the Sentinel is a static showpiece built on a rolling chassis without an engine and a proper interior.

Link: eBay , Via: Jalopnik